Stephen King’s Controversial Stance- Did He Really Hate the ‘The Shining’ Movie-
Did Stephen King Hate the Shining Movie?
Stephen King, the renowned author of horror fiction, has written numerous novels that have been adapted into films. One of his most famous works, “The Shining,” has been the subject of much debate and discussion over the years. One question that often arises is whether King himself disliked the film adaptation of his novel.
The original novel, published in 1977, tells the story of Jack Torrance, a man who becomes the off-season caretaker of the Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. Haunted by the hotel’s dark past, Jack descends into madness, leading to a chilling and terrifying outcome. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and its film adaptation, directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980, was also met with acclaim. However, King’s feelings towards the film have been a subject of controversy.
King’s mixed feelings towards the film
Stephen King has expressed both admiration and criticism for the film adaptation of “The Shining.” On one hand, he has praised the film’s visuals, production design, and the performances of Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. King has even gone so far as to say that he prefers the film to the novel in some respects. “I think the movie is a masterpiece,” King said in an interview. “It’s one of the best movies ever made.”
On the other hand, King has also criticized the film for its deviation from the novel’s source material. The film’s ending, in particular, has been a point of contention. In the novel, Jack’s son, Danny, survives the tragedy at the Overlook Hotel, while in the film, Jack kills his wife and son before being killed himself. King has expressed his dissatisfaction with this change, stating that he believes the novel’s ending is more powerful and meaningful.
King’s reasons for disliking the film
Despite his admiration for certain aspects of the film, King has made it clear that he dislikes the film’s ending. He believes that the film’s decision to change the story’s outcome was a significant misstep. “I think they made a mistake in the ending,” King said. “I don’t think they understood the novel’s message.”
King also expressed his disappointment with the film’s portrayal of Jack’s character. He felt that the film did not capture the complexity of Jack’s descent into madness. “They didn’t really get Jack,” King said. “They didn’t understand that he was a man who was capable of love and compassion, as well as violence and madness.”
King’s relationship with the film
Despite the criticism, King’s relationship with the film adaptation of “The Shining” is complex. He has acknowledged the film’s success and the legacy it has left behind. “The Shining” has become a classic in the horror genre, and King’s novel has been cemented as a staple of modern literature. While King may not be entirely pleased with the film’s changes, he has come to accept its place in the pantheon of horror films.
In conclusion, while Stephen King may not have outright “hated” the film adaptation of “The Shining,” he has expressed his dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the film. His mixed feelings towards the film reflect the ongoing debate about the art of adaptation and the challenges of translating a novel to the screen. Despite the disagreements, King’s novel and the film adaptation of “The Shining” continue to be influential works in their respective mediums.
