The Fog (1980)

 

 

'The Fog' was written and directed by John Carpenter (Halloween) and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Atkins, Hal Holbrook, and Janet Leigh. The story revolves the seaside town of Antonio Bay, where a mysterious phenomena seems to have plagued the town one cold dark night. It all leads to a dark background of the town's origins, conspiracies, and a mysterious and deadly fog that begins to take over the town and killing it's residents.

The minute 'The Fog' begins, it will become perfectly clear why it's yearly watch on my Halloween playlist. An old sea dog recounts the tale of the mysterious figures who were led to their deaths at sea and brings an ominous warning to the children. This campfire opening sets the tone perfectly: it's a modern day urban legend or tall tale we all were told as children. We then transition to the town of Antonio Bay as we see windows break, lights come on by themselves, and even mild earthquakes. It's a good opening that provides great tension and gives us that feeling that something is off.

We then meet a few of our cast members who at first all seem unrelated but various subplots will bring them all together at the film's climax. This causes some of the film's issues however as only two characters have any kind of significance to the plot: Radio DJ Stevie Wayne and Father Malone who both have important ties to the backstory and action of the film. The rest of the gang here are underwritten or feel unneeded, with Jamie Lee Curtis being the standout of this issue. For someone who received top billing and got onto the poster, her character serves no purpose to the story whatsoever but don't get me wrong, I do love Jamie Lee but I don't know why she's here.

Thankfully, getting through the exposition is relatively quick here and once the ghosts arrive in the fog the movie picks up again to make for an enjoyable climax. Really what makes 'The Fog' so effective is the special effects by Rob Bottin, score by Carpenter himself, and Dean Cundey's always excellent camerawork making it an effectively eerie tone. Carpenter could always take a story or idea that may come off as cheap or B-Grade in the hands of anyone else and make it work and look like a 50 million dollar movie. While 'The Fog' doesn't offer as much substance or scares compared to his other work, it's still works enough to make it a part of your annual Halloween marathons. Oh, and please avoid the 2005 remake at all costs.