Horror movie master John Carpenter

The filmmaker who is king of things that go bump in the night is a musical master of horror as well. Lee Cowan talks with director-composer John Carpenter, whose next film is a "real" sequel to his classic 1978 horror film "Halloween," with returning star Jamie Lee Curtis.
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[@Kari2025]

It’s a rare gem when you can compose a simple, short song like this and people know exactly what movie it goes to, even after 40+ years!

[@Samiifemboy96]

Hes the reason why I'm getting into filmmaking and making music

[@rodneyadderton1077]

The best to you.

[@kelvingonzalez9541]

The movie is going to come out October 19 2018. Perfect season.🎃

[@KingSe7en]

I love how cool John is to let people come in and film an interview in his home!

[@juggalo450]

Its October 17 2 days left!!

[@gewatzig123]

That's today!

[@johnwilburn]

I watched it the second day it was out locally, on October 18th.

[@rahhhh7012]

Kelvin Gonzalez ikr

[@live_free_or_die7260]

I love horror, I love John Carpenter.

[@billgeezeriommi]

The 2 are synonymous

[@kawythowy867]

Wiss Tip me too. My favorite director.

[@ErenTheWarcriminal]

I love democracy, I love the republic

[@lesleyrussell8200]

its nice you like horror ,but not carpenter....he likes western and syfy......horror was only his way for make himself millionare copying psycho 1960,, cause the slasher was at his moment

[@marcribaudo1965]

Good to hear John Carpenter is returning to the franchise he created. After all Halloween was his baby, and he probably didn't realize at the time how Hollywood would take what he did in the first film and make it totally redundant. I do like Halloween 3 - Season Of The Witch, which most fans of the franchise hate. It's the one Halloween film besides the original that stands on its own and I have grown to enjoy. 🎃

[@billkittleman9631]

Inevitable really .. we just can't help ourselves as humans, as I'm sure you know .. always trying to manufacture more of what we love

[@joseyjenkins6049]

Halloween wasn't his first and also not a stand alone as debroa had a lil more of her thunb in it then he did... js.

[@treefiddy5424]

I enjoy Halloween 2 , which apparently ppl hate lol

[@marcribaudo1965]

@@joseyjenkins6049 - His 2nd film excuse me. How pretty.

[@007Dirtysouth]

He actually said he doesn’t mind others remaking it as long as he gets paid lol.

[@bettysmith4641]

I saw Halloween in the theaters when it came out. Scared the sh_* out of me. Thanks John ♥️

[@BB-wc9jx]

Thank you John Carpenter for so many wonderful movies, memories and music. A true legend and his movies will live forever...especially the iconic Halloween 🎃

[@kawythowy867]

The man himself. The best director EVER.

[@jennyedling3494]

You are amazing John! Salute you for making the best horror movies,character and music in the world!!!🙏

[@Momsdailyagenda]

Still my fav Horror movie of all time!

[@coolcat6303]

Great interview. Carpenter said that the new movie is going to ignore all the sequels but I really think he should count the 2nd film. It was written by Carpenter & Debra Hill, had Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence in it & was actually a pretty good flick. H20 wasn't bad either.

[@gmon7940]

I agree. I don't see the point of bringing Curtis back if they're going to ignore part 2 which introduced the brother/sister aspect.

[@adamturner1563]

No longer siblings. He's just simply the shape again. So uhh.....suck one 👌

[@arthursmith6633]

I totally agree with the sentiment, but there would be no way to make that work. Loomis shot The Shape through both of his eyes and blew him up lol at best he could come back blind and paraplegic to stalk Haddonfield.

[@adamturner1563]

They are ONLY including the FIRST! ....happy valentines day👍

[@logandumont]

John also composed the score for H2 & even directed a few scenes. To me, it’s a Carpenter film even though technically it’s not. But I also like the idea of them not being siblings lol. I go back and forth with it. None the less I am excited to see this new film

[@jc6594]

Happy 70th Birthday John Carpenter

[@marcwa74]

The Thing!!!!

[@ekop1778]

THE FOG!!!!!!!! NOT THE CRAPPY REMAKE ALL THE NEW REMAKES SUCK

[@coolcat6303]

Best Carpenter movie after Halloween.

[@darthXreven]

for his horror offerings best movie IMO my fave Carpenter flick though is a toss up between Big Trouble and Escape from New York....They Live is another strong contender....

[@TVADSNOW799]

Yea...They Live...sleep.sleep.sleep

[@akky294628]

I think its better than Halloween

[@elizabethmckenna5397]

I’m not a fan of horror at all. But Halloween and The Fog are the absolute best!!

[@TMoody]

John Carpenter = straight up street genius.

[@epic103]

One of the greatest movies of all time.

