Compliments To Stephen King
By Reporter Joseph Toth
Washington Micro Bank BBS
Submitted: 11-26-08
Being a very serious movie collector, I watch numerous movies in my free time. I’ve noticed not all writers have the same touch for the industry. Not saying of coarse some are better than others, but rather … they differ greatly in the types of product they come up with. I am a huge fan of Stephen King films. This is evident by the presence of a Stephen King chapter in my website. Am I the kind of fan that wants to follow the man around and know everything about him, … No, of course not. I do show a great respect for the enjoyable product he is capable of producing when it comes to the film industry. His work in my opinion is by no means a waste of money in any way, shape or form. The man has the mind for providing us with entertainment that will keep us coming back for more.
I own numerous Stephen King films on DVD, … I’m not disappointed at all with any of them. Night Flier, Thinner, Langoliers, Carrie, It, Sleepwalkers and of coarse two of my biggest favorites Storm, Of The Century, and The Stand just to name a few. There are a lot of films out there by Stephen King, and then there are a lot of films out there that were inspired by the work of Stephen King.
I have noticed a couple of things with Stephen King films. He uniquely signs many of them by showing up in the film playing a small acting roll. Think about this for a minute. In Sleepwalkers he has a momentary roll that comes up as the caretaker. The langoliers he shows up in a momentary roll as a businessman at a conference table. In The Stand he plays a small part as the man driving the brown Ford Bronco. I can’t think of any other way to describe this but ‘pure genius’.
Another thing I noticed is the fact that it is very hard to find bloopers or mistakes in his films. I haven’t found any.
I’ll use some other films as a example of what I’m talking about (without mentioning titles of course).
A western film which I’m sure most of America has seen, … in a scene showing the bust shot of two cowboys outdoors talking to each other, … way off in the distance you can see the top two thirds of a eighteen wheeler crossing the background. The whole thing lasted about two seconds, but never the less it shows up. The first time I saw this, I thought it was hilarious.
A vintage movie using a blimp to try and kill a stadium full of people. In the scene where they steal the blimp from the crew on the air field, … as the blimp is lifting off, look at it’s flat windshield, … it gives a very clear reflection of the entire filming crew and all the equipment, cameras, and cables laying all over the place.
A famous comedy trucker movie with a eighteen wheeler and a sports car being chased by a cop. In the scene where the sports car is speeding through front yards and knocking off mailboxes, … as the female actor is looking out the rear window of the car, you can see the shadows of studio equipment shining through to the floor of the sports car. This particular film is full of stuff like this.
Stephen King films, … it is hard to look for flaws like this. This could only mean that Stephen King has a eye for great detail, that won’t be compromised. He is very good at what he does.
Stephen Kings Cujo actually comes very close to something that could happen in reality. This work shows that something like this is believable and possible. That’s what kept me glued to the television as I watched this DVD. This film brings out a level of horror that is very gripping because it does come so close to reality. As with all of his work, a great pleasure to sit down and enjoy it.
Earlier I mentioned that The Stand was one of my bigger favorites from Stephen King. The reason for this is the theme and story of the movie is in perfect taste for the entertainment of a person such as myself. A outstanding cast of actors, great background music and perfect stage sets.
I couldn’t think of a better cast of actors to star in this film. Each character seemed to be a perfect professional fit for the actor playing that roll. It worked out really well and produced a film that gets high praises from me, and I’m sure many others.
Complete Cast:
Gary Sinise - Stu Redman
Jamey Sheridan - Randall Flagg
Ruby Dee - Mother Abigail Freemantle
Miguel Ferrer - Lloyd Henreid
Matt Frewer - Trashcan Man
Shawnee Smith - Julie Lawry
Joe Bob Briggs - Deputy Joe Bob Brentwood
Molly Ringwald - Frannie Goldsmith
Laura San Giacomo - Nadine Cross
Ossie Davis - Judge Richard Farris
Rob Lowe - Nick Andros
Bill Fagerbakke - Tom Cullen
Adam Storke - Larry Underwood
All star in this 1994, 366 minute film directed by Mick Garris.
The DVD includes commentary by Mick Garris, is digitally mastered and contains information on the cast and crew.
