Stephen King and Hollywood have always had a lucrative relationship. Ever since his first novel “Carrie” was adapted to the screen in 1976, American cinema has been littered with Stephen King films.
Known as a horror writer, King also produced some very touching and emotionally draining stories which adapt very well to the screen under talented directors.
The most recent of his films is “Secret Window,” a thriller starring Johnny Depp. Since the film was released to capitalize upon Depp’s burgeoning popularity rather than create an effective thriller, odds are that it will not be among the most memorable Stephen King adaptations.
Here are five films to consider renting to capture the broad expanse of Stephen King cinema.
* “The Shining”
Quite possibly the best film based upon a Stephen King novel, it is not a complete translation from novel to film. However, director Stanley Kubrick adds enough horrific sequences and memorable thrills to make the film version a superb adaptation. In this film, Jack Nicholson plays a writer secluded in a ski resort with his family, eventually succumbing to an intense form of cabin fever as the haunted history of the resort brings Jack to homicidal tendencies against his wife and child. This is a true horror classic.
* “The Dead Zone”
A small and quiet adaptation of King’s novel, director David Cronenberg weaves an intriguing tale of a man (Christopher Walken in a very subdued role) able to see into the future after awakening from a coma. As the first Hollywood venture for Cronenberg, it is not full of glitz and flash but remains a deep and powerful thriller that is generally overshadowed by flashier King films like “It” or “Children of the Corn.”
* “Stand By Me”
Generally not known as a Stephen King film, this is one of the earliest adaptations of his non-horror/non-thriller stories. River Phoenix and Corey Feldman star as young boys venturing into the wilderness in search of the dead body of a young boy. Director Rob Reiner portrays an endearing story of four boys searching for themselves while they search for death.
Very touching performances by the young actors, especially the late Phoenix and the pre-“Goonies” Feldman. It is an emerging-self classic.
* “Carrie”
The first Stephen King novel/film is also the ultimate prom nightmare. Sissy Spacek plays the titular character, an awkward telekinetic raised by a fanatical mother. Director Brian de Palma adds a unique visual flair to the story that keeps the story suspenseful, especially at the climax (now well- engrained in the American psyche) as pinnacle of America’s teenage years becomes a literal bloodbath. Also noteworthy is John Travolta before his big break in “Saturday Night Fever,” here playing a spiteful bully.
* “The Shawshank Redemption”
While this film can be seen anytime on cable stations TNT and TBS, this is one of the most cinematically powerful and engrossing Stephen King adaptations ever created. Tim Robbins, in a very understated and powerful role, plays a wrongly convicted man serving two life sentences in Shawshank prison. The story is one of hope and redemption and is steadily becoming an American classic.
Director Frank Darabont, who also did an excellent adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Green Mile,” painstakingly portrays this tale of prison and freedom with as much emotion. Not just a powerful story but also a masterful film, this and “Stand By Me” are the two most engaging non-horror King adaptations. If you haven’t seen this gem, be sure to catch it.
Jason Bolte can be reached at [email protected].