[@nightshift8249]

This genius theme may be John Carpenter’s finest cultural contribution. The whole score is a gothic masterpiece.

[@dr.loomis4221]

There's nothing gothic about it

[@alexochoa2568]

I really appreciated the effort and quality of the effects he did for "The Thing" (especially for the early 80s) 😎

[@joekerr1763]

Why no mention of *Big Trouble In Little China???* That's a Carpenter Classic!

[@coolcat6303]

I think they were just focusing on his horror flicks.

[@joekerr1763]

Amy Sternheim Very true every word. I do enjoy _most_ of Carpenter's library. Actually the only exception I can possibly think of is Ghosts Of Mars, wasn't a fan of that one very much.

[@michaelmyers6523]

Or The Thing

[@Flixxy0]

JoE KeRr This, Is the Movie John Carpenter's known for

[@fordgt402]

Thats more like an action movie

[@blackphillip8519]

I can't wait to see the new Halloween

[@Jani28]

yes me too!

[@ImAdrian_]

Me too I'm going to the theaters the day it's coming out

[@JohnnyDollar720]

What ya think?

[@morganmatter4856]

I will always love Michael Myers... Halloween is the best!

[@JeffReams]

The legend ... Prince of Darkness is such a good horror movie.

[@sayblaze]

This got to be a good feeling to put something together and make it a legendary John the G.O.A.T

[@robf6105]

"Christine" is underrated. I think that it is one of the best Stephen King adaptations.

[@demonicsweaters]

I agree, I loved that movie even at a young age. It's one of Carpenter's best.

[@robf6105]

@Sea-Dawg Yeah, I remember reading the book when I was 13. I'm 51 now. King kind of repeated himself with "From A Buick 8." The effects in the "Christine" movie were amazing for a film that was made before CGI.

[@batman6540]

I get gosebumps everytime i hear that riff...

[@JohnnyDollar720]

I mean, there isn't a more iconic horror theme pretty impressive from a director

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

See Candyman. The real one. With the piano.

[@Relicords]

They Live

[@joekerr1763]

One of my all time favorite movies of _any_ genre.

[@mediasawdust2458]

Great seeing The Thing hanging in the back.

[@lukeallan8876]

John carpenter is a lovely man. Great director

[@Devonellah]

Phenomenal composer!! :)

[@michaelmyers6523]

I always come back.

[@darthXreven]

do you?? go make me another Austin Powers Mike....wait this is the wrong Michael......sorry bout dat....O_o

[@tholian_web]

That's Chucky's meme. How dare you. 😬😬

[@michaelmyers6523]

I'll outlive you , you rascal

[@sabimb5743]

:Tilts head: lol

[@Caleb-iq6jg]

Michael Myers yea apparently they are taking away your immortality

[@alexworkman14]

I love John Carpenter's Halloween more than Rob Zombie's Halloween so I can't wait to see the new Halloween that John Carpenter is coming out with

[@darthXreven]

agreed, the first 2 were the best, part 4 wasn't bad either but it went bad after that...IDK about the new one, i could see wanting to wipe away part 3 onward and insert something there but part 2 was good ugh but this is John Carpenter, I guess I should trust him right?? it is worth keeping an eye on at least...

[@careyblack3054]

What my hopes are for this newest film will stay true to all the simple elements of pure suspense... And being scared of what you don't see...

[@kristenfortune5026]

Zombies was horrific...awful...dumb

[@jaredL18]

Kristen Fortune I agree. Rob zonbies was lacking the creepy elements in it. Like when Michael Myers is stalking and preying on his victims and they don't know he's right there in thier hallway,or when he gets up slow and starts walking to where u hide. His is just a straight slasher

[@johnwilburn]

Well, Alex Workman, what did you think of it?

[@TheHuskynatorMAN95]

George A. Romero - The Mastef of Zombie Movies. John Carpenter - Mr Halloween / The Master of October / The Master of the Nightmares. Wes Craven - Mr True Story maker. Convince me otherwise, or like to agree...

[@leejones8582]

Happy Birthday John we got the same birthday

[@wynemacantrell145]

~I love John Carpenter on CBS Sunday Morning.~

[@brodielarson9096]

This reminds me of my journey through cancer. This video came out on the last day of my treatment. I met him at the Grove, in Anaheim at an Anthology concert. I'm still in contact with him, so that's cool.

[@brodielarson9096]

and yes, I know John Carpenter face-to-face.

[@brodielarson9096]

I kinda wish they just left the Halloween story at 2018 tho.

[@monvalleytruth5111]

An the movie he came back to is amazing hat off to you sir.

