What Helped Inspire The Creation Of Michael Myers?

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What helped inspire the creation of the horror villain Michael Myers?

Michael Myers, often referred to as The Shape, is one of the most iconic figures in horror cinema as the relentless antagonist of the Halloween franchise. 

His character is known for his silent and ominous presence, but what inspired the creation of this infamous serial killer?

John Carpenters College Years

According to John Carpenter, the mastermind behind Halloween, one of the inspirations for Michael Myers can be traced back to an experience he had during his college years, where Carpenter visited a psychiatric institution as part of a psychology class field trip, and there, as he described in a documentary called Halloween: A Cut Above the Rest (Which you can watch below), he encountered a young boy whose unsettling gaze left a lasting impression on him. 

This encounter, where innocence seemed overshadowed by something darker, helped plant the seed for the creation of Michael Myers.


Westworld

Carpenter also further drew inspiration from the 1973 film Westworld, in particular the relentless pursuit of the guests by the seemingly indestructible robot gunslinger, and this portrayal of an unstoppable force resonated with Carpenter, helping to shape the unstoppable nature of Michael Myers as he stalks his victims with cold determination.

Stanley Stiers Urban Legend

Beyond these cinematic influences, there also seems to exist an intriguing urban legend known as the tale of Stanley Stiers who apparently grew up in a family that mistreated him, leading to years of abuse and neglect. 

As the legend goes, he snapped on Halloween night, exacting revenge on those who had tormented him before disappearing into obscurity. This story is just that, an urban legend, Stanley Stiers never existed despite many people still believing the story.

In essence, while urban legends like that of Stanley Stiers certainly add a layer of intrigue to the mythology of Michael Myers, the true genesis of this iconic horror figure lies in Carpenter's personal observations and Michael Myers remains a haunting reminder of the enduring fascination with fear.

Carpenter's intent was to create a figure who embodies this primal fear of the unknown and the relentless pursuit of evil, a manifestation of terror that transcends mere mortal boundaries.

And that he did.

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