The Halloween series may be one of the most misunderstood, and directorially tainted films of all horror movies. But, love or hate Rob Zombie, one cannot ignore his heartfelt plea for humanity as seen through eyes of young Laurie Strode. The latest in the Halloween series may not go down as the forerunner for Best Of, but that shouldn't discount the artistic merit that Zombie brought to the table.
As newer and newer editions of Halloween continue to hit theaters, the series is quickly evolving as less of a thematic film, and more of an exercise in interpretative story telling.
And, even as Zombie stepped into an already filled pair of shoes for the H2 sequel, he did it with style and grace, veering off the beaten path (but while still acknowledge the last shred of dignity to be associated with John Carpenter's original).
By using both his first film, and Carpenter's second film as a spring board, Zombie weaves a story that tells the dramatic relationship between a struggling middle class family. As Michael Myers continues his quick descent into madness, we are given a glance at Laurie's own descent. Most of the movie is pretty formulaic beyond that, but the juxtaposition between Laurie and Michael offers up some serious psychotic connections.
Behind the Scenes on Rob Zombie`s Halloween 2
As mentioned before, H2 is pretty formulaic. But, rather than focus on the negative, let's try to exhume the positive from what is, in reality, only Zombie's 4th film (House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil's Rejects, Halloween).
Now, taking note of the number of directors who have had their hands on the principal idea of this film (the number is eight...let that sink in for a moment), viewing this film must be subjective, and only compare laterally with other Halloween films (or films in a similar story arch).
Zombie builds Laurie in an archetype that is reusable for later. In the same manner, Loomis is built as both a protagonist and an antagonist. He is an antihero, capable of bringing salvation to Laurie and Michael, and capable of furthering each’s mental deterioration.
The character structure of the film is rich, not diluted like in previous attempts. And, while Michael's archetype was well developed in the first film, Zombie piggy backed the strenuous bounds between parents and children to enact on Laurie's own descent into madness.
Now, relying on this function, the film is built around a fast understanding that the characters drive the action. In the past, the Halloween film’s relied on what was built, using a pre-established archetype for Laurie and Michael, and not adding anything to the story arc. Nothing is accomplished in the ‘old school’ method.
Zombie's attempt brings justification to both Michaels action, and Laurie’s. And, in the end, allows for Loomis to raise past the role of simple-stalker-shrink, and become a realistic catylst for motive and regret.
Zombie Makes Art, for Art’s Sake
Many of the shots of the film are very stylistic, and in a manner very becoming of Zombie. The reliance on Black and White helps illustrate the isolation between the reality of Laurie’s life, and the interpretation of her perceived world (in pale colors).
In the same manner, the white horse symbolizes redemption, power, and salvation through death. Because Laurie’s mother rides on it (and Michael fantasizes about it), Laurie is left to deal with it. The Bible speaks of the horseman of the apocalypse riding in on horses, one being white, and one being pale. Mrs. Strode is a redeeming factor in the presumed situation that Laurie is disconnected with the world, and must connect with her family through death (almost elevating her as a Christ like figure, but not achieving it).
Beyond that, the snow, while enchanting, furthers the state of change through death, and illustrates the longing for cleansing through purity.
As stated above, art for art’s sake.
A Sad Day in Horror
With all that said, Rob Zombie has declined to participate in the third installment of the rebooted Halloween franchise. As studio exec’s are pushing for 3D, Halloween 3 will be another causality. Look for Patrick Lussier (My Bloody Valentine 3D) to helm this one. But don’t expect much from it.