[@Jani28]

Thisman is brilliant! Love his work! Very original!! Salute! 🎃

[@briannicepianoworship8944]

He just uses a crappy m audio midi controller and logics mainstage loaded with replications of famous synths such as juno 60, prophet 5 etc. Cool💫! ( if that doesn't encourage u that you dont have to spend $4000 on analogue or digital synths if your low on budget, nothing will)

[@adamturner1563]

Its the mind that goes behind the instrument.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Not that any of this existed in 1980 or so...

[@martinroche6645]

Happy Birthday John !

[@yung_pappy6944]

Legend my inspiration as well as stephen king mucb respect

[@Johny40Se7en]

Weird and wonderful man, everyone of his films and score for them are timeless gems, even Darkstar 👍😜

[@conalcochran156]

Happy Birthday to John Carpenter!

[@raider4206]

Got a perfect song for 4:43 it’s called all my friends are dead push me to the edge

[@oasis3724]

I love the wee Michael Myers flower face at the end of the video 😂😂

[@MadMansCosplay]

He looks like Adam Savage’s dad here 😉

[@michaelfireoved2431]

He said he thought the 2018 Halloween would be the last one, but 2 more are currently being filmed and already have release dates. October 15th 2020 and October 16th 2021.

[@LC-xi7xi]

1:26 look at the poster in the background "nostalgia"

[@jds4696]

Awesome interview!

[@nyastclair8174]

John Carpenter is awesome

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

The Assault on Precinct 13 soundtrack is way better and really shows Carpenter's talent.

[@danielbaugher826]

The movie the fog is cool

[@wynemacantrell145]

~My favorite horror theme song Halloween.~

[@JaketheSnakePlissken]

LEGEND.

[@silverlve70]

Beware of occupant! I need that for my casa!

[@mariamartinez-cs7pm]

silver70 ajaja yo también!

[@alinewright3108]

The Halloween theme never gets 9ld for me and I've seen Halloween(1978) about 50 times

[@kevinwiley2761]

He was born January 16th just like myself and the original Halloween came out the year I was born.

[@keithcarpenter9369]

Really wish he’d make a The Thing 2...doesn’t need to be in cold weather again for real!

[@wynemacantrell145]

~John Carpenter has a very nice house.~

[@Wolfgasm0414]

Can't you upload videos in 1080p? It's 2017 for the love of all things good!!!

[@christoroppolo8742]

Rock it brother. Peace Christo 👽

[@blinksstayfresh2524]

The master indeed

[@RaikenXion]

When Micheal Myers drove a car, class action steering work threre.John Carpenter three best films Escape from New York, The Thing, Halloween. Which ones his greatest!? John Carpenter is a legend.

[@youngblizz1136]

We love Halloween

[@KayeTotKianAndKassy]

thats the song costum at daiv and buster

[@rillitocoyote2884]

Come to Tucson, Arizona - the biggest living horror show in existence

[@cfx5000]

I don't understand why John keeps saying (to this day) that there was no story left after the original. The Shape disappeared at the end of Halloween. That in itself, left everyone wanting to see more and wanting to find out what happened to Michael Myers. I believe H2 was a brilliant sequel. It had the legendary cinematography from the great Dean Cundey, the awesome updated theme song, Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee etc. etc...

[@lolamae4282]

Talented

[@davanmani556]

Ray Manzarek wanted to do film and compose music.

[@nightbeauty3026]

Sweet sweet

[@viralviruz8694]

I was looking for the WWTBAM john

[@WolfgangLunar]

Thank god he's making the official sequel, Halloween 3.

[@ghostboysikes1233]

Wolfgang Lunar it's pretty much erasing the 3rd one

[@cthulhuhandluke8026]

What a badass

[@milovanmilovanovic6052]

He is not master, he is guru

[@63worldseries]

life-long fan, but JC is starting to remind me of David Lo-Pan.

[@user-bl9hh1xm9w]

Next Projects: Big Trouble in Little North Korea In the Nostrils of Happiness Escape From Post-'80s Detroid Assault on Walmart 667 While on Sales

[@thealaskan1635]

Yeah!

[@wynemacantrell145]

~Dang it last Halloween movie.~

[@MaulerMyers]

His best movie however, is The Thing.

[@cinsationalcinema1776]

I'm nervous as to what the new Halloween film will be. I kinda wish they would set the film back in time of the original (1978-79). They don't want to include any of the sequel plots which is brave of them. I mean Halloween 2 was good & to ignore that one means they better have a good idea. The other sequels no problem skip them all. The new Halloween is set in present day? At least that is what I heard. With an older Laurie Strode cast with Jamie Lee Curtis back they have to be in a present day setting. So this is where I'm trippin so to speak.., so Myers is some supernatural force that seems to only haunt Laurie Strode? I'm confused... patiently awaiting the new film in October. If it were me, I would have set the film back in 1978 and pick up where Myers killed Mr & Mrs Elrod & he never went to Haddonfield Memorial after Laurie. I would have just left him out there to keep terrorizing the people of the sleepy little town of Haddonfield. That would be one way not to have a 60 something year old Myers after an older Laurie. I mean we saw all of that type of plot in Halloween 7 H20.

