Michael Myers’ obsession with Laurie Strode in Halloween (1978) remains one of the most chilling and enduring enigmas in horror film history. Unlike later installments in the franchise, the original film doesn’t explicitly explain their connection as a sibling rivalry or a result of a supernatural curse. Instead, John Carpenter and Debra Hill, the film’s masterminds, deliberately left Michael’s motives shrouded in ambiguity, amplifying the sense of dread and the “boogeyman” aura that surrounds him1. This deliberate lack of explanation makes Michael a truly terrifying figure, leaving audiences to grapple with the unknown and ponder the potential reasons behind his relentless pursuit of Laurie.
Before we delve into the possible explanations, it’s important to remember that the sibling connection introduced in later sequels doesn’t apply to the original film. In Carpenter’s vision, Laurie and Michael are not related. This was a later addition that many, including Carpenter himself, felt detracted from the character’s mystique. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the most compelling theories surrounding Michael’s obsession with Laurie in Halloween (1978).
Wrong Place, Wrong Time
Perhaps the most straightforward explanation is that Laurie was simply an unfortunate victim of circumstance. As Michael returns to Haddonfield after escaping the confines of Smith’s Grove Sanitarium, Laurie happens to be the first person he encounters. She innocently drops off a key at the Myers house, unaware that Michael lurks within, and he sets his sights on her3. This random selection underscores the chilling notion that anyone could become the target of Michael’s terror4.
However, some argue that Michael doesn’t actually care about Laurie specifically5. She is just another victim in his indiscriminate rampage, another life to extinguish. This theory adds another layer of fear to Michael’s character, portraying him as a force of nature driven by a primal urge to kill, with no rhyme or reason to his selection of victims.
The Sibling Connection (Retconned)
While not a factor in the original film, it’s worth addressing the sibling storyline introduced in Halloween II (1981) and carried through some of the sequels. This retcon established Laurie as Michael’s younger sister, providing a seemingly concrete motive for his obsession2. However, this explanation has been widely criticized for diminishing the fear and mystery surrounding Michael. Many fans, and even John Carpenter himself, have expressed their preference for the original film’s ambiguity. The 2018 Halloween and its sequels wisely disregarded the sibling connection, returning to the essence of Michael as a purely evil entity with no personal vendetta against Laurie.
Disturbing the Family Home
Another theory suggests that Michael targeted Laurie because her father was trying to sell his childhood home3. In the film, Laurie’s father is a real estate agent handling the sale of the Myers house, and Laurie drops off the keys as a favor. This seemingly mundane act could be interpreted as a violation of Michael’s territory, triggering his murderous rage. This theory connects to Michael’s deep-seated attachment to his childhood home, a place that holds significance in his twisted psyche.
The “Good Girl” Trope
To understand Michael’s fixation on Laurie, we need to consider the cultural context of slasher films in the late 1970s. Many slashers of that era followed a pattern of targeting “bad kids” – teenagers who engaged in activities like drinking, drug use, and premarital sex4. Laurie, in contrast, is portrayed as a “good girl.” She is responsible, studious, and doesn’t participate in the reckless behavior of her friends. This theory suggests that Michael, as a representation of societal anxieties, punishes those who defy conventional norms, while Laurie’s “goodness” initially spares her.
Laurie as a Symbol of Repression
One of the most fascinating theories proposes that Michael Myers embodies Laurie Strode’s repressed “id” or “shadow self.” 6 To understand this, we need to delve briefly into Freudian psychology. The “id” represents our primal instincts and desires, often suppressed by societal norms and our own sense of morality. The “shadow self” encompasses the darker aspects of our personality that we try to hide.
Laurie, as a well-behaved and responsible teenager, represents the “ego,” the conscious self that strives to conform to societal expectations. Michael, on the other hand, embodies the unleashed “id,” acting out the desires and aggressions that Laurie keeps hidden. This theory is supported by the film’s subtle references to Forbidden Planet, a science fiction film where the monster is a manifestation of the protagonist’s subconscious6.
Furthermore, Michael’s actions seem to reflect Laurie’s hidden frustrations. He targets the bullies who torment Tommy Doyle, the young boy Laurie is babysitting, and he kills Annie, who is portrayed as inconsiderate and irresponsible towards Laurie6. Laurie’s fight against Michael can be interpreted as a symbolic struggle with her own repressed desires and anxieties.
This theory adds a psychological depth to Halloween, suggesting that the true horror lies not just in an external boogeyman, but also within the darkness that resides within ourselves. It also connects to the “Good Girl” trope, suggesting that Laurie’s repression might be a product of the societal pressures and expectations placed upon young women in the 1970s.
