The Mist

[summer]

hi ive just watched the mist i really liked it :smile2:

[Black Suit]

I'm sure there's been countless threads on this film but I've recently watched it again and I honestly have to say it gets better everytime..

It is a very well executed horror film that does not fall victim to cheesy dialogue, chesesy effects or cliche deaths.

One of the factors that made the film so good was Darabont's shooting crew, which he hired from the televison show The Shield. It gave the audience an in-your-face perspective that works beautifully.

Aside from the production aspect of it, the performaces by Marcia Gay Harden, Andre Braugher and Thomas Jane were beyond exceptional.

Not to forget the supporting cast and the extras in the supermarket who became the real monsters of the film.

And of course the monsters.. When I first saw this in theaters I was so impressed with them. So original and and terrifying (always a good combination)

And the end.. some like it, some don't .. I love it. It couldn't have ended any other way..

thoughts?

[Mr Nobody]

I watched it again over the weekend, and even though it was only a couple of months since I saw it for the first time, it still held my attention from start to finish. Tbh, I wasn't sure it would, and that's always the big test for me.
I can say right now that this is a film I'll be watching in 10, 20, or even 30 years' time (you know, barring anything crap happening in the meantime :wink2:), and I honestly can't say the same for a hell of a lot of other stuff I've seen.
I just hope no one tries a reboot in about a decade or so's time. If they do, I might have to 're-boot' them in the ass.

[tillyn]

I must concur, the way Darabont films Steve's stories are amazing. His adaptations are bang on! I do not believe anyone has done the stories more justice them him. The ending did fit the story better, although i did remark at the end, "that's not how it ended!" It did fit better though.

[biodroid]

I agree, this was an excellent movie. I loved the atmosphere and tension that builds up. The monsters were freaky too and it was well acted, I could not stand that bible bashing women which means she did her job well.

[consumer]

i just didnt like the fact that the creatures were horribly cgi'd and we all knew that was coming at the end the tanks. but yes it was really good. i love also at the end the chick with the kids was rescued, everyone should have went along with her in the first place, would you? i sure as hell would have.

[crazycrashink]

I thought this was excellent. I mean they spend 75% of the time in a grocery store, and I'm still on the edge of my seat.

Marcia Gay Harden was PERFECT.... I despised her :mad2:. I believe this may win the prize for my most hated movie character ever.

[Srbo]

I don`t know how Marcia Gay Harden wasn`t at least considered for an Academy Award for her portrayal here.
Even Kathy Bates was not much better (as Anne) then Marcia, IMO.

[adrianmarley]

I loved The Mist and thought the ending was perfect. Totally bleak and nihilistic. I left the cinema sapped of energy. I can't remember the last time a film made me feel that way. I have yet to see the black and white version which is included on the special edition DVD. I've heard it's very good indeed. I think Frank Darabont pretty much understands SK's work better than anyone.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Yes, I agree, it immediately became one of my favourite horror movies of all time.

I've only watched it once, so I think I'll watch it again later.

Farnk Darabont is IMO by far the best director for Sai Kin's stories, and I'm really looking forward to The Long Walk.

Long days and pleasant nights

[bopropadop]

I must concur, the way Darabont films Steve's stories are amazing. His adaptations are bang on! I do not believe anyone has done the stories more justice them him. The ending did fit the story better, although i did remark at the end, "that's not how it ended!" It did fit better though.

I read something somewhere (can't remember the source) that said after SK reviewed the screenplay, he wished he had come up with that ending himself.

Maybe that's from one of the Darabont interviews on Lilja's web site...

Anyway, I liked it too. I haven't seen it in black and white so I look forward to that!

[Agincourt Concierge]

I was pleasantly surprised by this one....I thoroughly enjoyed it...although the ending threw me a little.....still it was well-acted... big thumb's up...

[BenBubb]

I too love this film!
The ending i thought was superb, such a bummer, its soo emotional, many people i know who watched it cried at the end.
I also love the monsters them being so original made it that much scary becuase of not knowing what they were. OMG CREEPY!

[demorgan]

The ending was premature. You going to tell me that a parent is going to shot his own son after that short period of time. Come on. Plus, the fact that There where no monsters in sight, only sounds. Maybe if i felt that there was a passage of time before he actuallly had to pull the trigger. THe ending felt gimmicky to me. I felt no emotion towards the ending, except cheap. Shocking ending for the pure fact that you wanted ot shock people. Please. The ending in seven is so much more satisfying.

[jackson992]

Yes it was very realistic. He knew that with being out of gas they didn't have a chance.

[demorgan]

Yes it was very realistic. He knew that with being out of gas they didn't have a chance.

Maybe it is for you. But not for me.

[becks]

This one blew me away. Truly. I wasn't expecting it to, but it did. Wish I'd caught it at the movies. Watched it on DVD then ordered the Blu-Ray.
This film gave me the creeps!
Has anyone else seen it?
Best, Becks.

[~Ally~]

I read something somewhere (can't remember the source) that said after SK reviewed the screenplay, he wished he had come up with that ending himself.

Hi, on the dvd extras there is an interview with Uncle Steve and Frank where he mentions about the ending. Worth watching if you haven't seen the extras yet.