[@trevorterrell7376]

I like John carpenter's Halloween movie

[@markbrinton7132]

always thought it was unfair to label him as a horror director

[@vargo0515]

John is awesome at creating horror MOVIES 😁, I would like to write a story , it's very DARK, about Vlad tepes ! From childhood in new century

[@yamahaguy1732]

Will the new one be in theaters

[@ZINCOX-yz9gb]

Genius.

[@wynemacantrell145]

~John Carpenter getting proved wrong about the other Halloween movies.~😂🤣

[@razieltempest]

BEWARE SPOILERS All of them were good why ignore the fact that the story is what made Halloween. It never skipped a beat besides three which in its own right is still good. besides that all the story lines work and they work together. ignoring all the others would be not a good situation. 1 was the start and the 2nd where Jamie lee Curtis "Laurie strode" escapes from the hospital after receiving a serious mental and physical break down. the 4th deals with her child Jamie and the story relives as she becomes what Michael Myers was in the first. the 5th goes on with the story how Jamie beats the ghost after becoming ward to the state with help of course. then in 6 Jamie has a child and there are new family members on the ropes. Tommy from the first makes a return to fend off the evil shape. unfortunately we loose Donald Pleasence who was a great actor after this film which was sad. then 20 years later Laurie strode returns having a family and a son who escapes. also lets mention the child from jamie also escapes the evil in 6. then at the end finally as it what we thought was the end resurrection where some college kids visit the old house of the Myers family and on top of that news surfacing that Busta Rymes was in the film didn't want to get killed "suck it up softy" lol everyone who gets in his way dies eventually. Jamie lee Curtis also dies in this film from falling what looks to be more then 4 stories after getting stabbed. the point is the story ties all together and to reboot it with nope none of that matters bothers me. Unlike all traditional horror they skip around and to me this is one ill treasure forever no matter what they do to it now there will always be the 7 and no matter what even if they mess it up ill always have the classics that mattered the most. would like to see if Michael comes back after the two legitimate children that escaped tho. However im glad John Carpenter is back to do this new film but it is not a good idea to ruin what has been following in his light this whole time. however seeing that the movie has not been released yet maybe what he is telling us is not the fact maybe just maybe Laurie fell but survived the fall. and if this is the end finally meets her true fate or Michael finally meets his. however if the children did survive he can not die till all the family is dead. watch the films it goes into more depth then i said here.

[@JohnnyTheMechanic]

Funny how John Carpenter is becoming a Lo-Pan look alike as he's getting older !

[@natalieterrazas2747]

Did you hear that Rob? There was nothing to tell after the first movie lol John plays that song like Mozart 😂😂😂 johns the best.

[@Brandon75689]

John Carpenter looking like David Lopan.

[@PluggedHades62]

What he insists will be the last Halloween sequel *has two more planned*

[@tonybarde2572]

The Fog is the best

[@danieldalton6544]

So much for insisting Halloween 2018 would be the last with two more on the way. When there's that much money to be made there's never a last one.

[@KussePikken666]

SNAKE PLISKEN

[@light106year6]

The state of that reporter compared to John carpenter who looks and keeps it completely real

[@kaytoneman]

GOAT

[@brownsuga298]

I love Halloween especially the one's made by john carpenter the original are always the best u can't rewrite a classic Halloween is definitely a classic i love that Halloween theme song i have it as my ring tone on my cell phone

[@unalignedtwo]

My teacher sent me here

[@Prof_Tickles92]

Wow a video where Carpenter actually plays the theme instead of the “dun dun” part. His tours were a ripoff. People want to hear him play the 5/4t part not the bass.

[@Andrewthemansky]

Paramont be like: but we made Friday the 13th Carpenter be like: you just copied off my movie!

[@venusisqueen8993]

Update: a new one is rumored in 2022

[@flatgrimace]

It’s officially been announced

[@venusisqueen8993]

@@flatgrimace I saw the trailer. I cant wait

[@flatgrimace]

Venus Is Queen Well Halloween kills is coming out this October. There is going to be another in 2022 called Halloween ends

[@venusisqueen8993]

@@flatgrimace OMG im going to go into a frenzy. Have they released any previews. Why they not promoting it.

[@flatgrimace]

Venus Is Queen They haven’t really worked on it yet they’re just going to work on kills right now