The Shape of Evil
John Carpenter’s frequent use of the term “The Shape” to describe Michael Myers during filming is significant7. It highlights Michael’s ambiguity and lack of defined motivation. He is a blank canvas onto which viewers can project their own fears and anxieties. This ambiguity is further emphasized by his expressionless mask, which conceals his humanity and transforms him into a faceless embodiment of evil8.
The casting of Nick Castle as Michael Myers also contributed to the character’s unsettling presence. Castle, with his background in dance, moved with an eerie grace and fluidity that added to the sense of Michael as an unnatural, almost supernatural being8. His movements were deliberate and predatory, yet strangely detached, further reinforcing the idea of Michael as a force beyond human comprehension.
The Allure of the Final Girl
Laurie Strode is a landmark character in horror cinema, often cited as the quintessential “final girl.” She is resourceful, resilient, and ultimately survives Michael’s onslaught7. Jamie Lee Curtis, in her portrayal of Laurie, captured a vulnerability that resonated with audiences. As Curtis herself noted, Laurie was “an innocent girl without boyfriends without experience,” making her plight all the more terrifying and her survival all the more impactful9.
Some believe that Michael’s obsession with Laurie stems from her ability to evade him3. She is not an easy victim, and her resistance fuels his determination to conquer her. The longer she survives, the more fixated he becomes on ending her life3. This creates a dynamic of cat-and-mouse, with Laurie constantly one step ahead, but always aware of the looming threat.
Queering Michael Myers
An intriguing analysis suggests that Michael Myers can be interpreted as a queer horror icon10. This interpretation stems from Michael’s ambiguous gender presentation and his ability to “pass” undetected in a heteronormative environment. He hides his true nature behind a mask, blending into the normalcy of Halloween night while carrying out his horrific deeds.
This reading of Michael Myers draws parallels to the experiences of queer individuals who may conceal their identities to avoid societal judgment or persecution. It adds another layer of complexity to the character, suggesting that the fear he evokes might be linked to anxieties surrounding nonconformity and the subversion of traditional gender roles.
Conclusion
The question of why Michael Myers is obsessed with Laurie Strode in Halloween (1978) remains a captivating mystery. John Carpenter’s deliberate ambiguity has allowed for a multitude of interpretations, each adding to the film’s enduring power and its impact on the horror genre.
While the “wrong place, wrong time” theory offers a simple explanation, the ideas of Laurie as a symbol of repression, Michael as a queer horror icon, and his fixation on the “good girl” trope delve deeper into the psychological and societal implications of the film. Perhaps Michael’s obsession stems from a combination of these factors, or maybe he is simply the embodiment of pure evil, driven by an insatiable need to kill1.
Ultimately, the lack of a definitive answer is part of what makes Halloween (1978) so terrifying and enduring. It forces us to confront the unknown, to grapple with the darkness that exists both within ourselves and in the world around us. And as Laurie Strode herself proves, sometimes the only way to survive the boogeyman is to face him head-on.
Works Cited
1. [Decoding Evil] A Study of Michael Myers and the Halloween Film Series – Slay Away, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.slayawaywithus.com/post/decoding-evil-column-michael-myers-halloween-1978-john-carpenter
2. Laurie Strode – Wikipedia, accessed February 4, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurie_Strode
3. Why Does Michael Myers Want To Kill Laurie? Halloween Killer Motives & Theories, accessed February 4, 2025, https://screenrant.com/halloween-michael-myers-kill-laurie-motives-theories/
4. What was Carpenter’s original reason for Michael stalking Laurie and her friends? – Reddit, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Halloweenmovies/comments/u200u4/what_was_carpenters_original_reason_for_michael/
5. Halloween Theory: Michael Myers Doesn’t Actually CARE About Laurie Strode – CBR, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.cbr.com/halloween-theory-michael-myers-doesnt-care-laurie-strode/
6. This Halloween Theory Blames Michael Myers’ Origin on Laurie Strode – CBR, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.cbr.com/michael-myers-laurie-strode-id-creation-halloween-theory/
7. Michael Myers, The Shape of Masculinity’s Violence | by Alex Pagliuca | Medium, accessed February 4, 2025, https://alexapagliuca.medium.com/michael-myers-the-shape-of-masculinitys-violence-82adc1f2a0b8
8. “Halloween” 1978: Jamie Lee Curtis and John Carpenter’s Oral History of the Horror Classic – Part 1 – YouTube, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp_PPhy2-Jc
9. Jamie Lee Curtis on The Legacy of Halloween’s Laurie Strode – Part 2 – YouTube, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvbePi1o_Q0
10. Queering Michael Myers and Halloween (1978) | by Nathaniel Hagemaster | Medium, accessed February 4, 2025, https://medium.com/@nathanielhagemaster90/queering-michael-myers-and-halloween-1978-89f67047c36