My brother and his girlfriend borrowed my copy of the Mist at the weekend and they were suitably terrified, the best scary movie they have watched in a long time.:eek2:

[Katran]

I liked the book. I liked the movie version...until the end. They should have left it the way it was in the book. I don't care if King likes the movie version better, I hated it.

[Matthew.Degnan]

Frank is just genious, and we've got two more Darabont/SK films on the way- The Long Walk and The Monkey

[Sarah Smiles]

I Absolutely Love The Movie The Mist!

[Crimson Door]

Well i loved the mist although i haven't read the short story in awhile.

Did anyone else pick up on the painting of Roland at the beggining was sweet wish i had that as a poster on my wall.

[titansfan]

And the end.. some like it, some don't .. I love it. It couldn't have ended any other way.. thoughts?

I had to watch the movie a second time (without the ending), to actually consider it not a bad movie. The first time I watched it the ending ruined the entire movie for me. And i actually used the word HATE when i saw it the first time. (which I don't do very often)

As for you couldn't have it end any other way... Have you read the book? That is the ending I was looking for... I love the open endings, they let my mind run wild like my 3yr old at the park :)

just my opinion, anyone else?

[Katran]

I had to watch the movie a second time (without the ending), to actually consider it not a bad movie. The first time I watched it the ending ruined the entire movie for me. And i actually used the word HATE when i saw it the first time. (which I don't do very often)

As for you couldn't have it end any other way... Have you read the book? That is the ending I was looking for... I love the open endings, they let my mind run wild like my 3yr old at the park :)

just my opinion, anyone else?


Same here. I'd read the book first and loved it. I was totally not prepared for the ending of the movie, and I hated it. I still hate it. I know I'm not alone. Everyone among my family and friends that has seen it hated that ending. It was just too much for me. I won't watch it again. Like you said, the ending ruined the whole movie for me.

[kingsthebest]

I liked the ending of the movie better than the short story ending. If only they had waited a few minutes longer!

[Spooky Chick]

Well i loved the mist although i haven't read the short story in awhile.

Did anyone else pick up on the painting of Roland at the beggining was sweet wish i had that as a poster on my wall.

Yeah I saw the painting and was practically jumping up and down on the spot shouting 'OMG it's Roland!' but had to restrain myself because my boyfriend was sitting next to me and he hasn't read Dark Tower yet!

I thought the film had a realistic ending but now I will have to read the story to find out how it's supposed to end! Oh and I almost applauded when they finally killed the bible basher!

[Rabid Assassin]

Yeah I saw the painting and was practically jumping up and down on the spot shouting 'OMG it's Roland!' but had to restrain myself because my boyfriend was sitting next to me and he hasn't read Dark Tower yet!

I thought the film had a realistic ending but now I will have to read the story to find out how it's supposed to end! Oh and I almost applauded when they finally killed the bible basher!

I did applaud when ever they shot miss carmody, that was one of my favorite parts of the movie!

[Katran]

I did applaud when ever they shot miss carmody, that was one of my favorite parts of the movie!

Same here. I hated her in the book and I hated her even more in the movie.

[JRLauer]

I don't think there's any doubt that Frank Darabont did a great job with The Mist, I enjoyed it too. The ending was shocking to say the least.

[titansfan]

Same here. I hated her in the book and I hated her even more in the movie.

I have to agree, my husband and I both shouted at the same time "Its about damn time"

[BDenbrough]

I first read the short story years ago when I was in grade school....was completely in love. I always wanted them to make a movie of it. That was in the early 90's...I'm glad they waited. Loved the movie.

EXCEPT for the end. First time I saw it I knew what was coming. Very predictable (at least to me). And I've have always hated endings like that.

Ending aside, I thought the Black & White version was better....like a classic monster movie

[jackson992]

I bought the movie but didn't see the option for black and white?

[Jack Frost]

I watched it with my son a couple of weeks ago (I had seen it in the theater, but it was his first time). The scene in the pharmacy totally FREAKED him out (gotta admit, it scared the crap out of me, too--even the second time around)! As we got to the ending, my son suddenly understood what was about to happen. He kept saying "No, Dad, no!!! NO DAD NO!!!!" He burst into tears over it. (I read the end of the book to him so he could hear the difference)

I can't say that I hated or loved the ending. It was definately a SK styled ending, which is why I guess he loved it! I thought maybe it made up for the change in the end to Cujo! It was definately the most horrifying and upsetting ending to any movie I've ever seen, but it was totally emotionally charged.

I agree with all of you who say Frank D is AMAZING at adapting SK's work. Can't wait for The Long Walk (one of my favorites!).

All in all, another amazing movie!

[MyLife4YouSK]

Agreed, brandt813. My son was only 9 when we watched it so I edited out the last scene. Course he wanted to see it and know why I stopped the tape. So I eventually gave in and told him and explained that the alternative would have been more horrible for them. It pretty much rolled off his shoulders. (But he cried at the end of Old Yeller though. He has a soft spot in his heart for animals.,even cried recently when he lost his only Beta fish).

