Why Does Michael Myers Want To Kill Laurie: Uncovering the Motive Behind the Horror Icon’s Obsession

Michael Myers is a fictional character in the Halloween film franchise. He is known for his iconic white mask and his relentless pursuit of his sister, Laurie Strode. But why does Michael Myers want to kill Laurie?

The answer lies in the backstory of the first Halloween movie. In the film, a young Michael Myers murders his older sister on Halloween night. He is then sent to a mental institution, where he remains for 15 years. When he escapes, he returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, and begins targeting teenagers, including Laurie Strode.

It is revealed in later films that Laurie Strode is actually Michael Myers’ younger sister, making her the sole survivor of his family. This explains why he is so fixated on killing her. However, the exact reasons for Michael’s initial murder spree and his obsession with his family remain a mystery, adding to the character’s enigmatic and terrifying nature.

Origins of Michael Myers’ Motivation

Family Connections

Michael Myers’ motivation for killing Laurie can be traced back to his childhood. He was born into a dysfunctional family and experienced a traumatic event at a young age. Michael’s older sister, Judith, was his only real connection to the world. However, on Halloween night in 1963, Michael killed Judith, which was the beginning of his descent into madness.

After the murder, Michael was sent to a psychiatric hospital where he remained for 15 years. During his time there, he became increasingly withdrawn and unresponsive. It was during this time that he developed an obsession with Laurie, who he believed was his sister.

Psychological Analysis

Michael’s motivation for killing Laurie can also be explained through psychological analysis. Michael suffers from a severe case of dissociative identity disorder, which is characterized by a disruption in the normal integration of consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, perception, body representation, motor control, and behavior.

Michael’s dissociation from reality has caused him to view Laurie as his sister, Judith. He believes that by killing her, he can somehow make up for killing Judith all those years ago. Additionally, Michael’s lack of empathy and remorse for his actions further fuels his desire to kill Laurie.

In conclusion, Michael Myers’ motivations for killing Laurie can be attributed to his traumatic childhood experiences and severe mental illness. It is important to understand the underlying factors that contribute to his behavior in order to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Evolution of Laurie’s Character

Initial Encounter

Laurie Strode was first introduced in the original “Halloween” movie as a shy and innocent high school student. She was babysitting on the night that Michael Myers escaped from the mental institution and returned to his hometown of Haddonfield to continue his killing spree. Laurie’s initial encounter with Michael was brief but terrifying, as she saw him lurking around the neighbourhood and peering into her windows.

Survivor’s Resilience

Despite the trauma of that first encounter, Laurie showed incredible resilience and resourcefulness in subsequent confrontations with Michael Myers. Over the course of multiple sequels, she transformed from a timid victim into a fierce survivor who was determined to stop Michael at any cost.

Laurie’s evolution as a character was driven by her traumatic experiences and her desire to protect herself and those she cared about. She became an expert in self-defence and weapons, and was always prepared for the possibility of another encounter with Michael.

Overall, Laurie’s character development is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable horror.

Mythology and Symbolism

Role in Haddonfield’s Legend

Michael Myers has become a legend in the small town of Haddonfield. The residents of the town have created a mythology around the character, making him a symbol of evil and terror. The legend of Michael Myers is passed down from generation to generation, and he is often used as a cautionary tale to scare children.

The mythology surrounding Michael Myers is deeply rooted in the history of Haddonfield. The town has a dark past, with several tragic events that have occurred over the years. Michael Myers’ story is just one of many that have contributed to the town’s reputation for being haunted.

The Shape’s Purpose

The purpose of Michael Myers, known as “The Shape,” is to embody pure evil. He is a symbol of everything that is wrong with the world, and his purpose is to strike fear into the hearts of those who encounter him. The Shape is a force of nature, a relentless killing machine that cannot be stopped.

The symbolism of The Shape is evident in his appearance. He wears a plain white mask, which represents his lack of humanity. He is also dressed in a dark jumpsuit, which serves to make him appear even more menacing. The Shape is a representation of the unknown, the darkness that exists within all of us.

In conclusion, Michael Myers’ role in Haddonfield’s legend and his purpose as The Shape are deeply rooted in symbolism and mythology. He represents the darkness that exists within all of us and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to our darkest impulses.

Narrative and Filmmaking Choices

Director’s Vision

The reason why Michael Myers wants to kill Laurie is rooted in the director’s vision for the character. John Carpenter, the director of the original Halloween film, wanted Michael Myers to be a force of pure evil. He wanted the audience to fear Michael Myers not because of any particular motive or backstory, but simply because he was an unstoppable killing machine.

This is why Michael Myers is often referred to as “The Shape” in the Halloween franchise. He is meant to be a blank slate onto which the audience can project their fears. By giving Michael Myers no clear motive for his killings, Carpenter created a character that was truly terrifying in its unpredictability.

