As a horror enthusiast who has spent countless nights immersed in the chilling world of slashers, I can confidently say that Conal Cochran from Halloween III: Season of the Witch is one of the most terrifying villains I’ve ever encountered, even surpassing the iconic Michael Myers.
heads up: This discussion might reveal spoilers about the film ‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’, which was released over 40 years ago. Despite its age, it’s a movie that doesn’t get enough credit, so if you haven’t watched it yet, beware!
It seems that there’s an abundance of horror movies in the past, present, and future on the 2024 movie schedule. However, every Halloween season, I aim to check some timeless titles off my “to-watch” list, and this year, it turned out to be Halloween III: Season of the Witch that I chose.
After long-awaitedly watching this once-maligned sequel-turned-cult classic, I’ve stumbled upon a revelation that’ll undoubtedly sharpen some debates. In fact, I found myself enthralled by writer/director Tommy Lee Wallace’s daring detour from the Michael Myers mythos, and as a new convert, I can’t help but passionately proclaim it as my preferred title among the original films.
Halloween III: Season Of The Witch Is “The Big Swing,” And I Tend To Like Those Entries
In case you’ve perused my review on Halloween Ends, it’s clear I’m drawn to movies that take a bold, unexpected turn – a “big swing” style. If there’s ever been a movie epitomizing this approach, it’s Halloween III: Season of the Witch. Initially conceived as a shift towards a more anthology-style format for the series, the tale of Dr. Dan Challis (Tom Atkins) and his probe into Silver Shamrock Novelties’ suspicious activities aimed to ensure Michael Myers stayed buried forever.
Indeed, the 1982 debut of Halloween III didn’t achieve the success many anticipated, and instead, we’ve seen another 40 years filled with sequels, remakes, and reboots centered around Haddonfield’s most notorious child. However, I can’t help but feel a sense of loss for what might have been if Season of the Witch had fulfilled its intended purpose. Still, I appreciate the more recent trilogy by David Gordon Green.
Instead Of A Slasher, Halloween III Is A Horror Detective Story
The textbook definition of a Halloween movie is quite simple: Michael Myers somehow returns for the titular holiday, cuts up a bunch of victims and gets put down until his next at bat. Hey, if that’s your bag, I’m not going to knock it. I myself happen to be a fan of the Chucky and Nightmare on Elm Street franchises, so slashers aren’t something I’m totally divorced from enjoying.
Speaking of it, “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” delved into two types of films that I’m deeply fond of. As Dr. Challis dug deeper into the mystery behind the Halloween mask manufacturer and the string of unusual deaths, it was clear we were dealing with a suspenseful horror detective film.
Instead of peering into unopened psychiatric files, we’re observing our detective in the medical field requesting test results concerning debris. Rather than dodging a man armed with a knife, the doctor and his associate Ellie (Stacey Nelkin) are contemplating who they should evade, and what the reason might be behind it. Such considerations were soon overshadowed by something more significant, which brought to mind another of my favorite works in this genre.
Halloween III Reminds Me Of Another Genre Conspiracy All-Timer
Previously this year, I took another look at the 1978 remake of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”, and let me assure you that it remains one of Donald Sutherland’s finest performances. Having just rewatched this film, I found it easier to draw parallels when delving into “Halloween III: Season of the Witch”. This led me to comprehend that this unconventional addition to John Carpenter and Debra Hill’s legendary series bears striking similarities to one of my preferred conspiracy-themed movies.
While investigating this particular feature, I stumbled upon a quote from the October 1982 edition of Fangoria that resonated deeply with me. This quote not only validated my thoughts but laid them bare in an uncanny way. When discussing Halloween III, Debra Hill made a concise remark that sliced through my mind like a scalpel:
This is a ‘pod’ movie, not a ‘knife’ movie.
I mean, that pretty much says it all. Season of the Witch’s “pod movie” approach scares me more than the OG Michael Myers ever did. To be fair, that might be because I saw the original film too late in life, and by time I got to Halloween III I had already cultivated a healthy love of all-out conspiracy thrillers, killer robots and well-earned downbeat endings. I’ve walked this path for a while, and I have no regrets.
Conal Cochran Is Way More Chilling Than Michael Myers
A mysterious person stalking me in the dark, wearing a mask and a mechanic’s jumpsuit, is still pretty scary. However, that’s something you can reasonably escape when applying real life logic. But when an entire system seems to be subverted against you? That’s a more realistic menace, whether or not you add the genre trappings Halloween III: Season of the Witch did.
The success of conspiracies lies within those who orchestrate them, and in the movie ‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch,’ the mastermind behind this sinister scheme is none other than businessman Conal Cochran (Dan O’Herlihy). At first glance, he appears harmless. However, beneath his friendly exterior lies a plan so malevolent, it’s worth dying for. His chilling speech, which you must witness to fully appreciate its menace, unveils the depth of his nefarious intentions.
It’s tough to decide which is more unsettling: Cochran’s question “Do I need a reason?” or his belief that the alignment of planets makes it appropriate to play a lethal prank on the young ones. The only thing I can say for sure is that if I’m bringing together the main antagonists from the Halloween series, it’s Dan O’Herlihy’s chilling portrayal of Silver Shamrock’s wicked warlock that scares me the most.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch Still Works If You’ve Been Spoiled
It’s likely that you’re already familiar with the climactic scene of Halloween III, given its 42-year history. This movie has a concluding moment so renowned that it often surfaces in internet memes. There’s even one where it appears as if Tom Atkins is shouting “Stop it!”, while Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” gradually grows louder in the background.
I recognized the ending of “Season of the Witch” before watching it due to its cultural references. However, being a timeless classic, these prior expectations didn’t detract from my enjoyment. This standalone “Halloween” movie was captivating on its own and offered a significantly different experience compared to the Michael Myers series. The enigmatic conclusion that followed just added to the overall impact of the film.
My fellow writer Rich Knight firmly believes that “Halloween III” stands out as the top film in the series for quite some time now, and I concur. When it comes to cinema, this is a point we can both agree on. As for whether “Halloween III” takes the crown over my personal favorite, “Halloween Ends,” that’s a different debate altogether.
Perhaps we can discuss that topic next autumn, when the time of the witches arrives once more to give us all a spooky thrill. If you fancy labeling me as eccentric or sharing this fascination with the harvest moon and pumpkins, feel free to explore Halloween III: Season of the Witch using your Peacock subscription. I’m overjoyed that you’ll soon be able to enjoy it too. Have a terrific Halloween, my comrades!
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2024-11-01 02:10