Stephen King Has accumulated many fans over the years. Some appreciate his books,that have made it to the big screens. However there are many who feel that his movies do not accurately represent the books and he has not progressed as time has. This is a issue that true fans can identify with.
According to Mark Brown, Stephen King has been able to overcome the general classification, that many writers and directors have conform to. However some fell he may need a change. A large amount of individuals feel the adaptations of the books are disappointing. Although one can ask themselves is this because of the types of movies we have come accustom to, or is because they simply do not have the same affect on the audience as the books do?
For instance, the movie "Dreamcatcher" , could not be explained in detail, as it is in the book. For someone who has read the book, this was somewhat of a disappointment. While the overall concept of the movie was displayed, it lacked some of the background information; which gave the story substance and clarification.
Again, I feel there's need to ask if this is because of the violence and graphics, that we have began to expect whenever we watch in films and games. King seems to take a more classic approach, when turning his books to films. The movies represent classic horror films, instead of the gory movies that are produced today. His films, which may be lacking in one department are a representation of true horror/suspense films.
Some of King's most recognized work is, "Carrie", "Creepshow 1 & 2", "Stand by Me", "The Green Mile", and of course " The Shining". All of the films represent thrilling yet classic approach to horror films. There is some gore in these films, but for the most part they tell their stories, without the aide of special effects and an obscene amount of blood (excluding Carrie).
Honesty I feel that for the most parts Stephen Kings movies are accurate reflections of his books. Of course if one takes into consideration that a vast majority of Kings novels are lengthy, then they'll realize that it is impossible for them to match their movie counter parts perfectly. Over the years I feel that some of his films are lacking in certain ways, but this can be said about lots of movies, regardless if they are from books or not. Understanding that Stephen King is not the typically writer or producer, is the first step to understanding his movies. Most writers may not take such a large role in producing their movies, however King has had a great presence in the production of all his films. Some say this is his downfall, while others may feel this is why he has lasted so long, and continues to be one of the greatness writers around.
References
(2010).Stephen King on the big screen. Journal of Popular Culture, 43(4), 901-903. doi.10.1111/j.1540-5931.2010.00776_2.x.
April - Nice job on your article analysis. I am not a Stephen King fan. I have never read one of his books, but apparently have seen movies that he has been a part of...Green Mile and Stand by Me. I think Stand by Me is an entertaining and well done movie. In my opinion, I would certainly give this movie pop culture status. Stephen King is a unique individual with a mind that thinks very differently. I enjoyed reading your analysis and thoughts on his works.
ReplyDeleteApril- I enjoyed your analysis. I am not a die-hard King fan; but I do enjoy some of his work from time to time. I have watched several of his movies and now realize that the lack of certain special effects are a direct result of his writing style that did not neccistate those effects to convey the stories plot and intended effects. Great analysis and I did not realize that he had such a presence in the movies based on his books.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! I have never been a fan of Stephen King books because they jump around to much for me. I do however love the movies made from his books. I really enjoyed reading about him in your post!
ReplyDeleteStephen King is a great author and I love the twists that he puts on his works. The Green Mile is one of my favorites! I am one who loves to be scared and he has a way to put an uneasy feeling into areas of life not thought of before. I do not get to read much outside of school books so I always enjoy watching his movies. His accomplishment through the years has truly helped make his mark in history solid and I always like looking for him in his movies. Great review!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the journal analysis. I too have not read any of Stephen King's books but enjoyed several of his movies. There are writers who create their books in hopes of having them made into movies. So when the movie is made very little changes or translations are required. I appreciate King for being different and switching things up when it comes to making his books into movies.
ReplyDeleteHi April~
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that movies have no way of completely representing every detail of a novel but some people watch a movie not even knowing that it was ever based on a book. I think Stephen King movies might be a disappointment to his readers but for those of us that don’t read a lot, the movies seem pretty good. I will never forget when “IT” came out. That clown is the scariest and the movie definitely kept you watching. Nice critique!
Jackie