There was a lot of criticism when the original Halloween came out. It ranged from its cinematic merits to its cultural relevance and even as far as its effect on the youth’s attitude towards morality and violence. But one thing the critics didn’t pick on was the role the music played in creating the creepy atmosphere of the Halloween franchise. Particularly, the classic Michael Myers theme which has become a sort of cult sensation in its own right.
Behind the Theme Song
It’s quite interesting that the Michael Myers theme song is in a time signature often referred to as “complex” and “unusual.” It’s as if every part of the song is paying homage to the character of Michael Myers, the “complex” mass murderer who goes on a killing spree every Halloween in the town of Haddonfield. John Carpenter (who also created the character of Michael Myers) collaborated with composer Dan Wyman to create this piece of music present in all Halloween movies. Originally it was recorded using a regular piano but for the sequel a synthesizer organ was used instead. However, it almost didn’t make it in Rob Zombie’s Halloween II when Zombie and Tyler Bates couldn’t find a place for it in the movie. Instead it was used in the last sequence before the credits role.
Halloween Soundtrack Favorites
There are also a lot of great tracks in all the Halloween installments. Such as the song “(Dont Fear) The Reaper” by the Blue Öyster Cult, “Nights in White Satin” by The Moody Blues in Rob Zombie’s remake and a “Love Hurts” cover by Canadian actress-singer Nan Vernon.
Aside from being the-song-played-when-a-mass-murdering-masked-man-with-a-big-knife-is-coming, John Carpenter’s Halloween theme can also be used as a personalized ringtone for your boss or whoever you fear the most. Other possible uses of this epic piece of film music include christmas parties, funerals, and weddings.