IF only they had waited 5 more lousy stinkin minutes! I also liked Darabont's ending better than Sai King (say sorry!). I like my stories with endings, call me crazy.


VERY much looking forward to The Long Walk. One of my fav's!

[Srbo]

I have to agree, my husband and I both shouted at the same time "Its about damn time"

:rofl:

I`ve seen The Mist at least ten times by now, and let`s say seven out of ten times I watched it with a friend that didn`t see the movie before nor read the story.

And every time, somewhere around halfway trough the movie, every single one of them would say :

"Why doesn`t someone kill the effin b**** already !".

And when she does get shot, a big sigh of relief follows.

Every time, no misses.:biggrin2:

[giftshoparty]

Going to finally do "The Mist" tonight in black and white at midnight. Thaaaaas right.

[JohnDalglish]

(But he cried at the end of Old Yeller though. He has a soft spot in his heart for animals.,even cried recently when he lost his only Beta fish).


Hi,

I still cry at the end of Old Yeller, CJ.

(And find Bambi difficult to watch).

I thought it was the law.

Long days and pleasant nights

[~Ally~]

Hi guys...Srbo i have exactly the same reaction every time i see it, even though i know what is going to happen i still let out a cheer and a big sigh of relief when it does... that broad could even scare Carrie's mom IMO:eek2:.

[giftshoparty]

I knew it to be true...I like "The Mist" better in B&W...and man, Frank Darabont always comes across as the coolest nicest filmmaker ever.

[Jack Frost]

Agreed, brandt813. My son was only 9 when we watched it so I edited out the last scene. Course he wanted to see it and know why I stopped the tape. So I eventually gave in and told him and explained that the alternative would have been more horrible for them. It pretty much rolled off his shoulders. (But he cried at the end of Old Yeller though. He has a soft spot in his heart for animals.,even cried recently when he lost his only Beta fish).

IF only they had waited 5 more lousy stinkin minutes! I also liked Darabont's ending better than Sai King (say sorry!). I like my stories with endings, call me crazy.


VERY much looking forward to The Long Walk. One of my fav's!


As I recall (and someone mentioned this below, too), SK kinda liked Darabont's ending better too!!!!

[Secret Window]

I loved the movie and I liked the ending!

[HELLTEXter]

I loved the movie but was in deep depressions after it was over... okay, that's a bit exaggerated. It wasn't exactly uplifting though. :glare:
By the way, Crimson_Door, why only a poster of that Gunslinger painting? You can buy the original directly from the artist Drew Struzan:
http://www.drewstruzan.com/illustrated/portfolio/?fa=medium&gid=794&mp&gallerystart=1&pagestart=1&type=mp&gs=1
...
Uuh, sh**. Just noticed that it's sold already. Well, it was somewhat cheap, right? :eek2:

Dirk.

[Exploding Monkey]

I liked the references to other King works. Tubeneck (Capt'n Tripps) from The Stand and the bloody palm print from Thinner among others.

I HATED the shoddy tentacle CG work in the loading room. As a kid, the Mist was the first horror story I can really reading and the tentacle attack was both frightening and awesome in my young mind!

[Moderator]

I loved the movie but was in deep depressions after it was over... okay, that's a bit exaggerated. It wasn't exactly uplifting though. :glare:
By the way, Crimson_Door, why only a poster of that Gunslinger painting? You can buy the original directly from the artist Drew Struzan:
http://www.drewstruzan.com/illustrated/portfolio/?fa=medium&gid=794&mp&gallerystart=1&pagestart=1&type=mp&gs=1
...
Uuh, sh**. Just noticed that it's sold already. Well, it was somewhat cheap, right? :eek2:

Dirk.


The original is now in Steve's office. :smile2:

[adrianmarley]

The original is now in Steve's office. :smile2:

Could you post a picture? I remember it from the movie as well.

[HELLTEXter]

@ Ms. Mod.
Thanks for the info. I had somehow guessed that he bought it himself. Sure looks good on his wall... it would on mine, anyhow. :cool2:
And while I'm at it, welcome back!
Best,
Dirk.

[Luis]

I saw the painting and was practically jumping up and down on the spot shouting 'OMG it's Roland!'

I have to agree it was awesome the way that scene in the movie was show. I like the movie IMHO one of the best; the end....don't like that much. I am going to read the book after The Stand hopefully will be better than the movie. :grinning:

[scfan09]

I loved it. my only regret is that i didnt read it first :(

[vivazebool]

Hi,

Yes, I agree, it immediately became one of my favourite horror movies of all time.

I've only watched it once, so I think I'll watch it again later.

Farnk Darabont is IMO by far the best director for Sai Kin's stories, and I'm really looking forward to The Long Walk.

Long days and pleasant nights

Mick Garris is up there with Frank. They both love King, and they both seem to hire actors who are admirers of King already. With Garris and Darabont, you can see the heart they put into the movies because they really want to do King justice.

[Vic Vega]

I really liked the movie ending! I liked it because it wasn't the "hero saves the day" lame Hollywood ending. To me it was shocking and it will join other cinema moments that I will not forget -- Finding out Darth was Luke's father in Empire; John Travoltra giving Uma Thurman the shot of adrenaline in Pulp Fiction, very tense scene -- just to name a couple. I purchased The Mist on dvd as soon as it was available.

