MGM
1980 COLOR
89 Mins.
Horror
Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh, Adrienne Barbeau and Tom Atkins star.
Written and Directed by John Carpenter
Rated R for language, violence and gore.
I refuse to acknowledge that 2005 steaming turd reboot and am referring to the classic original horror masterpiece that inspired it. Made by John Carpenter in his prime the film centers on a small, sleepy shore town Antonio Bay that has a hideous past. On the Eve of the town's centential something has returned to wreak havoc. Shrouded in a mysterious glowing fog are vicious ghosts hellbent on vengeance. It's a pretty cool, unique setup and in someone else's hands it could have been instantly hammy. But Carpenter handle's it all with a stylish, suspenseful finesse. He takes the proceedings very seriously and never lets down. The slow burn esque execution builds the suspense gradually with explosions of horror all culminating to a haunting finale. Jamie Lee following up Halloween is spunky as usual but the real star of the film in my opinion is the sultry voiced, believable single mother played by the gorgeous Adrienne Barbeau. She runs a radio show from a light house and is the town's warning beacon as it moves around town and eventually towards her. Revisiting this film it's hard not to marvel at the slick cinematography, now iconic atmospheric score and accomplished direction. The Fog is so impressive and it's classic status is well deserved. I can still hear the music a day later. ****.75/5
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