20 Things You Didn't Know About Halloween (1978)

2. How The Shape Appeared Behind Laurie

Halloween 1978
Paramount

When Laurie Strode goes to the Wallaces' house to investigate what has happened to her friends, she makes the almost fatal mistake of edging back towards an open, darkened doorway.

Fans of the film will remember that The Shape then gradually materialises from the darkness as if he is stepping forward to intercept her.

The truth behind this scene is far less sinister than its onscreen presentation, but it is a successfully chilling effect: Nick Castle simply stood still in the darkened room beside Jamie Lee Curtis and an assistant on set used a dimmer switch to gradually turn up the lights in the room, making it look as though The Shape was noiselessly closing in on Laurie.

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I started writing for WhatCulture in July 2020. I have always enjoyed reading and writing. I have contributed to several short story competitions and I have occasionally been fortunate enough to have my work published. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I also started reviewing films on my Facebook page. Numerous friends and contacts suggested that I should start my own website for reviewing films, but I wanted something a bit more diverse - and so here I am! My interests focus on film and television mainly, but I also occasionally produce articles that venture into other areas as well. In particular, I am a fan of the under appreciated sequel (of which there are many), but I also like the classics and the mainstream too.