BOOK REVIEW #35: STEPHEN KING AT THE MOVIES

If you read through Stephen King at the Movies, you will realised a young Drew Barrymore starred in two of Stephen King movie adaptations, Firestarter and Cat’s Eye back to back.

A small fun trivia fact to start this review.

King remains one of the most prolific horror-thriller writers over the years and his works are of course highly sought after by Hollywood. Stephen King at the Movies is a complete history of the film and television adaptations from the master of horror as proclaimed on the cover of this handsomely published hardcover book written by Ian Nathan, editor of Empire film magazine.

Nathan compiled and researched from different sources to come up with a book that delved into every King’s title that were adapted to the screen. Each title received at least a two pages coverage accompanied by a couple of behind-the-scenes stills or sometimes mainly movie stills while the more acclaimed titles, Stand By Me, The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile are more lengthy and detailed.

To be fair, the list included here is exhaustive but definitely not as informative. This is more of a “compilation” book than a proper historical tribute or writeup on King’s works. Probably a beginner will find this an eye opener especially audiences who just discover the original Carrie, Pet Sematary or Children of the Corn on cable during the long work from home routine. Long-time readers and fans are not likely thrilled with most of the facts and information in which Nathan has conveyed right here for example King’s notorious dislike for Kubrick’s version of The Shining.

King’s works are currently in huge demand after the critical hit of Warner Bros’ It. Even Netflix has gotten into the scene with 1922 and Gerald’s Game. All mentioned titles are included in the book up till the release of Mike Flanagan’s Doctor Sleep. On the other hand, this would have a much better, sought after title if Nathan have approached King for his personal opinion and thoughts on the titles featured.

As mentioned earlier, readers who prefer a more comprehensive, thoughtful experience might want to give this a skip. For those who are keen to check out all of King’s book-to-onscreen adaptations will find this a breezy fun read.

Book Rating:

Review by Linus Tee

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