The 1980 classic Friday the 13th is the film that helped define the slasher genre, with its suspenseful kills, eerie camp setting, and the shocking twist ending that left audiences terrified. Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, it kicked off a long-running horror franchise and introduced the legend of Camp Crystal Lake.
Detailed Summary
Introduction: Welcome to Camp Crystal Lake
The movie opens in 1958 at Camp Crystal Lake, where two counselors sneak away for some private time but are brutally murdered by an unseen assailant. Flash forward to the present (1980), and the camp is reopening despite its violent history. A group of new counselors arrives to prepare the camp for the summer, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking in the woods.
The Counselors Arrive
The new crew, including Alice (Adrienne King), Jack (Kevin Bacon), and Marcie (Jeannine Taylor), start settling in. We get a mix of youthful banter and typical horror movie setup moments—flirting, swimming, and overall teenage shenanigans. However, eerie signs, such as a creepy local named Crazy Ralph warning them about the “death curse,” suggest that things aren’t going to go well for these counselors.
Mysterious Deaths Begin
One by one, the counselors are picked off by a mysterious killer. The kills are gory and inventive, with standout scenes like an arrow through the throat (poor Kevin Bacon) and an axe to the face. The pacing builds tension with each murder, with the identity of the killer remaining a mystery.
Alice and the Final Confrontation
Eventually, Alice is left alone to face the unseen killer. As she tries to survive the night, she stumbles upon the bodies of her fellow counselors, triggering a desperate fight for survival. In a climactic reveal, the killer is unmasked as Mrs. Voorhees, the mother of a boy named Jason who drowned at Camp Crystal Lake years earlier due to the negligence of the camp counselors. Seeking revenge, she has been killing anyone associated with the camp.
The Final Shocking Twist
After a brutal battle with Mrs. Voorhees, Alice finally kills her with a machete, decapitating her. Exhausted, she takes a canoe out onto the lake and drifts off to sleep. In the final iconic moment, just when she seems safe, the young, decomposed Jason suddenly leaps out of the lake, dragging her into the water in a terrifying jump scare.
Movie Ending
Alice wakes up in a hospital, where the authorities tell her they found her alone on the lake. She asks, “What about the boy?” but they claim there was no boy. The movie ends with her disturbed expression, leaving the audience questioning whether Jason really survived or if it was just a dream.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Friday the 13th does not have a post-credits scene. The movie ends with Alice’s shocking experience in the hospital, and the credits roll without any additional footage.
Type of Movie
Friday the 13th is a slasher horror film, characterized by its use of suspense, shocking deaths, and a mysterious killer. It helped define the sub-genre, which emphasizes stalk-and-kill sequences.
Cast
- Betsy Palmer as Mrs. Voorhees
- Adrienne King as Alice Hardy
- Kevin Bacon as Jack Burrell
- Harry Crosby as Bill Brown
- Jeannine Taylor as Marcie Cunningham
- Robbi Morgan as Annie Phillips
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Harry Manfredini, whose eerie, tense soundtrack helped create the movie’s chilling atmosphere. The iconic “ki-ki-ki, ma-ma-ma” sound effect, which represents Jason’s presence, became synonymous with the franchise.
Filming Locations
Friday the 13th was filmed at Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco in Blairstown, New Jersey. This Boy Scout camp served as the perfect location for the fictional Camp Crystal Lake, providing an authentic and isolated setting crucial to the movie’s atmosphere.
- The camp remains a popular destination for horror fans who want to visit the site where the slasher classic was filmed.
Awards and Nominations
While Friday the 13th was not nominated for major awards, it became a significant cult hit and helped establish the slasher genre. The movie gained recognition more for its influence on horror cinema than for critical accolades.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Betsy Palmer initially didn’t want to take the role of Mrs. Voorhees, considering the script “garbage.” She eventually agreed because she needed money for a new car.
- Tom Savini, the legendary special effects artist, designed many of the film’s gory and groundbreaking practical effects. His work became iconic in the horror genre.
- The film had a low budget of around $550,000, but it grossed nearly $60 million worldwide, making it a huge success.
Inspirations and References
Friday the 13th was directly inspired by the success of John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978). Sean S. Cunningham wanted to create a similar low-budget slasher film that would scare audiences. The movie also takes inspiration from classic campfire horror stories and the urban legend of “The Hook.”
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There aren’t many widely known alternate endings, but the infamous jump scare at the end, where Jason leaps from the lake, wasn’t originally in the script. It was added as a last-minute idea, inspired by Carrie’s (1976) ending. This final scare became one of the most iconic horror movie moments.
Book Adaptations and Differences
There were several novelizations of Friday the 13th, but none of them significantly differ from the film. However, the novels often go into more detail about the character’s backstories and expand on the lore of Camp Crystal Lake.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The opening sequence in 1958, where the first counselors are murdered.
- Kevin Bacon’s character, Jack, being killed with an arrow through his throat while lying in bed.
- Alice’s final battle with Mrs. Voorhees, ending with the decapitation.
- Jason’s shocking appearance at the end, leaping out of the lake.
Iconic Quotes
- Mrs. Voorhees: “Kill her, Mommy! Kill her!”
- Crazy Ralph: “You’re all doomed!”
- Mrs. Voorhees: “Jason was my son, and today is his birthday.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- In the opening credits, the title Friday the 13th shatters the screen, setting up the “breaking the norms” mentality of the slasher genre.
- Mrs. Voorhees’ sweater, a simple but chilling piece of wardrobe, became a creepy symbol for her character and was later referenced in future films of the franchise.
- The famous “ki-ki-ki, ma-ma-ma” sound is meant to mimic Mrs. Voorhees saying “kill her, mommy.”
Trivia
- Betsy Palmer’s role as Mrs. Voorhees became iconic despite her initial disdain for the script.
- Kevin Bacon’s death scene remains one of the most famous kills in horror history.
- Sean S. Cunningham placed a full-page ad in Variety for Friday the 13th before the film was even fully written or cast.
Why Watch?
Friday the 13th is a must-watch for horror fans. It’s a pioneer of the slasher genre, setting the groundwork for the horror tropes we know today: isolated settings, a mysterious killer, and gruesome, creative deaths. It also introduces one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time.
Director’s Other Movies
- DeepStar Six (1989)
- A Stranger Is Watching (1982)
- The New Kids (1985)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Halloween (1978)
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
- Sleepaway Camp (1983)
- The Burning (1981)