[sena]

i watched it yesterday again (i had watched it about 4 months ago) i really liked it again .while i were watching it, i got excited like i were watching first time..

[blunthead]

IMHO, the novella was superior to the movie. The movie failed in terms of the suspension of disbelief in two places: the Mrs Carmody character wasn't realistic to me (and I'm not naive), and the ending (it would've been more believable had the people in the SUV waited awhile, for instance. In any event, I prefer the novella's ending).

Otherwise, I certainly consider The Mist one of my favorite sK movies. It followed the novella quite faithfully (I was so pleased they included the pharmacy sequences--scary!), and IMHO, the effects throughout were excellent. The acting and direction were great, too.

[walkingdude]

Both myself and my wife loved this film but were split over the ending. I loved it and thought Darabont did an excellent job, my wife on the other hand hated the ending with a passion. Still an outstanding film!!!

[territweety]

Kind of the same here.....I liked the ending of the movie but my dad hated it.

[Mr Nobody]

The novella, being a written work, can have an ambiguous ending. Films generally have to avoid that. At least the ending to The Mist makes you think, i.e. did he have to do all that for the mist to lift, or was it always going to and it was a case of being patient?
In that way, the film made me consider aspects that, as far as I can recall, the novella didn't - despite the fact that, IMO, the novella is one of the best ever.
As to superiority...well, IMO, the original is always the best. In this case, though, the adaptation is one of the best I've seen. Due to differences in media, nothing can ever be 100% faithful and still work (if for no other reason than we, the audience, already know exactly what happens next). Some adaptations are then only very loosely based on the original story. The Mist stays pretty faithful but adds its own depth; it can (and does) stand alone as well as adding to and taking from the original novella.
I've watched this film a good 4/5 times now, and I still don't get bored of it. Can't say that for many films, tbh.

[Bad Bear]

I haven't read the book (though I probably will in the future, sometime), and I thought that apart from the ending the film was a pretty poor effort. As is often the case in S. King film adaptations, the cast was largely wooden, consisting of Z-list actors. The little, stout store worker and the religious maniac were particularly poor. The CGI monsters ranged from passable to good, but it was the last five minutes that made the whole thing worth watdhing, otherwise it's totally forgettable, IMO.

[Mr. Jingles]

I love Thomas Jane.....he kicks soooo much ass! His character at the end was heartbreaking.......but I think my fave movie with him is "The Punisher". Wicked movie.

[Jojo87]

The movie ending was better than ending in the book. And the movie was great. I really gonna watch it again.

[peaceluvnsploosh]

i liked the movie though i think the creatures with the tentacles coming out of the mist were a little........ fake looking but really how are yuo supposed to show something like that. although id rather read the book since this was a story with a little more sci fi elements i thought it was a good movie.

[dw1345]

Just watched The Mist for the second time the other night. Loved it just as much, if not better, than when I first saw it. Although the novella is better, I feel that Frank Darabont did it justice. The Mist is one of those movies that stick with you and gets better with time IMO.

[Jake Featherston]

I think "The Mist" is an unusually excellent film. I've actually seen it around ten times (and I very rarely do that). Its extremely entertaining. One of the best horror/sci-fi (its clearly both, rather than one or the other) films ever made, and one of my favourite films of all time (and I say that as someone who usually hates mainstream, Hollywood fare, and counts a lot of obscure, independent films, and even some subtitled European movies, in my favourites list ie., I'm not just some guy who shows up at the video store and is happy just grabbing the latest "Ice Cube" comedy off the shelf). While it may not mean much to other people, I know I don't heap copious praise on too many mainstream films these days.

"The Mist" is truly astounding. Its so outside the good-guys-always-win narrative of Hollywood commercialism, I'm frankly surprised it was made at all. It didn't play long at any of my local theaters, which suggests it didn't have a very successful theatrical release, which doesn't surprise me at all; this was not a film tailored to the tastes of the bulk of the movie-going public, the way so many genre films are.

Oh, and in case its not obvious, I loved the cinematic ending! (as opposed to the one in the original story)

[Jake Featherston]

Both myself and my wife loved this film but were split over the ending. I loved it and thought Darabont did an excellent job, my wife on the other hand hated the ending with a passion.

I think you'll find most women feel that way. Maybe not most women who post here, but most women generally. Its definitely a guy's ending.

I have actually elected not to view this movie in the presence of my wife; she would hate the ending so much, she might even develop a personal hatred for Stephen King (I'd explain to her that he didn't write that ending, she'd ask if he approved of it, I'd admit that he apparently did, and we'd be back to square one), and since he is just about the only author we both enjoy, I'd rather that not occur.

[Lina]

I watched The Mist two days ago again and I liked it. Unfortunately, I haven't read the book, although I wanna do it in future. But the ending of the film really impressed me. I think it's a really good movie. :smile2:

[Scorchen]

This was one of the books that totally creeped me out for a long time after reading it. I was actually hesitant to watch the movie it freaked me that much (and that does not happen often). I was a bit disappointed with the movie - it certainly did not have any lasting freakiness at least. It was still a good horror and I would watch it again.

