Year: 1941
Director: Anatole Litvak
Country: US
Language: English
Out of the Fog was directed by Academy Award Winning director of Confessions of a Nazi Spy (1939) Anatole Litvak. This picture was based on the play Gentle People by Irwin Shaw. Upon its initial release it was neither a critical or commercial success, making far less money than the studios expected. Its perhaps most notable because it features the great John Garfield in his most nasty villainous role.
Jonah (Thomas Mitchell) and Olaf (John Qualen) are trying to live the American dream, living earnestly and pinching every penny. Stella (Ida Lupino) and Goff (John Garfield) are attracted to riches and seek power quickly. Their worlds collide.
Out of the Fog hit theatres during a remarkable point in American history. Released six months before the U.S. would formally enter WWII the movie boasts a message about stopping villains before they have a chance to gain significant toehold and crush the common man. John Garfield's character, who slowly attempts to take everything the hard-working heroes of the story work for, can be seen as a metaphor for Nazism, communism, and even the current Government, which makes the picture very relevant.
Director Anatole Litvak did everything in his power to make the American people realize that Nazi threat was real and that conflict with them was inevitable. Many traces of his mission can be seen in his late 30's to mid forties pictures. The acting, especially by Garfield, who would later have his career ruined by being outed as a communist by the House of Un-American Activities Committee, is top notch. The photography is remarkable and the noir atmosphere, highlighted by incredible set design, is rich with cynicism.
The foggy docks and gritty narrative is enthralling; Out of the Fog has a message that resonates and a tone that captures the mind of contemporary audiences. There are better film noirs out there, but this one is certainly a worthwhile viewing.
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