As we start to wrap up spooky season, it’s almost a sure thing that many of us will be watching 1978’s Halloween, written, directed and composed by the great John Carpenter. Now, the legendary filmmaker is reflecting on his iconic horror film and its follow-ups.
In a new interview with Vulture, John Carpenter was asked many questions about the Halloween franchise. One that prompted one of Carpenter’s seemingly now-trademark short answers was, Do you have to be protective of that kind of legacy? Do you take it personally when one comes out and people don’t like it? “I don’t care. I don’t really care.” Carpenter may not be the most quotable director, but he knows what he wants.
In just a few words, John Carpenter actually has a strong–if curt–point. Just because subsequent movies may not live up to the quality of the original doesn’t mean it destroys the legacy of said original. For the most recent example, the disappointing conclusion to David Gordon Green’s take doesn’t negate the invigorating potential of the first entry in that trilogy, 2018’s Halloween. Likewise, the reputation of John Carpenter–and his 1978 Halloween–isn’t changed because later directors start tinkering with the stories and mythologies.
In the interview, John Carpenter also touched on his innovative use of the synthesizer, his younger days of moviegoing (and loving 3-D technology) and working with Kurt Russell.
John Carpenter still has a love for filmmaking and hopes that can continue. “I’m a poor, old horror director trying to make a living…I get up in the morning, have coffee, and go to work. My fear in movies is not finishing one, not having it come out.” Hopefully one that does come out is Dead Space, an adaptation of the popular video game series. Carpenter, too, mentioned how Sonic the Hedgehog turned him onto gaming–and now we really wish he had directed those movies!