Classical Composer Reaction/Analysis of HALLOWEEN (John Carpenter) Main Theme | The Daily Doug

[@JesterNR1]

"My musical career as a movie composer began in film school. In film school you have no money so you don’t have money for a composer or an orchestra. So you have to find a way to make music that sounds big or sounds big enough for your movie, and the way to do it is with a synthesizer." -John Carpenter

[@runtt01]

I think you will enjoy a viewing of this iconic horror masterpiece. There is no blood. It's not a blood soaked splatter movie like the sequels and movies that came after it. The horror is based in suspense, lighting, the performances of the actors and the music. I think a good idea would be for you to do a full reaction video of you and Megan watching it.

[@danielbaugher826]

There’s a few things I’d change if I directed Halloween but it’s damn near a masterpiece, I’m not a gore fan more of a theater of the mind guy, it might sound cliche but I would had young Michael kill a older trick or treater instead of his Sister to me it makes more sense and I would had kept the young Michael sanitarium scenes that was in the t.v version and other scenes that I don’t know why they left out

[@nickavenoso7851]

I’m with you. Never liked slashers that use the cheap method of blood splattering everywhere. A slasher film should use the story, cinematography, music and other things to create suspense and horror rather than just blood everywhere. Films like Halloween (1978), the first Scream film and the first Friday the 13th prove this, imho. I love Halloween (the original 1978 film) because of the psychological study of Myers and the suspense that Carpenter creates through his score and lighting.

[@robertkramer2271]

John Carpenter said his father taught him that basic rhythm on the bongos when he was a kid and it came back to him when he wrote this theme.

[@andrewdavid9412]

Carpenter created his own unique and easily recognizable style.

[@jacquesjrviens3384]

Each character and movement has a unique theme and they are ALL worthy of your time. Each convey a different mood and feel and they appear gradually as the story goes. The chase music is filled with tension as where Laurie's theme is filled with longing and wonder. Best horror soundtrack ever. So much so that the music itself is 50% of the movie. INCREDIBLE !!!!!!

[@iantellam9970]

Love John Carpenter's films and music. This is great.

[@playingwithdata]

It's always nice to have an expert validate my layman's opinion. In this case that the Halloween theme is a genuinely interesting piece of music.

[@MattMcloughlin]

Carpenter is my favourite director. He's not the best, but he is my favourite, and I think part of that is that you KNOW when you're watching one of his films. There's such a signature fingerprint, atmosphere, vibe, style, that all his films have, whether they're horror, action, drama etc, you just feel him, and a huge part of that is his music, it's so unique to his movies! Side note: Carpenter's synth-laden soundtrack work, like on Halloween, is basically responsible for the whole 80s synth revival that's been exploding throughout the 2010s to current day. Stranger Things' theme song is direct homage to Carpenter soundtracks, and his influence on the directing and story is also palpable etc, and when Stranger Things became a hit with its Carpenter-esque score and 80s soundtrack, the 80s sound and vibe hit the zeitgeist again, and suddenly The Weeknd puts out Blinding Lights etc, but you can trace it all the way back through Stranger Things to Carpenter! There's also the whole genre of Synthwave with acts like Carpenter Brut, Perturbator, and Dance With the Dead (the last of which actually ended up on the ST soundtrack in season 4) who essentially take those 80s horror synth ideas of Carpenter's, and splashes of songs like Maniac, and each in their own way, turn it into danceable but vaguely metal adjacent electronic music!

[@MrSilentBill]

I love that your description and explanation fits with the story: You have a relentless stalker who just won't stop pursuing the victims no matter, what they do. And the atonal aspect describes how the stalker is always a step ahead of the victims. They are never quite sure where he/she is or whether he/she is truly defeated.

[@movienoc101]

I need more of Doug going over horror movie scores

[@Mountfailmore]

When Carpenter tried to shop the independently made film around to studios, he got turned down because the movie "wasn't scary". John then added his now famous score and the rest is history. Doug you should check out if any local theater has revival showings of the film and go watch it with a crowd.