[sam peebles]

I preferred the open-ending to the book.

I mean, if it was you, and you ran out of gas in the car, would you shoot your kid right away? No, of course not. You'd probably wait a few days til you were all starving, dehydrated, and the car stunk of human waste. Wait until the last moment when there was no possible hope of rescue or god out of the machine. But in that movie, they can't wait to off themselves. They don't even wait five minutes!

[AndyDufresne]

I preferred the open-ending to the book.

I mean, if it was you, and you ran out of gas in the car, would you shoot your kid right away? No, of course not. You'd probably wait a few days til you were all starving, dehydrated, and the car stunk of human waste. Wait until the last moment when there was no possible hope of rescue or god out of the machine. But in that movie, they can't wait to off themselves. They don't even wait five minutes!

Few people get the fact that they say they're pretty much dead anyway when they leave the supermarket. All they wanted was to not let it happen in there.
But, would you rather choose to let your kid being eaten by some alien looking insects, or put him out of his misery? They drive through the entire state without the mist being any clearer (sped up in the film, obviously, otherwise the film would be a day long). So, naturally, they think this is their last resort. The dad promised his kid the bugs will not get to him, so he lives up that promise. I can't see what's wrong with that. Apart from the fact that they make a wrong judgment, and those are made all the time under stressful situations in real life too.

[Mark R]

Really enjoyed the movie, though some of the characters did wind me up and was hpoing that "She" was going to take a walk outside the store for some fresh air (You know who I mean).
No all in all, yet again they got the right actors to play the right characters, though I must admit the ending really surprised me. Another thumbs up from me on this one

[Mr Nobody]

My take was the mist wouldn't have lifted unless he shot his son. The others I don't know about, but given the religious 'penance/humility' undertone, the boy's 'sacrifice' was the price he paid for the mist lifting and earning his own survival. Of course, the fact that it then lifts and appears to be nothing of the kind adds ambiguity: would it have lifted at that time regardless, or wouldn't it? The thing with the whole film is, is Mrs Carmody (partially) right all along?

It certainly gives the old brain something to chew over.

[Raq]

I saw the movie first and than read the story ... and I must say the movie worked for me better. I know that's weird but it did. Mostly because of the ending..The one in the novel is awesome..but the one in the movie? Wow you can't even describe it in words. Also the characters (besides the main man) were very good in the movie. If you thought Mrs. Carmody was a bitch than the movie character will blow your brains out. I've seen it in the cinema (the first time) and believe me or not, but at one point most of the people got up and started clapping their hands (I think you know what I'm talking about). Anyway my point is that The Mist is one of the best horror movies of the last few years...honestlty, one more slasher, saw, hostel etc. and I'm gonna scream...Now the Mist was a breath of fresh air in this hot-and-unplesant movie era. Oh how I would love to see Frank Darabont take on The Long Walk, or The Stand...

[Jake Featherston]

My take was the mist wouldn't have lifted unless he shot his son. The others I don't know about, but given the religious 'penance/humility' undertone, the boy's 'sacrifice' was the price he paid for the mist lifting and earning his own survival. Of course, the fact that it then lifts and appears to be nothing of the kind adds ambiguity: would it have lifted at that time regardless, or wouldn't it? The thing with the whole film is, is Mrs Carmody (partially) right all along?

It certainly gives the old brain something to chew over.

I think its supposed to leave the viewer (at least those relatively few clever enough to notice the things you did) feeling a trifle ambiguous, but in the final analysis, I regard the lifting of the mist when it did as a very unfortunate coincidence.

[Jake Featherston]

I've seen it in the cinema (the first time) and believe me or not, but at one point most of the people got up and started clapping their hands (I think you know what I'm talking about).

Yes, there certainly are a lot of vulgarians in the world today. Those were probably the same people who laughed when the bagger kid banged his head on the roll-up door, as he was pulled to his gruesome fate. I find such emotionally inappropriate responses to a dramatic cinema portrayal quite revolting. I'm probably the only person under 40 (albeit not by much) who does, but I suspect our ancestors would have agreed with me on this.

Mrs. Carmody was a mentally disturbed, sad, lonely, terrified, confused woman. She had to die, yes, but I shudder at the thought of people who take pleasure in such portrayals. It horrifies me to realize those are my neighbours. The idea one can make someone unappealing, and people will stand up and cheer when that person is slain, rather reminds me of the scenes in the grocery store itself, and what Ollie said about us being an essentially insane species.

[TheHelgo]

i hated the way the changed the ending. Open-ended like the book would have been so much better, and may have opened the door for a cool sequel.

[Mr Nobody]

Have to agree about certain reactions. I think most people took/take a grim...solace?Satisfaction? Certainly not pleasure...from Mrs Carmody's demise. Hard to describe. For me it was necessary but regretfully so, which I guess was the note they were after.
OK, it's a work of fiction, but revelling in someone else's demise...well. Says a lot about the society we've come to live in. I guess it's an extension of that 'If you're not with us, you're against us/If you're not like us, you deserve to die' mentality that has become too prevalent.
Certainly makes you wonder about some folks.

