Jan 2018
Who?
Oh yeah, the guy that made the Elvis TV movie. Yeah, that guy.
Talk about this dude here, if you're so inclined. He's a fuckin' legend, ya know?
Been revisiting his films lately, which was the inspiration to make this thread. Started with Halloween a couple weeks ago, then Assault on Precinct 13, and Escape from New York the other night. These movies are like old friends and never fail to let you down. It makes me sad to think that next generation's kids (probably even this generation?) will find these movies too slow. They're perfect. I think these three particular movies are the peak of Carpenter's mastery, with The Thing and Big Trouble in Little China right up there as well.
Upon rewatching Assault on Precinct 13, it occured to me how similar certain shots (and lighting) in the film seemed to have been recreated by Dan O'Bannon in Return of the Living Dead. I know that Carpenter and O'Bannon worked together early in their careers, so I'm leaning toward it not being a coincidence.
And of course, no Carpenter thread could exist without mentioning the man's exceptional musical compositions. Eerie, subtle electronic scores that really set the mood. You know it when you hear a John Carpeneter theme, or at least, someone who was influenced by the man. I can't imagine his movies without it.
Oh yeah, the guy that made the Elvis TV movie. Yeah, that guy.
Talk about this dude here, if you're so inclined. He's a fuckin' legend, ya know?
Been revisiting his films lately, which was the inspiration to make this thread. Started with Halloween a couple weeks ago, then Assault on Precinct 13, and Escape from New York the other night. These movies are like old friends and never fail to let you down. It makes me sad to think that next generation's kids (probably even this generation?) will find these movies too slow. They're perfect. I think these three particular movies are the peak of Carpenter's mastery, with The Thing and Big Trouble in Little China right up there as well.
Upon rewatching Assault on Precinct 13, it occured to me how similar certain shots (and lighting) in the film seemed to have been recreated by Dan O'Bannon in Return of the Living Dead. I know that Carpenter and O'Bannon worked together early in their careers, so I'm leaning toward it not being a coincidence.
And of course, no Carpenter thread could exist without mentioning the man's exceptional musical compositions. Eerie, subtle electronic scores that really set the mood. You know it when you hear a John Carpeneter theme, or at least, someone who was influenced by the man. I can't imagine his movies without it.
If I had some kind of top 100 movie list, Assault on Precinct 13, Halloween, Escape from New York, The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China, Prince of Darkness, and They Live would no doubt be included. Possibly a couple others too. Can't think of another director with a filmography I feel so strongly about.
I think part of what makes the music in his movies so great is that it's usually simple and distinguishable. If you mention one of his movies, the main theme's going to start playing in my head. His newer music from the Lost Themes albums is good too, though I wouldn't say quite on the same level.
You're probably right that future generations won't appreciate his movies. But I intend to continue appreciating them for as long as I live. John Carpenter is my favorite director, hands down. I state that with no doubt in my mind. Now excuse me while I go watch The Thing.