[@githane]

I love John Carpenters themes so much. Ennio Morricone and him did a great job on The Thing. I'd recommend also checking out the opening tracks for two of his other movies: Prince of Darkness and In the Mouth of Madness. They're both part of his Apocalypse Trilogy along with The Thing. I recall The Fog also having a great intro track. Still, Halloween is probably one of the most recognizable horror OST pieces. Love it.

[@tytarex7526]

Hi! Great reaction! You could react to Tubular Bells live from the BBC in 1973 for Halloween, because this music as you know was put in the movie "The exorsist", a good piece for Halloween.

[@geeemm135]

it doesnt fit the halloween theme, but it just came to my mind, while you were talking about synths and the growth of it that carpenter noticed, that you react to brad fiedels score for the terminator which may also contain interesting things for you

[@pauloakley2124]

Surprising how many films are remembered by their musical scores. 😊

[@ericansems]

What a great analyses of one of my most famous directors! Another great film of him is The Fog, also with him as composer of the filmmusic. Also a horrorfilm 😉👻

[@AldoCoolinBoolin]

This is not the original theme though, this is an updated and re-recorded version John Carpenter did years later with added drums and bass. You desreve to listen to the original in its purest form

[@MartinJG100]

Simplicity and the 5/4 is the key to one of the best known themes ever. I remember watching an interview with John Carpenter and it was very clear that he picked up the 5/4 signature idea from his father when he was a boy. I believe his father was a drummer/percussionist.

[@charliesmith4229]

Fantastic , just plan and simple.

[@there4im839]

I was really hoping you’d catch the little 32nd (64th?) continuous high monotone pulse in the synth that is dissonant almost throughout. For me, that’s the layer and amps up the tension!

[@carlosnorrick996]

Great show. I love your Close to the Edge album artwork!

[@johnconnelly7342]

Thanks for the insight, Doug. I'm always amazed by the power of music to create visceral feelings and this does it in spades! Really enjoyed your breakdown.

[@jamesstewart5370]

One of the scariest movies I’ve ever watched as a kid. I think I was 8. The music was so eerie. It kept you on the edge of your seat!

[@2410-s9l]

More movie themes please. A lot of great music that should be heard

[@g54b95]

Two that I'd recommend: Vangelis' soundtrack for 'Blade Runner' and Peter Gabriel's score for 'The LastTemptation of Christ'.

[@2410-s9l]

@@g54b95 I second those picks👍

[@TexasRedBigIron]

@@g54b95was too young to see the first movie in theaters but I saw the second one the day it came out and it was one of the most surreal theater experiences I’ve had, the sound design blew my mind

[@nnyradio]

So good! One of the best spooky movies ever! And, the music is a reason why.

[@blortmeister]

The theme has always reminded me of Tubular Bells--used in The Exorcist. Both use the tight repetitive keyboard.

[@MonkeyFarmFrankenstein]

Yes, Carpenter's father was music teacher in a broad sense. He was also a PhD in composition and professor of music at Westen Kentucky University for 30 years. He was a composer, musicologist, and studio violinist who recorded with Brenda Lee, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash. Lately, John has been recording and touring with his son Cody and godson Daniel Davies, whose father is Dave Davies of Thr Kinks. I definitely recommend checking out the variations on this theme Carpenter composed for Halloween II (1981) and Halloween (2018). Also, check out his scores for Halloween III and The Fog.

[@Xtrememovieshow]

You'd find something similar and just as cool if you reviewed Carpenter's 'The Fog' theme....great little synth piece.....as is VORTEX.

[@WolfkingSybren]

This is the first time I see filmmusic being listened to and explained in a way I was searching for. The Halloween soundtracks are among my favorites in the horror genre. ( just the tip of the iceberg LOL) I hope you will do more of this, and if I may be a little selfish; would you like to do some more musical scores from lesser known horrormovies? I know I'm a year overdue here, but christmas is coming and there is a little gem main title from the 1984 slasher Silent Night, Deadly Night by Perry Botkin..The track is maybe two minutes, but it captures the chaos and tragedy of the Billy Chapman charachter perfectly and with a sadness...I think it's beautiful and maybe worth listening to. Greetings from the Netherlands, Sybren

[@erikw7373]

To everyone that likes this theme song, check out the main theme for the first Phantasm movie. You will probably like it!