[Duma D]

The ending was indeed haunting. It comes to mind every so often at the strangest times, with the message not to give up hope. But the thought of dying by being eaten or worse by those monsters would make me abandon hope forever. Scariest movie I've ever seen.

[Yenny]

I think Frank Darabont pretty much understands SK's work better than anyone.

I quite agree here, even since Shawshank Redemption I had no doubt about that and The Mist is no exception

[JayceeAZ]

Loved the ending more than the book ending! I waited for this movie for years, Skeleton Crew is my favorite collection.

[JRM]

Yes, there certainly are a lot of vulgarians in the world today. Those were probably the same people who laughed when the bagger kid banged his head on the roll-up door, as he was pulled to his gruesome fate. I find such emotionally inappropriate responses to a dramatic cinema portrayal quite revolting. I'm probably the only person under 40 (albeit not by much) who does, but I suspect our ancestors would have agreed with me on this.

Mrs. Carmody was a mentally disturbed, sad, lonely, terrified, confused woman. She had to die, yes, but I shudder at the thought of people who take pleasure in such portrayals. It horrifies me to realize those are my neighbours. The idea one can make someone unappealing, and people will stand up and cheer when that person is slain, rather reminds me of the scenes in the grocery store itself, and what Ollie said about us being an essentially insane species.


...I have to admit I let out a giggle when the kid hit his head on the door. :eek2:

...And I was also happy Mrs. Carmody died. :eek2: Simply because she wanted to "sacrifice" some of my favorite characters. So in my eyes, she got what she deserved...I'm a horrible person. :wow:

[lerv2read]

Hi there,
I love to read and am new to posting messages. I am also a huge beatles fan and Paul McCartney fan. I also love all kinds of music, films, and books. The mist was a great book to listen to. I loved it because my husband and I could both listen to it and we were so scared. I loved it. Thanks Mr. King, anyway the best to everyone and have a great day.

[MissiNBama]

When I heard the movie was going to come out I made my husband read the book. I don't go out to movies all that often, but if they are King related, I'll be there. Well anyway, he read the book and liked it. the movie ending, while a great bit of drama to me, really ticked my husband off! He literally stomped out of the theater saying "I'll never go see another King movie again" He likes movies with happy ending, even chick flick, go figure. The Mist's ending left me almost as breathless as did the Secret Window ending. When is the Long Walk coming out? Inquiring minds and all that. Oh CJ, I know you know when it is coming out :)

[Nabila]

I thought this was excellent. I mean they spend 75% of the time in a grocery store, and I'm still on the edge of my seat.

Marcia Gay Harden was PERFECT.... I despised her :mad2:. I believe this may win the prize for my most hated movie character ever.

Yes she was! Perfect! Very hateful that I didn't even want to listen or look at her anymore. It was so painful to listen to her. Great job Marcia! Yea, she should have won an award for this. Oh can we give her one!:biggrin2:

And I would not have stayed in that grocery store if I was there. By now, I already know what happens when too many people get cooped up together in a small space. Even worse when there's a 'Carmody' factor.

I enjoyed the first half of the movie and then it got too disturbing with the first 'expiation'. That really made me depressed. I was emotionally drained by the time the movie ended. It was an excellent movie. I just can't enjoy the reality of, to quote Ollie, the insanity of humans. The creatures were scary but the humans turned out to be scarier. The creatures just wanted to eat and survive. The humans eventually just want to find someone to blame and kill anyone handy instead of dealing with the immediate situation, that is defend themselves against these other species. My head hurts:grinning:

[Terry B]

I watched the movie today (finally) and can't say I liked the ending. The book ending was much better. Marcia Gay Harden was phenomenal as Mrs. Carmody, and if I'd known Thomas Jane was Dave I would have watched it sooner. :tongue:

[bookslinger]

While the ending was not what I had initially expected, it is a wonderful and fantastic movie. A true gem.

[qu33n0f3mpir3]

this movie was amazing!
I find it pretty ironic that he shot those
people in the car, thinking that they were all going to
die anyway,
but the military came along shortly after that.

[constantreader1313]

I need to find the book it's in and re-read it, it's a short right? Anyway, I agree with a few others, it had me hooked the whole way through until the end which brings me to another question- they were under no immediate threat at the time he mercy-shot them all, why not wait until there was absolutely no other option?

[Moderator]

It's in Skeleton Crew but Scribner also put it out as a stand-alone book when the movie came out.

[bopropadop]

I need to find the book it's in and re-read it, it's a short right? Anyway, I agree with a few others, it had me hooked the whole way through until the end which brings me to another question- they were under no immediate threat at the time he mercy-shot them all, why not wait until there was absolutely no other option?

Novella in the Skeleton Crew collection. They weren't under an immediate threat but I think they had given up hope. I think I still prefer the written ending with it's ambiguity.

Though it's interesting in an interview with Frank Darabont, it was revealed that SK wished he had come up with the movie ending himself and gave his approval for the change. See that interview here (http://www.liljas-library.com/showinterview.php?id=55) at Lilja's site.

