Stephen King stands out as one of the finest storytellers of contemporary literature, captivating audiences with his unique narratives. It is particularly fascinating to explore the films that resonate with him, given his own extensive body of work that includes iconic titles like The Shining and It. Many of King’s bestsellers have been transformed into films, some receiving multiple adaptations. While he is predominantly recognized for his horror stories, King’s novella, which inspired the uplifting film The Shawshank Redemption, and the forthcoming The Life of Chuck, showcase his versatility as a writer.
King’s cinematic tastes are as diverse as his literary repertoire. His understanding of storytelling intricacies is evident in both his writing and film preferences. Over the years, King has publicly shared his views on various films, providing insight into his favorite movies that embody great storytelling.
10 The Hurt Locker
Released In 2009
In a retrospective analysis of cinema from 2009, Entertainment Weekly featured King’s selection of favorites, with The Hurt Locker receiving the top spot. This gripping film, which earned six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, chronicles the harrowing experiences of a bomb disposal unit during the Iraq War. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, it stars Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie before their Marvel fame.
Reflecting on the film, King noted the profound intensity of bomb disposal situations, recognizing it as a classic theme in war cinema. The tension and psychological peril depicted in The Hurt Locker echo the suspense found in some of his most gripping tales.
9 The Stepfather
Released In 1987
Before gaining fame as John Locke in Lost, Terry O’Quinn captivated audiences with his role in The Stepfather. King recognized the indelible mark left by O’Quinn’s performance, specifically highlighting a chilling moment when his character, blankly asking, “Saaay, who am I this time?”before committing an act of violence, resonated deeply with him.
The film’s narrative about a murderous man adept at adopting new identities aligns with themes often found in King’s writing. Although sequels followed, none could replicate the original’s impact, a testament to the film’s uniqueness that King genuinely appreciated.
8 The Changeling
Released In 1980
Throughout his career, King has explored supernatural horror through stories such as Carrie and The Shining, allowing him to discern effective cinematic representations of the genre. In a discussion with the British Film Institute, King expressed his admiration for The Changeling, which stars George C. Scott in a compelling tale of a composer haunted by a child’s spirit.
King emphasized that the film effectively conveys fear without relying on grotesque visuals; instead, the simple yet eerie image of a child’s ball rolling down the staircase left a lasting impression. His appreciation for Scott’s poignant performance further enhanced his connection to the film.
7 Night of the Demon
Released In 1957
In Night of the Demon, King found a classic horror gem centered on Dr. John Holden, played by Dana Andrews, who unearths chilling occult practices tied to a colleague’s demise. The film has earned recognition as a timeless horror classic, and although its frights peak at the end, its buildup won King over.
He described the film as a “wonderful adaptation” of M.R. James’s “Casting the Runes,” praising Jacques Tourneur’s subtle approach to horror, demonstrating that impactful fear can often stem from less overtly terrifying elements until the story’s climax.
6 Village of the Damned
Released In 1960
King’s acclaim for Night of the Demon reflects his appreciation for another British horror film that blends supernatural themes and science fiction: Village of the Damned. He admired its black-and-white cinematography, praising George Sanders’ portrayal of the unsettling schoolmaster, Gordon Zellaby.
King’s own narratives often feature disturbing children, as seen in Children of the Corn and It. Consequently, the eerie children of Village of the Damned naturally resonate with his literary style, effectively creating an atmosphere of suspense and dread.
5 The Last House On The Left
Released In 2009
In a parallel assessment of the 2009 cinematic landscape, King highlighted The Last House on the Left as his second favorite film. Despite being a remake of Wes Craven’s seminal 1972 film, King praised it as “easily the most brilliant remake of the decade”due to compelling cinematography and performances, particularly by Aaron Paul from Breaking Bad.
The narrative, centered on the harrowing kidnapping of two young women, holds a moral compass that King found refreshingly aligned with good storytelling. He boldly compared it to The Silence of the Lambs, asserting its strong storytelling quality, although the film’s broader reception didn’t fully echo this sentiment.
4 Billy Elliot
Released In 2000
Delving outside horror and thrillers, King acknowledged Billy Elliot as one of his favorite films. In a review published in Entertainment Weekly, King remarked on how he encountered true cinematic gems like Billy Elliot, emphasizing themes of determination and hope reflected within its story.
Despite his penchant for darker topics, King’s appreciation for this uplifting narrative aligns with the messages of resilience found in his own works, including Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.
3 Mystic River
Released In 2003
King also extolled Mystic River, which he reviewed alongside Billy Elliot. He praised the film’s capacity to engage viewers from its opening frames, highlighting the depth of character development and storytelling. King articulated how the film lingers in one’s mind, capturing poignant moments, such as Sean Penn’s gut-wrenching cries of grief following the tragedy that befalls his character.
For King, this Clint Eastwood-directed film is a hallmark of cinematic achievement, showcasing a profound emotional impact that outshines many contemporary releases.
2 The Autopsy Of Jane Doe
Released In 2016
Most recently, King expressed enthusiasm for The Autopsy of Jane Doe through a succinct yet favorable review on X (formerly Twitter). He likened its visceral horror to the classic Alien and the early works of David Cronenberg, underscoring the film’s chilling narrative. King advised viewers to approach the film with a companion, signaling its unnerving effectiveness.
This endorsement not only showcases King’s engagement with contemporary horror but also highlights how he brings attention to films that may slip under the mainstream radar.
1 Duel
Released In 1971
While Steven Spielberg is typically celebrated for blockbuster hits like Schindler’s List and Jaws, King has a unique affinity for Duel, describing it as Spielberg’s “most inventive film.”Set against the backdrop of a solitary man confronting a menacing truck, the film’s minimalist premise captivates King.
This film resonates with King, reflecting thematic elements similar to his novel Christine, which features a vengeful car. King did not let the fact that Duel was a made-for-TV film diminish his enjoyment; rather, he found its daring concept compelling. His appreciation serves as a reminder that films often dismissed can possess unseen depth and significance.
For further reading, visit the following sources: Entertainment Weekly, British Film Institute, Entertainment Weekly, and X/Twitter.
Related Articles:
Top 15 Must-Read Romance Books of 2024
4:50Marvel’s Strategy to Revive Scarlet Witch in the MCU Without Diminishing the Significance of Her Death
2:22
Glenn Ford’s 94% Rated Film Noir: A Must-Watch Revenge Movie Classic
1:13
Leave a Reply