[@AL13NM]

While he may not be John Williams, I LOVE John Carpenters film scores! I have 5 of his film scores on Vinyl and the score for PRINCE OF DARKNESS is an all time favorite and a Must Hear!

[@michellowe8627]

Carpenter composed & performed the original theme on a specialized synthesizer called a Fairlight Musical Instrument.

[@campcrafter4613]

John Carpenter is a master musician . Keep investigating , there is so much more.

[@martoto77]

If you check out the other tracks on the soundtrack there’s different rhythmic variations, in 2/4 or 4/4 with same motive and chords. There’s one track that reminds me of Debussy Footprints in snow a little bit. Carpenter also said he wrote music to not necessarily be noticed. Maybe Debussy inspired that idea too like he inspired John to record a version of Engulfed Cathedral on his score for Escape From New York.😊

[@MrMartinGross]

Do 'Ave Satani,' from The Omen (1976), composed by Jerry Goldsmith.

[@danielandersson4870]

It's soo "freaking" interesting listening to your analysis! :)

[@chrisgill261]

MIchael: Nods silently in approval

[@billpeters9999]

I love this soundtrack, bought it decades ago. Its definitely scary, apprehensive and the middle portion is so lush. Music makes a horror movie. Always my October ringtone.♥️

[@maxt774]

Definitely recommend giving it a watch! My partner and I did last weekend!

[@wpochert]

All of John's compositions from his films are brilliant and quite emotive

[@frankalfar]

For fun play the main title idea against the exorcist theme from Tubular Bells . When I was in college we used to play around with that both in 5/4 and musically not dissimilar. Also he pioneered the idea of the electronic realization, where when the protagonist appears we hear a sliding stab of synths. So effective in the original movie. Also in the sntrk there is a foreboding segment of a repeated high synth with a low piano note also very effective. All this in the Halloween sntrk makes the film a classic. Enjoy.

[@pokeholicmaster]

Carpenter is right up there with John Williams for my favorite movie composers. His style is so minimalistic but vibes are all there. In your own time I'd definitely recommend checking out more of his stuff. From They Live to Firestarter he has so many great pieces, plus the stuff that he composed outside of film!

[@raymondhartmeijer9300]

Really go see the original Halloween (1978) Doug! If you're going to watch any slasher, this is the one to go to. It's the foremost classic of the genre. It has almost no blood or gore in it, it's all in the suspense, shocks and suggestion.

[@cozmicpfunk]

John C. composed a lot of his soundtracks (as mentioned). Big Trouble in Little China is also very interesting. He is known as a guitarist but he does amazing on synths with a minimalist approach. We go to the remake of "The Thing" composed by the legend Ennio Morricone which is super minimalist as well and super creepy. J.C. is a genius storyteller and Director. I love his early work up till the 90's- every single one of those films is a classic genre film each demonstrating his ability to jump through diverse genres and still do amazing work. Without Dark Star, there might not have been Alien- something to think about...

[@wpochert]

For me Halloween is the scariest film of all time

[@jazzA99123]

I've always assumed music is where John Carpenter is most creative and in tune with his 'flow', no studio execs telling him how long the song should be, or which chords to use, or how to compose the piece. Thank Hell for John Carpenter! ;)

[@johndrake2147]

Loved your impromptu accompaniment - its great when you go into forensic detail, "the A# minor and F# minor share C# chromatic thirds ... then the open 5th moves down by a half step". I'm clueless as to what you mean, but very interesting nonetheless

[@kittyrx7guy]

Doug love your reaction to John Carpenter. I recommend of you have time to check out his album the lost themes albums. He did his three albums for fun and time restrictions so you can feel his love of pure keyboard and syenth energy lol . Love your channel brother.

[@chrisklecker]

John Carpenter not only made a road map for horror, but he made a road map for horror music.

[@beagood90]

If you watch the first one, also watch part 2. Part 2 is a continuation of the first one, it starts up right when the first ends. The same night

[@quasipseudo1]

good analysis

[@christianguerin9460]

John Carpenter still doing music. He recorded 3 albums called Lost Themes I II III. Its like soundtracks without movies. its as good as his movie themes.