[sai slone]

LOVED IT ALL THE WAY TO THE END. Constantreader1313,if you don't have skeleton crew,and if you are near a Hastings,they usually have the stand alone book on the shelf.

[Kat9]

I loved The Mist, although we had a bit of a wait for it to come to UK cinemas! I must admit that I was a bit taken aback by the ending of the film being so different to the book.

Which do people prefer?

[Jack Torrance]

I know what they were trying to do with the ending and it's a good attempt but I really did not care for it myself. This will sound bad but I just did not find it that believable given what they had all gone through up to that point. Now, had their been a bunch of creatures surrounding the car at the time he shoots everyone that would have made sense to me. Like someone said earlier there was no impending danger whatsoever and no real reason to kill everyone at that point. They had all scampered out of the store and risked their lives face the angry crowd at the store and dodge the creature to drive away etc but we'll just end it here with nothing around??? Yeah, I did not for for it. Again I know what they were trying to do with it but I just don't buy it.

[PatInTheHat]

I just saw it the other night, and thought the movie ending to be rather 60's retro cheesy...of the blueish variety.
Not that that's a bad thing, I just :love:'s me some sharp aged cheese:wow:.

[sköldpadda]

I just got round to watching this and I have to say that I liked the ending, it's so bleak and not as cliche as many horror movie endings. I haven't read the book yet though so maybe I'll change my mind once I have.
I also have to say that as much as I liked the ending (as much as you can like a guy shooting his son!) I did see it coming, as soon as the kid says "daddy promise you won't let the monsters get me" I knew the dad was going to have to kill him.

[Jesse Lovett]

This movie id Amazing i watched it so many times now just to make sure EVERYONE i know watches it it blew me away, there are so many things to love about this movie the way characters reacted how society deals its amazing and i'll be reading this asap!!!

[teejay17]

I just got round to watching this and I have to say that I liked the ending, it's so bleak and not as cliche as many horror movie endings. I haven't read the book yet though so maybe I'll change my mind once I have.
I also have to say that as much as I liked the ending (as much as you can like a guy shooting his son!) I did see it coming, as soon as the kid says "daddy promise you won't let the monsters get me" I knew the dad was going to have to kill him.
The ending is different in the book.

[Baz]

Frank Darabont is amazing. That ending made me cry, it was so frustrating an cruel. do the creatures breath the mist an can only exist within it?

[Jake Featherston]

do the creatures breath the mist an can only exist within it?

That's not really made clear, in either the book or the movie. But my guess is "no."

[goyet4]

The movie ending was a shocker and ruined the movie. Leave well enough alone.

[Baz]

at least the ending expressed the deep sorrow of all, would it really have been a better ending if they all went to disney land an had a big mac with micky... ;)

[karcreat2]

Ok, first off...I dont mean to piss off any fans of the Darabont ending to 'THE MIST' film...but I really disliked it personally.

One of the big reasons 'THE MIST' is my all time fave story is BECAUSE of the ending in the novella...its ambiguous, creepy, memorable and EPIC...I mean, the entire world seems to be at the mercy of the mist, its like its the beginning of a whole new reality for mankind (that is, the ones that will survive!) and therefore it ranks as a classic 'end of the world as we know it' tale...the Darabont ending turns the entire preceeding story into a short incident, almost complete with a traffic cop standing in front of the crowd stating 'Move along, move along...nothing more to see here, its all taken care of!'...

Long story short (I know, I know...'too late!') I decided to do a fanedit of the film, JUST FOR FUN (heres where I hope I dont piss a lot of people off...tho I know a lot of the fans of the 'original ending' have enjoyed what I did...and again, its NOT meant as any malice to the movie, which I MOSTLY loved...I just wanted to see the film end like the book basically did, see if I could manage it, etc...;) ...Oh, and the whole thing is completely NON PROFIT in any way, of course.

Anyway, you fans of the ORIGINAL ending might get a kick out of it...

http://www.karcreat.com/MistNovellaCut.html

...let me know what you think...;)

Thanks!
K

[Jake Featherston]

One of the big reasons 'THE MIST' is my all time fave story is BECAUSE of the ending in the novella...its ambiguous, creepy, memorable and EPIC...I mean, the entire world seems to be at the mercy of the mist, its like its the beginning of a whole new reality for mankind (that is, the ones that will survive!) and therefore it ranks as a classic 'end of the world as we know it' tale...the Darabont ending turns the entire preceeding story into a short incident, almost complete with a traffic cop standing in front of the crowd stating 'Move along, move along...nothing more to see here, its all taken care of!'...

I really like the cinematic ending, but that's the first viable criticism of it I've so far come across.

[Smikes]

I thought the ending was horrible. It was like Darabount wanted to end with a bang and that was the best he could come up with. I found it totally implausible and contrived. I mean, you can kill four people in a matter of seconds, which he did, so why not wait until it was absolutely necessary? It just seemed to me like Darabount was trying too hard to create drama and I was sorely disappointed with the way it turned out. He could have done much better with the whole movie really- it doesn't rank anywhere close to Shawshank or Mile.

