Many films are chastised long before they swarm the public market. Some preconceived opinions are justified, and validated by the embarrasng products offered forth from desperate production companies and overzealous filmmakers. Others however are unnecessarily panned and ultimately tainted by commercial opinions in what amount to little more than blind hatred.
Sadly, Halloween III: Season of the Witch became a victim of the latter thought process. Initial disdain arrived upon the realization that Michael Myers would have no part in the film; rather, filmmakers opted for a completely new story and completely new villain to showcase. While the directional shift feels a bit suspect, the end result proved a brilliant film that captures the same atmosphere of the first two Halloween pictures, while bearing virtually no resemblance to said predecessors
The concept of a highly intelligent serial killer actually mirrors the persona of Michael Myers, sans the advanced intellect. This factor alone leaves me baffled at the disparagement the film garnered. While Season explored new territory in the sense that young children served as the focal targets, one must be honest with oneself, Myers, like Season’s villain Conal Cochran (Dan O'Herlihy), aimed to slaughter kids; be the victims 12 or 17, is there that glaring a difference? Kids are kids.
While I can understand (to a degree) the disgust with child murder, there are so many layers within Season to appreciate, that it’s amazing viewers failed to embrace the complexity of the tale. We deal with an organized body of villains. We deal with commercial control, refined con artistry and a seriously devious motive. The foundation hasn’t been erected alone, this is a nightmarish home finalized with luxury in tow.
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The theme’s that run throughout the picture should, alone, be enough to win over horror fans. How often are we treated to believable atmosphere, the anticipation of Halloween night, forecast in the form of hideous masks adorned by naïve children, eager for one thing and one thing alone: a slew of candy fit to fill a week’s indulgence as they travel pitch black streets? And what is the icing of the cake if not a controlled sociopath intent of the destruction of said innocence?
I’ll always grasp the general trepidation this film receives. That said, I’ll always understand that ignorance is weakness, and knowledge is power. Study this film, recognize it for exactly what it is, and if need be, pretend the word ‘Halloween’ isn’t attached to the picture. I can assure you, you’ll spot one of the greatest treasures to be produced in the 1980’s; the fact that the film still bears noteworthy impact today, says a whole lot about just how fantastic this feature truly is.
All said and done, Halloween III: Season of the Witch was sacrificed for no valid reason. It is one of the finest genre films you’ll find on the market today, and more importantly, it makes for a pitch perfect Halloween viewing experience.