[@nmernst]

Great commentary 👍. This is the original and best slasher film IMHO. One of two really I have really bothered to watch and this being the only one I have watched several times. The other really good one is Scream. Halloween is worth it to see for sure. Bare bones no nonsense thrills and chills 😁

[@awokennightmare4075]

Please watch Halloween on the channel with the Mrs.! I don't think anyone would be upset if one Daily Doug was your reaction to an incredible movie!

[@sharona256]

This movie scared the crap out of me. So much suspense! 😬

[@matthewgoodA1206]

I think it was the sequel to this film that might’ve been my first horror movie. As soon as the theme kicked in, I had the feeling I would never forget it. As well, with the first film of the series there are numerous other simple pieces, that are also remarkably effective and memorable.

[@russianpaul77]

You MUST listen to Secret Chiefs version of this song! Secret Chiefs is Trey Spruance’s side project (guitarist from Mr. Bungle) he mixes classical with modern genres and traditional Middle East folk. Really anything from that band I feel would blow Doug’s mind.

[@kingsman8475]

Halloween II intro was even richer. The 1st of the last trilogy was even more powerful with a finality theme with such power, but with an invulnerability that never dies - even when the music stops. I have been so intrigued with the music and the fact that Michael Myers wears a Capt. Kirk mask. I went on a blind date with my pastor's niece from Arkansas to see this movie. What a night!

[@aaron2709]

Yes!

[@Mikey_Sea]

Hey Doug, I'm always curious about music that's written by musicians that don't know much theory and just go by their ears. I don't know if Carpenter is in that category, but do you think a non schooled composer is more likely to come up with stuff that a schooled writer wouldn't, simply because they wouldn't be aware of certain things/rules? Or as Eddie Van Halen put it: if it sounds cool, it is cool.

[@44excalibur]

Just so you know, the "THUMP, THUMP, THUMP" sound you hear in the background is NOT part of John Carpenter's original composition from the movie. It was featured in the soundtrack, but it is not the theme from the movie. You have to hear the theme from the movie to appreciate Carpenter's composition.

[@sweepingdenial]

Check it out his "Anthology" album which contains his best themes from his movies - it's amazing.

[@slim22rb]

You should definitely watch it!🎃

[@TheDylls]

The newest version from the newest movie and I BELIEVE his son? Really slaps

[@mikecronis]

Top 10 greatest horror films of all time.

[@Yupppi]

Nice. Mountains of Madness (has very emotional guitar soloing) and Escape from New York (brilliant synth work in that one, almost iconic for the era and there's a studio live video too and the movie itself inspired one of the huge video game hit series Metal Gear) are even better themes by Carpenter! Big Trouble in Little China is also quite a nice song. I hope you'll check them out eventually. Mountains of Madness also, in my opinion, sports the title of one of the few successful video renditions of Lovecraft theme. So many have failed to capture the atmosphere.

[@mrnicebobby]

While you're on horror, may I suggest you taking a quick look at "It was always you, Helen" or "Helen's Theme" from Candyman (1992) composed by Philip Glass? Eerily romantic and atmospheric. Must listen to!

[@Sims_E]

Would love you to react to the Italian prog band Goblin and their theme song for 1977 Suspiria! An amazing song!

[@Corvenik1]

another great horror soundtrack from John Carpenter is the "Firestarter" remake especially Charlies theme.

[@jpierson34]

Escape From New York has some interesting music. I think my favorite movie composers were John Barry and Basil Poledouris.

[@Arrow2theACL]

​This was great Doug. Always fascinates me how the music and movies scores affect the viewers the way it does. If anyone liked this episode, you would enjoy Doug's Behind the Score Series on Patreon. Deep dives into compositions and scores.

[@henrique88t]

That's interesting. Which famous movie scores he has already analysed?

[@Arrow2theACL]

@@henrique88t there is a directory in this video’s description of all Doug’s content.

[@Mikey_Sea]

Even the rest of the 'scene' music was creepy and cool. Made a big impression on me as a kid in '78.

[@karlsarkozi3626]

Doug, since you are on scary movie theme songs, you might want to listen to the main theme from "The Burning" which was composed by Rick Wakeman.

