The tyranist's thoughts
For a movie that starts out as slowly as this one did, it really had me at the end. Normally, all it takes is a slow start to completely damn a picture for me, but once in a while, they manage to redeem themselves. Fade to Black starts out terribly slow and to be honest never really picks up much speed, but what does happen is a transformation in character. Suddenly it becomes very interesting.
Eric Binford is a movie nut whose life is pretty pathetic. When circumstance push him over the edge, he starts a killing spree that is focused on all of the people who treated him so poorly in the first place. There is a peripheral cop sub-plot that really doesn't belong in the movie, but Eric's story plays out to a dramatic end.
I was impressed by the production even though it does appear a little dated now. The core premise was solid and intriguing and while they didn't always deliver perfectly, they tried and succeeded more than I could have hoped. The acting it pretty good and the dialogue is sometimes perfect, but usually only okay.
The only thing that really hurts the movie is its slow opening. Check this one out, but understand that you'll have to be a little patient. This is a nice example of an early '80s non-slasher horror film.