The Fog (1980) | 100 Movies Bucket List

 

I've seen the 2005 remake of this film but I only have a vague memory of what it was about, so this is definitely like a new watch entirely - one I was looking forward to!

I really liked this film!

It took a while to actually start. The credits were still coming up after 12 minutes when it felt like we should have been actually getting into the story, especially because the film is only 90 minutes.

I really liked the characters. There's a lot of time in the beginning of the film where we're entirely focused on the characters with the fog being just an ominous presence in the background, and it's great to get to spend time with them. Not only do we really get to understand the world, but when the fog does hit, we're more invested.

This also added to how close the town felt. We see the different ways people are affected, how their stories come together, and it's great to see their connections.

I really liked the visuals. The film is shot in a really interesting way, not only in terms of the fog and visual effects, but also the actual setting. Especially every time we're in the lighthouse!

Not much happens in the film beyond seeing the fog in the distance and getting to know the characters. And the characters are one of the only reasons the film works so well.

But the film does a good job of building tension and anticipation. We know something's going to happen and the longer nothing does, the more intrigued you are.

It also helps that the pacing is great - at an hour in, it felt like I'd only been watching it for about 10 minutes.

The last half hour is where things really picked up, and I loved finally getting to see what the fog did and the effect on the town. It's strange and great to see something seemingly inanimate create such fear and tension in both the characters and the audience. And this is aided by the amazing score and use of sound.

The actors were great, particularly Adrienne Barbeau, who played Stevie and completely carried the film by playing the most interesting character.

One thing I didn't love was that I didn't think an explanation was needed. It would have been great if this was just some freak thing that happened for no reason and when it's over that's it. I don't think it made the story any better to give us an explanation that we don't really have time to delve into with only 10 minutes left of the film.

Yes, the explanation made for an easier resolution, but I would have preferred for everything to just be a mystery.

That said, the ending was great!

So overall, I had such a great time with this film and I'd definitely recommend it.