[@BlackMageLozi]

You could listen to some Silent Hill's games considering this type of date.

[@lynneconklin917]

I vaguely remember you, or another commenter, talking about using the 1/2 step to be discordant and very apprehensive. Used Jaws as an example n

[@BilliamBillion]

John's son Cody makes some really sick prog rock

[@armas_ectos]

I'm going to do something a little odd here. As much as I love Halloween, I love everything John Carpenter has made. He also wrote all of the music for my favorite movie of all time, Big Trouble in Little China. That whole movie and its score deserve to be checked out on this channel, Doug. As with all of John's movies, that score fits the action PERFECTLY. Maybe next Halloween?

[@papacarl2002]

Ah, my friend, “You seem to be one who knows the difficulties between men and women… how seldom it works out. And yet we all keep trying… like fools….” 🐉

[@drewtschirki6209]

You should do “Tubular Bells” from the exorcist! The top two Halloween movie themes.

[@CherryWanders]

Since you don't watch horror, let me suggest another little nugget of music. Michael Giacchino's Roar! Cloverfield Overture composed for Cloverfield

[@ramonacosta2647]

Doug, you should check out the soundtracks for The Omen and Candyman. Probably the two best horror movie soundtracks of all time. Oh, and definitely put on your final girl skirt and watch Halloween.

[@PlutoniumBoss]

Philip Glass's score to Candyman is definitely masterpiece material.

[@dottiegillespie8067]

Just awtch the first 2 at home. They are great! Thanks so much Doug, you rock!

[@steveford8999]

Darn you Doug. I 've never watched this movie. Now I have to. Plus Jamie Lee Curtis.

[@wind-upboy939]

John Carpenter has many interesting soundtracks. I also like the music of Assault, also very effective. For another Halloween song, It would be cool if you checked out "This is Halloween" from Nightmare before Christmas. Another great soundtrack is Bubby Ho-Tep. It's worth checking out.

[@ryanmooney826]

Bubba Ho-Tep! Nice! What a great concept!

[@nickjohns999]

The main theme from his movie Assault on Precinct Thirteen is similarly sparse and insistently haunting.

[@chasefreak]

Had forgotten this was in 5/4...next, how about the Creepshow theme?

[@chrisd9877]

My favorite movie ever! Another really creepy theme is “The Shining.” Check that out as well

[@ericolson326]

Reminds me a bit of Magneto's theme from X-Men First Class. Well, vice versa, really I guess.

[@DR_DINGLENUT]

As a kid, this theme scared the bee gees outta me

[@None_More_Metal]

One of the best horror movies ever made! Carpenter's soundtracks are great. Check out Escape from New York for sure!

[@jimtatro6550]

John Carpenter is a master filmmaker, however, his film scores definitely add a dimension to his work. The Halloween score is a classic example.

[@wpochert]

Scary as hell !

[@davedoxey72]

John Carpenter great film maker and a awesome musician check out his theme to Escape From New York next.

[@shadoweyes5808]

next you should go claudia si,onettis theme from Phenomen

[@erickvermeulen9734]

I preferred Jamie Lee Curtis in a pink submarine :-) At moments I had to think of Nightwish, add more drums and replace low strings with heavy chords on a guitar, and voilá

[@otakubancho6655]

It's like Halloween abridged.

[@danielbaugher826]

Irwin Yablans came up with the original idea and John and Debra built upon it

[@stoppropaganda2573]

The movie is not bloody, gory or exploitative. Its just scary by playing on human vulnerabilities, plain and simple. In the realm of Hitchcock having a woman murdered in the shower ... the height of vulnerability. Go for it Doug, its a classic! My favorite movie of this era of his film making is "Prince of Darkness" ...

[@pigebear]

Check out the band Helloween if you have not

[@michaelholland1189]

I'm with you... I don't like scaring myself on purpose... Not fun.

[@shallowlord]

You should do Halloween by Helloween...

[@Doug.Helvering]

I have! Thanks!

[@epic103]

@@Doug.Helvering - You really should watch Halloween, it's a great movie. It's suspenseful not gory.