John Carpenter

Despite being one of the most popular horror movie franchises with over ten films, plus comic books, merchandise and even a video game. But director John Carpenter filmed the original for just $300,000. The budget was so tight, most of the actors were asked to wear the own clothes for filming and the iconic Michael Myers mask was purchased for $1.98. That’s just one of the many facts packed into the latest episode of You Think You Know Movies, which catches up with the boogeyman in Halloween.

These remakes, reboots, re-whatever-you-want-to-call-them are going to keep happening whether you like it or not. One of the nuttier concepts is the long-developing remake of John Carpenter’s cult classic Escape From New York — the good news is that Carpenter himself is creatively overseeing and executive producing the project, and the other good news is that Luther creator Neil Cross has been tapped to write the screenplay. This thing might turn out okay.

Last we heard, an ‘Escape From New York’ remake was in the works, with actors like Tom Hardy, Jason Statham, and Charlie Hunnam reportedly being considered to play the role originated by Kurt Russell in John Carpenter’s classic 1981 film. The possibility of that remake has now become a reality, as Fox has won the rights to distribute the film, with Carpenter returning to produce and oversee the creative development of the project.

The films of horror director John Carpenter distinguished themselves from their competition in several ways, none more important than their iconic scores, most composed by Carpenter himself. The themes to ‘Halloween,’ ‘Escape From New York,’ and ‘The Fog’ are just as classic as the movies themselves...