31 Days of Halloween: Carpenter’s Fog Legacy

The Fog (1980)
******* (7 out of 10 stars)
Directed by: John Carpenter
Starring: Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Atkins, Janet Leigh, Hal Holbrook, John Houseman, Charles Cyphers, and Nancy Loomis.

“My gauges must be wrong. The wind is blowing due east. Now, what kind of fog moves against the wind?” – Stevie Wayne

John Carpenter’s “The Fog” (1980) opens with an Edgar Allan Poe quote, setting a serious and damning tone for this tale of horror. The film begins with an eerie account of the Elizabeth Dane, shared by an old sailor to mesmerized children on a lonely beach. This introduction evokes a sense of foreboding as an ominous fog rolls into a coastal town, heralding a supernatural threat. As the story unfolds, a diverse array of characters and mysterious events drew me into the suspense, allowing me to quickly experience the small town of Antonio Bay. This film quickly establishes an unsettling atmosphere, where isolation and unease permeate, with the fog’s approach signaled by abrupt silences and piercing sounds.

Visually, the film is striking and consistent. Shadowy lighting and dense fog are used to expertly craft an eerie backdrop for the spectral figures, whose sudden appearances are both jarring and effective. Carter’s precise direction maintains a relentless grip of suspense, solidifying the film’s status as a distinguished piece of horror cinema. Accompanying the visuals is Carpenter’s own powerful score, which transitions from soft jazz to a relentless, foreboding theme, enhancing the film’s mood. As daylight returns, the town appears normal, but the previous night’s bizarre events hint at deeper dangers. The film’s pacing cleverly sustains unease, keeping the audience engaged.

The cast delivers strong performances, bringing credibility to the film’s reality. The well-designed sets and the persistent atmosphere of dread contribute to its immersive quality. Themes of retribution, guilt, and the supernatural are intricately woven into a narrative like a relentless beating of a drum.

However, “The Fog” has its problems: uneven pacing, its deliberate build-up sometimes feels sluggish before the supernatural elements take center stage. The character development lacks depth, making it a little difficult to relate with them and become invested in their fates. The abrupt introduction of the supernatural spectres left me wanting more context. Some special effects are dated, detracting from the horror for modern viewers accustomed to more sophisticated visuals. The special effects, particularly the fog and ghostly apparitions, were doubtlessly commendable for their time, adding to the film’s chilling impact, but now they might seem overly simple. The dialogue can be a little predictable and clichéd. My criticisms aside, “The Fog” is a true horror classic, its suspense, atmospheric tension, and storytelling anchoring its status. “The Fog” exemplifies horror executed with precision and power.

I have come to appreciate this film more as the years have drifted by.