Content Warning: This article discusses themes of violence and suicide.
Stephen King, often hailed as the “King of Horror,”has penned numerous works that engage and enthrall readers. However, it’s unfortunate that some film adaptations fail to capture the essence of his storytelling. While many of his novels and short story collections are successfully transformed into compelling films, the transition to the screen can sometimes distort the original narrative, leaving fans disappointed.
10 Jack Torrance’s Icy Demise
The Shining (1980)
In Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining, the demise of Jack Torrance unfolds as he freezes to death in a snowy maze while pursuing his son, Danny. This ending diverges sharply from King’s novel, in which Jack faces a more dramatic and redemptive fate. In the book, he battles against the malevolent power of the Overlook Hotel, ultimately sacrificing himself when its boiler explodes, showcasing a glimmer of his humanity amidst the horror.
9 The Transformation of Tony
The Shining (1980)
In the film adaptation, Tony is depicted as Danny’s imaginary friend, with unsettling interactions that contribute to the film’s eerie atmosphere. However, in King’s original narrative, Tony is a distinct entity—an extension of Danny’s own psychic abilities. This alteration significantly shifts the story’s dynamics, particularly in the iconic “REDRUM” scene, where Tony reveals the ominous message through a mirror rather than through a psychic link.
8 The Shift in Protagonist’s Intent
The Running Man (1987)
The adaptation of The Running Man significantly transforms Ben Richards’ motivation. In King’s narrative, he is a desperate ex-police officer seeking to support his family. Conversely, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s film presents a more one-dimensional portrayal focused on bravado. The film omits the tragic backstory that fuels Ben’s motivations, resulting in a diluted narrative that lacks the emotional stakes present in the novel.
7 The Dream-Like Ending
Cell (2016)
In King’s Cell, the story concludes with Clay reaching for his son amidst the chaos. The abruptness of the situation leaves readers with a sense of lingering uncertainty regarding Johnny’s fate. However, the film’s “it was all a dream”twist undermines the intensity of Clay’s struggle, presenting a lackluster and confusing conclusion that diminishes the power of the father-son bond depicted in the novel.
6 Alan Pangborn’s Representation
Needful Things (1993)
In the 1993 film adaptation of Needful Things, Ed Harris portrays Alan Pangborn, but this interpretation strays from the character’s complexity in the novel. In the book, Pangborn grapples with profound grief following a family tragedy, adding depth to his character. The film, however, presents him as primarily angry and volatile, neglecting the nuances that make him relatable and compelling.
5 The Machinery of Madness
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
Maximum Overdrive, an adaptation of King’s short story “Trucks,”introduces a clear rationale for the machines’ sentience—namely, an extraterrestrial comet. While this unusual explanation detracts from the tension built through the story’s ambiguity, it is King himself who authored the screenplay. The clarity provided by the film spells a departure from the suspenseful unknown that characterizes the original source material.
4 Burke’s Fate in Salem’s Lot
Salem’s Lot (2024)
In the 2024 film adaptation of Salem’s Lot, Burke’s demise is altered to show him being turned by Barlow, diverging from King’s portrayal of a character who faces a heart attack. This adaptation is significant as it diminishes Burke’s impactful role in the narrative, replacing a poignant death with one that feels more fictional and less grounded in the emotional weight of King’s story.
3 The Portrayal of Stan’s Death
It Chapter Two (2019)
In It Chapter Two, Stan’s suicide is portrayed as a heroic act, intended to motivate his friends against Pennywise. This transformation of his demise stands in stark contrast to King’s depiction, which reflects a deep-seated trauma and a release from suffering. While cinematic adaptations often seek dramatic flourishes, this change sidelines the complexity of Stan’s mental anguish presented in the original text.
2 The Shift in the Creed Family Tragedy
Pet Sematary (2019)
The 2019 adaptation of Pet Sematary faces scrutiny over its choice to shift the focus of the child’s tragic end from Gage to Ellie. While Gage’s death carries tremendous weight, creating profound familial tension, Ellie’s demise alters the emotional landscape. This crucial change diminishes the narrative’s impact, as Gage’s innocent age and subsequent transformation create a chilling contrast that is lost when the roles are reversed.
1 The Disconnection from Source Material
The Lawnmower Man (1992)
The 1992 film adaptation of The Lawnmower Man strays so far from King’s original short story that it bears little resemblance. Rather than following the eerie tale of a gardener connected to paranormal forces, the film crafts a narrative centered on technological experimentation and virtual reality. King’s lawsuit against the adaptation underscores the discontent with the liberties taken in this transformation, ultimately rendering this adaptation as one of the least faithful interpretations of his work.
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