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Introduction
Michael Myers is an iconic horror character that has been haunting people for over four decades. One of the unique characteristics that sets him apart from other horror villains is his slow and steady walk. Fans have always been curious about why Michael Myers walks, and it’s a question that has sparked many theories and debates over the years. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the various reasons why Michael Myers walks, from his psychological state to the filmmaker’s artistic choice.
The Psychology of Michael Myers
Michael Myers is a deeply disturbed individual who was sent to a mental institution after he murdered his older sister at the age of six. He spent fifteen years in the institution, where he was subjected to various forms of therapy and medication. During his stay, he stopped speaking and became completely withdrawn. When he finally escapes, he goes on a killing spree, targeting anyone who crosses his path.
Michael’s psychological state is a crucial factor that influences his walk. He is a stoic character who rarely shows any emotions, and his slow walk reflects his calm and calculated nature. Michael doesn’t run or rush towards his victims because he doesn’t need to. He knows that he will catch them eventually, and he enjoys playing with their fear before he finally strikes. Michael’s walk is also a sign of his confidence, as he knows that he is in control of the situation and can take his time to savor the moment.
The Filmmaker’s Artistic Choice
The way a character moves on screen is an essential part of a filmmaker’s artistic vision. In the case of Michael Myers, his walk was a deliberate choice made by the filmmakers to create a sense of dread and tension. The slow pace of his walk builds anticipation and draws out the suspense, making the audience feel uneasy and on edge. It’s a classic horror technique that has been used in many films over the years.
The choice to have Michael walk also reflects the filmmakers’ desire to make him a different type of horror villain. In most horror movies, the villain is portrayed as a monster or a supernatural being who moves quickly and is almost impossible to escape. By having Michael walk, the filmmakers humanized him, making him feel more like a real person than a fictional monster. This decision has made Michael a more relatable and terrifying character, as he seems like someone who could be living next door.
The Influence of John Carpenter
John Carpenter, the director of the original Halloween movie, had a significant influence on the way Michael Myers walked. Carpenter has stated in interviews that he wanted Michael to be a force of nature, an unstoppable killing machine that moved slowly but relentlessly towards his victims. The idea was to create a character that was both terrifying and compelling, someone who would stay with the audience long after they had left the theater.
Carpenter’s influence can be seen in the way Michael walks. His movements are deliberate and measured, and he never rushes or panics. This is a reflection of Carpenter’s desire to create a character that was both calm and collected, even in the most extreme situations. Carpenter’s vision for Michael Myers has had a lasting impact on the horror genre, inspiring many filmmakers to create their own slow-moving killers.
The Symbolism of Michael’s Walk
In addition to its psychological and artistic significance, Michael Myers’ walk also has symbolic meaning. His slow, deliberate steps can be seen as a representation of death itself. Michael is a character who brings death wherever he goes, and his walk is a metaphor for the inevitable approach of the end. His victims are powerless to stop him, just as we are powerless to stop the march of time.
Michael’s walk can also be seen as a representation of the cyclical nature of horror. The slow, steady pace of his movements reflects the way that horror movies tend to follow a formulaic structure that builds up to a climax, just like Michael’s walk builds up to his final confrontation with his victims. The cyclical nature of horror movies means that there will always be another villain waiting in the shadows, ready to take Michael’s place as the next icon of terror.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Michael Myers’ slow walk is a multi-faceted aspect of his character that serves to enhance the horror and suspense of the Halloween movies. It reflects his psychological state, the filmmaker’s artistic choice, the influence of John Carpenter, and the symbolism of death and the cyclical nature of horror. Michael Myers’ walk has become an integral part of his character, and it’s hard to imagine him moving any other way. As long as horror movies continue to captivate audiences, the slow-moving killer will remain a staple of the genre, and Michael Myers will continue to terrify audiences with his steady, relentless approach.