Live, love, laugh & be happy,
Smikes

[JRM]

I thought the ending to the book was lacking; the reason being that I felt kinda jipped. There I was reading through the whole 100something pages of the story . . . and end up not actually getting an ending. I don't see how it was epic at all. Nothing happened.

[Smikes]

I thought the ending to the book was lacking; the reason being that I felt kinda jipped. There I was reading through the whole 100something pages of the story . . . and end up not actually getting an ending. I don't see how it was epic at all. Nothing happened.

Hey, have you ever read "The Lady and the Tiger", or "The Monkey's Paw" which is lauded greatly in Stephen's early non-fiction masterpiece Danse Macabre? If not, I would strongly urge you to familiarize yourself with those stories and particularly their endings, as the ending of The Mist is in kinship with them.

Stephen is not a "recent genius", he has ALWAYS been a genius- he's only just recently figured out the best way to MARKET that genius to non-geniuses.

Live, love, laugh & be happy,
Smikes

[Twilight2388]

I agree that it was good but I do think the effects were cheesy(this was because they had to do the movie with a smaller budget so they could make the movie with the ending they wanted, the bigger studios wanted the ending changed so I give Frank Darabount kudos for sticking to his guns). Marcia Gay Harden was so awesome by the end you wish you were the one pulling the trigger on the gun! As for the ending, it was truly one of the most upsetting movie scenes of all time. I feel like it was the antithesis of Shawhank. Where Andy never gave up hope, these characters did and hence the horrific results ....Although I think I would have grabbed one of the National Guard's guns and ended my own life after that. This movie definitely gives you alot to think about. Frank Darabont should be the only one allowed to make Stephen King movies!!! He is the best! Well ok Rob Reiner too!

[demorgan]

I still think that ending was premature. Maybe giving the impression of a longer period of time spent in the car(small complaint). IMO, i like the book ending, i dont mind open ended stories. I dont need closure all the time.
at the end of the day, i still enjoy the hell out of the movie, and i enjoy the hell out of the story.

[Smikes]

Yeah, either a longer period of time in the vehicle, or (more than four) monsters actually barraging it.

Live, love, laugh & be happy,
Smikes

[constantreader85]

I enjoyed it. it was one of the better SK adapations imo. The acting was great. and the creatures were gross. i have to admit i was shocked at the ending. May watch it tomorrow night.

[JRM]

Hey, have you ever read "The Lady and the Tiger", or "The Monkey's Paw" which is lauded greatly in Stephen's early non-fiction masterpiece Danse Macabre? If not, I would strongly urge you to familiarize yourself with those stories and particularly their endings, as the ending of The Mist is in kinship with them.

Stephen is not a "recent genius", he has ALWAYS been a genius- he's only just recently figured out the best way to MARKET that genius to non-geniuses.

Live, love, laugh & be happy,
Smikes

I haven't read any of those (but I will). Usually I just read a book/story and decide if I love it or not. To each his own. :smile2: I enjoyed The Mist novella, but I liked the ending to the movie better (as morbid as it may sound :eek2: ).

[NightRaven]

The mist for me was one of my favorites. It was a legend to me as the first time I read/heard the story it was in autiocassette form. I held it special after I found out that it was based outside of the town I went camping in every year and on the same lake that was used (Long Lake). When the movie came out I was very excited to see it and see how close it was to the autio version of the story. The movie was awsome I loved it.

[Kimmar]

I still think that ending was premature. Maybe giving the impression of a longer period of time spent in the car(small complaint). IMO, i like the book ending, i dont mind open ended stories. I dont need closure all the time.
at the end of the day, i still enjoy the hell out of the movie, and i enjoy the hell out of the story.

The best stories are those which leave wanting more and caring about the characters and wondering what happened to them...that is what makes Mr. King a great writer...the ending in the movie was just too final...nothing to look forward to.

[michal]

I thought it was bizarre the way the movie ending was less of a Happy Ending than the book. Usually with Stephen King novels it's the other way around...

[ginapenn]

I was talking to this guy I know the other day about this movie and he mentioned that he hated it. When I asked him why, he said it's because of the kid in the end. He said he could never do that. After a few moments of back and forth I told him that because the film made him angry, the writer and director technically win. He looked at me like I was crazy but I told him that the whole reason to tell a story is to get people to talk about it (which we were). Then he got it and kind of changed his mind.

I LOVE this movie!!!

[peaceluvnsploosh]

Marcia Gay harden was perfect for the role:) LOVED IT!

[taipeidryad]

The Mist is my favorite short story, though Skeleton Crew contains many wonderful wee tales. I still have my original copy (early 80's?), it's one of the books I'm willing to haul around the world with me.
Book v movie ending, the movie ending was cheesy, 45 sec after running outta gas,he starts blowing holes in people, personally, I was very disappointed. When those never ending critter legs walked over the car, I got goosebumps, I expected King's characters to do their usual (as they did in the book), continue...
Continue to fight, live, try, etc.
I intend to do my best to forget the movie ending, so I can enjoy rereading the story.
A thought for the producers, if it aint broken, dont fix it.

[CrazyAbe]

Hi

this is Abe

never see yet but the short stories is good