5 Things About Halloween (1978) That Still Don’t Make Any Sense

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John Carpenter’s Halloween, released in 1978, is a true horror classic. Made for just $300,000, the film revolutionized the slasher genre with its innovative camera techniques and unforgettable music, creating a terrifying suburban atmosphere. It introduced the now-famous villain Michael Myers, established the archetype of the ‘final girl’ with Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, and launched a hugely successful film series.

Even though Halloween was a hit, it was made quickly and with very little money, so it naturally has a few errors. While director John Carpenter was experienced, the tight budget and fast 20-day shoot led to some strange choices, like out-of-place plants and characters acting foolishly to move the story forward. These imperfections don’t spoil the film—in fact, they add to its quirky charm. Here are five of the most noticeable mistakes we’ve found.

5) Autumn in “Haddonfield, Illinois”

The movie Halloween takes place in the made-up town of Haddonfield, Illinois, but it was actually filmed in Southern California. Many viewers have noticed that the outdoor scenes feature green trees, lush lawns, and even palm trees – not typical of the Midwest in autumn. Director John Carpenter tried to make Pasadena, California, look like a Midwestern town by spreading dead leaves around, but because the movie was filmed in May, the disguise wasn’t very convincing, especially for viewers who actually lived in the Midwest.

4) The Shape Can Drive

Michael Myers was put away in a mental institution at age six after killing his sister. But when he escapes, he surprisingly steals a car and drives off, seemingly knowing Haddonfield’s streets perfectly. This puzzles Dr. Loomis, who points out Myers shouldn’t even know how to drive. A nurse weakly suggests he was practicing, but the movie never explains it. This unexplained skill has fueled fan speculation for years, with some believing Myers possesses supernatural abilities.

3) Loomis Can’t See His Own Car

Throughout most of the movie, Dr. Loomis, played by Donald Pleasence, is the only one who truly grasps the danger, yet he often misses obvious clues. For example, the car Michael Myers used to stalk Haddonfield is parked directly across from Laurie Strode’s house for a large portion of the film, and Loomis – a supposedly insightful psychiatrist – doesn’t seem to notice. It’s a strange oversight, and some scenes even suggest director John Carpenter intended it to be funny.

2) The Hardware Store Alarm

At the beginning of the movie, Michael breaks into Nichol’s and steals his tools, including a mask, rope, and knives. Later, when Laurie and Annie pass by with Sheriff Brackett, the store’s alarm is still going off. This means the alarm had been sounding for hours while Michael was roaming around looking for victims. It’s strange that no one noticed or responded – especially in a town that’s supposedly terrified by a serial killer. Haddonfield’s reaction to the emergency seems surprisingly slow and unconcerned.

1) Laurie Ignores the Boogeyman

By the end of the movie, Laurie Strode has endured terrifying experiences. She’s witnessed Michael Myers spying on her, terrorizing her friends, and even attacking her at home. So, when a young boy, Tommy, warns about a “boogeyman” outside, you’d think Laurie would believe him. Surprisingly, she tells Tommy there’s no such thing, just moments before Michael strikes again. This could be Laurie deliberately ignoring the danger, or her trying to reassure Tommy while secretly hoping she’s right. But considering she’s spent the entire day being stalked by a menacing figure, the line feels like a forced attempt at dramatic irony – it’s hard to believe she wouldn’t acknowledge the real threat.

Despite not making perfect sense, this line remains one of the most memorable from the movie, proving that the Halloween franchise doesn’t rely on flawless logic or consistent emotions to be beloved by its fans.

Do these unusual aspects improve or detract from the film? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-10-31 20:45