Stephen King On Screen (2023) Review
Stephen King On Screen (2023) Review
This feature documentary is the ultimate guide to the King of your nightmares. Stephen King – one of the best-selling authors of the last century and undeniably a modern horror icon. His works have been translated into television shows, feature films, video games and more across the decades.
In STEPHEN KING ON SCREEN, fans of the beloved nightmare writer are given the chance to meet the directors and creatives who brought unforgettable stories to the big screen from CARRIE to IT, MISERY, STAND BY ME, CUJO, CHILDREN OF THE CORN and more. Join Hollywood legends Frank Darabont, Tim Curry, Tom Holland, James Caan, Mike Flanagan, and more as they discuss their own journeys into the fantastical world of Stephen King. STEPHEN KING ON SCREEN is directed by Daphné Baiwir (THE REBELLIOUS OLIVIA de HAVILLAND).
When it comes to a documentary about adaptations of Stephen King’s books and short stories there’s a lot to squeeze in. Using the talking head format – with both known and lesser known faces in the mix – there’s plenty here for both avid fans and for anyone that’s coming in fresh to King’s material. Familiar nuggets of information are mixed in with theories offered up as to why King’s material can work so well – the general consensus is that he creates believable characters – and some notable adaptations receive less screen-time than you’d expect.
To its credit the documentary’s credit does a VERY good job of cramming as much in as it can, and chances are that, like me, other fans are going to come away wondering certain adaptations were not covered but as stepping off point for newbies this is a terrific introduction and for those all too familiar with the subject matter there’s still plenty new to savour in the mix.
It seems hesitant to delve into why some of his work doesn’t translate to screen, such as GRAVEYARD SHIFT and holds up lesser works, such as Garris’ take on THE SHINING simply because the author prefers it. Frank Darabont does most of the talking as does Greg Nicotero. They both consider King’s uncanny knack when it comes to political foresight and other significant cultural events but never touch upon how individuals with unwanted special powers also seem to feature highly in King’s work.
STEPHEN KING ON SCREEN is top and tailed by a needless that squeezes in as many references as they can to Stephen King’s work on film, but it doesn’t come off. This documentary would have been better without it. Also, the sound mix is louder for these wraparound segments than for everything else that’s sandwiched in-between. Also where are the likes of Carpenter, Cronenberg and DePalma when it comes to discussing King, especially the latter two which helmed between them two of the more superior adaptations of King’s work?
In summary STEPHEN KING ON SCREEN is a worthwhile documentary, almost exhaustive in its content, but still not definitive and without the wraparound segments it would have started and finished on a better note.
Signature Entertainment presents STEPHEN KING ON SCREEN on Digital Platforms 26th June
https://www.facebook.com/SignatureEntertainmentUK/videos/905938673800787/
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