The next four entries take the introvert to scenarios that continue to challenge her determination and sanity. Like the previous three, each film shapes her into a different version of the once-sheltered young woman who unleashed her gift of resourcefulness when faced with adversity.
Halloween: Resurrection
Michael Myers lives.
Laurie’s hair is long again to symbolize the return of the weighted burden of “unfinished business.”
Some fans supported the concept of his escape from death at the end of H20, while others deplored it. Whatever side you chose, all would agree that Resurrection was one of the worst—if not, the worst—entry in the beloved Halloween franchise.
Poor Laurie. She is taken to a mental institution for decapitating an innocent man who, for some incomprehensible reason, was wearing Michael’s signature mask as she slammed the ax onto his neck. Although many people were brutally murdered that evening, and the survivors supposedly had testified on her behalf, the state chose to deem her insane and eliminate the notion that Michael Myers was behind everything.
Or it could just be lazy writing.
Nevertheless, this proves Laurie was correct in refusing to rely on the police and the state to protect her.
Four years later, Michael finds her at the mental institution and resumes his unfinished business. Being in a helpless situation with guards heavily monitoring her does not prevent Laurie from defending herself. She sets a trap that would’ve ended him once and for all, but the need for reassurance that she would not kill another abductor exposed an opening that allowed Michael to end her life.
Years of solitude allowed Laurie the energy to concoct a risky, yet effective plan that would deliver her peace. Instead, it is the end of her tale.
Although her screen time was less than fifteen minutes, the movie showed that a person with little to no social support can accomplish great things.
Halloween (2018)
The legend of Laurie Strode is reborn in a new timeline that takes place 40 years after the first Halloween movie. Michael Myers is apprehended and taken back to the mental institution to live out the rest of his days. No trial for murder nor a death penalty sentence.
For the last 40 years, Laurie has lived in a secluded location preparing an inevitable return of the unstoppable killer. She has been trained in mastering firearms and she has even created a trap in her house designed to destroy him.
She also has a daughter—Karen—whom she has instructed on the use of firearms as well as sharing her expertise in self-defense.
Unfortunately, her neurotic behavior has strained her relationship with Karen and her family causing both parties to distance themselves from each other.
Incidentally, her hair is once again long, signifying a large burden still weighing down her locks.
When she finally encounters Michael, she is fearless, determined, and carries a killer instinct. With the help of Karen and her daughter, Allyson, the three were able to beat the killer and trap him inside a “blaze of glory.”
Halloween Kills
It is strange how the state, police, and first responders are always willing to save the life of a demented killer in this film series. This recurring annoyance occurs at the beginning of Halloween Kills.
Halloween Kills Rant
Before I discuss Laurie’s minuscule role in this movie, I want to point out how convoluted and inconsistent the plot turned out.
The film reveals that a new character to the series, Deputy Frank Hawkins, who was not seen or mentioned in the 1978 movie, accidentally killed his partner while trying to save him from Michael. For some reason—maybe just to make some kind of sense in all this—he later stops Dr. Loomis from killing Michael, and arrests him instead, making it twice that night he saved Michael’s life. It is also revealed that he and Laurie had a relationship that failed.
To me, it doesn’t make sense not to execute a murderer who brutally killed four teenagers and a dog and almost killed one more. Anything to continue the film series, I guess.
And another thing. The first trailer of this highly anticipated film showed Laurie along with Karen and Allyson from the back of a truck watching first responders drive to her burning house. They cried for them to turn back, as refusing so will give Michael the chance to escape. Laurie’s famous line was, “Let him burn!” This scene was never inserted into the theatrical version. Instead, as the ladies were being taken to the hospital, they never saw an ambulance and therefore believed Michael was finally dead. Maybe it’s me, but I find the trailer to be rather…deceitful.
Thank you for tolerating my rant. Back to the article.
Halloween Kills cont.
Laurie is taken to a hospital to treat her wounds—just like in Halloween II. Again, she is unaware that Michael survived her burning house. Karen later discovers the truth but keeps it from Laurie to allow her to have peace of mind after 40 years of mental torture.
When Laurie does learn of Michael’s escape, she encourages a town mob to do what she would have done: hunt him and take him down.
The armed mob somehow failed, leaving Laurie alone with her thoughts. The end.
Halloween Ends
Laurie Strode has retired from her lifelong career of battling Michael Myers. She now lives with her granddaughter Allyson—who is a nurse—and she is writing a memoir about her experiences with the boogeyman. After the events of Halloween Kills, instead of seeking revenge on Laurie, Michael apparently gives up being a full-time killer and retires in the sewers.
Laurie’s main purpose in the film is protecting Allyson, specifically from a twisted young suitor, who by the way, was initially recommended by her.
Her biggest moment came towards the end of the film when Michael found his way to her home—not even searching for her—and they share one last battle to the end.
Michael is defeated by her once again, and this time she makes sure she has killed the right person. Instead of leaving his body behind or turning him over to the authorities for disposal, she joins Allyson, citizens of the town, and the police to take Michael to an industrial shredder and watch his body grind to minced flesh.
Laurie can now rest easy. She has rekindled her relationship with Frank Hawkins, Allyson is starting a new life in a new town, and no more demented killers are holding a grudge against her.
In conclusion...
Throughout these films and various timelines, Laurie has been thrown into unusual conflicts which caused her to implement unusual tactics to survive. She has always been different and was never afraid to try different things. If Halloween Ends is truly the last we will see of Laurie Strode, it is gratifying to know she will have a happy ending—a rarity in horror films.
Comentários