Storytelling Mechanics

From a storytelling perspective, Michael Myers’ motivation for killing Laurie is not as important as the fact that he is trying to kill her. The tension and suspense in the Halloween films come from the audience’s knowledge that Laurie is in danger, not from any particular reason why Michael Myers wants to kill her.

However, the filmmakers have provided some hints as to why Michael Myers might be fixated on Laurie. In the first Halloween film, Laurie is revealed to be Michael Myers’ younger sister, a fact that was not known to her or the audience until the end of the movie. This revelation adds a layer of personal connection between Michael Myers and Laurie, which could explain why he is so determined to kill her.

Overall, the narrative and filmmaking choices made by the Halloween filmmakers have created a horror icon in Michael Myers. While his motivation for killing Laurie may not be clear, his terrifying presence on screen is enough to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Impact of Retcons on Motivation

Series Continuity

The Halloween franchise has undergone several retcons over the years, which has impacted Michael Myers’ motivation for wanting to kill Laurie Strode. In the original movie, Michael’s motivation is not explicitly stated, leaving it up to interpretation. However, subsequent movies have provided various explanations.

One retcon occurred in Halloween II (1981), which revealed that Laurie is Michael’s younger sister. This revelation changed Michael’s motivation from a random killing spree to a familial one. This retcon was later disregarded in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), which ignored the sibling relationship and returned to the original idea of Michael being a random killer.

Another retcon occurred in Halloween (2018), which disregarded all previous sequels and established that Laurie and Michael are not siblings. Instead, Laurie has become a survivalist who has been preparing for Michael’s return for 40 years. This retcon changes Michael’s motivation to a more personal one, as he is now targeting Laurie specifically.

Character Development

Michael Myers is a complex character, and his motivation for killing Laurie has evolved over the course of the franchise. In the original movie, Michael’s motivation is left ambiguous, but subsequent movies have provided various explanations.

In Halloween II (1981), Michael’s motivation is revealed to be his desire to kill his sister. This familial connection adds an extra layer of complexity to Michael’s character, as he is not just a mindless killer but someone with a personal vendetta.

In Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), Michael’s motivation is once again left ambiguous, but he is portrayed as being more focused on Laurie than in previous movies. This is likely due to the fact that Jamie Lee Curtis returned to the franchise, and her character’s presence added an extra layer of tension to the story.

In Halloween (2018), Michael’s motivation is once again changed, this time to a more personal one. He is now targeting Laurie specifically, which adds an extra layer of complexity to their relationship. Michael is no longer just a mindless killer but someone with a specific target in mind.

Overall, the impact of retcons on Michael Myers’ motivation has been significant. Each retcon has added an extra layer of complexity to his character and provided a new twist to the story. The franchise’s willingness to retcon itself has allowed for new and interesting stories to be told, while still keeping the character of Michael Myers at the forefront.

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivates Michael Myers to pursue Laurie Strode?

Michael Myers’ motivation to pursue Laurie Strode is rooted in their familial connection. In the original Halloween film, it is revealed that Laurie is Michael’s younger sister, who was given up for adoption after Michael murdered their older sister as a child. Michael becomes fixated on Laurie and seeks to eliminate her as well, as part of his ongoing mission to destroy his entire family.

Is Laurie Strode actually related to Michael Myers, and how does that affect his intentions?

Yes, Laurie Strode is Michael Myers’ younger sister. Their familial connection is a key factor in Michael’s motivations to pursue and eliminate her. The revelation of their relationship adds a layer of complexity to the story and creates a personal connection between the two characters.

Why did Michael Myers choose not to eliminate Laurie as an infant?

The reason why Michael Myers did not eliminate Laurie as an infant is not explicitly stated in the films. However, it is suggested that Michael’s focus on Laurie is a result of his desire to eliminate his entire family, rather than a specific vendetta against her as an individual.

What is the significance behind Michael Myers wearing a mask during his pursuits?

The mask that Michael Myers wears during his pursuits is an iconic element of the Halloween franchise. The mask was originally a Captain Kirk mask that was painted white and altered for the film. The significance of the mask is that it creates an eerie and unsettling appearance for Michael, making him appear more like a supernatural force than a human being.

Why is Michael Myers seemingly indestructible?

The reason for Michael Myers’ seemingly indestructible nature is never fully explained in the films. However, it is suggested that his resilience is a result of his intense physical training and his single-minded focus on his mission to destroy his family.

Have there been any instances where Michael Myers’s face is revealed to the audience?

In the original Halloween film, Michael’s face is briefly shown during a scene where Laurie removes his mask. However, the shot is brief and does not provide a clear view of his face. In subsequent films, Michael’s face is never shown to the audience.