Everyone knows that Stephen
King is a master of his craft, that is, stories of horror and the
supernatural. Some of the best science
fiction and thriller films have been based on his work, whether inspired by his
literary works, or whether he himself straight up wrote the screenplays. At
first his stories may seem vastly different, I mean, Dreamcatcher and The Shawshank
Redemption have two completely story lines; however, King uses one
recurring theme in most of his works. Imprisonment. Whether that be literal or
in a metaphorical sense, his characters are more often than not trying to
escape from some burden or institution.
The most obvious example of
confinement in a King based movie is The
Shawshank Redemption. Based on the short story Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, it tells the story of
characters Andy Dufresne and “Red”,
who are literally prisoners in a late 1940’s prison. There are no magical
powers or instances in this tale. It quite simply gives us a remarkable period
piece about hope and human nature when subjected to incarceration. The film
stars Tim Robbins as Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis “Red” Redding. This
may be my favorite work of King’s, although I’ll never commit to saying it is
for sure, as I love all that King delivers. All I know, is that I read the
novella at the speed of light, and watch the film every time it comes on,
(Which is ALL THE TIME, so if you have yet to see it, you really have no
excuse).
The
next film demonstrates examples of both literal and symbolic imprisonment.
Hint: It too is a period piece (circa 1935), and it stars Tom Hanks.
If
you guessed The Road to Perdition,
you are absolutely incorrect. No, I am of course speaking of The Green Mile. This narrative has
everything. The nostalgia of 1930s America, magic, violence, and a WHOLE lot of
drama that will rip your heart out. Meet John Coffey, a gentle giant with a
magnificent power. The power is also his personal prison. Although he acquires
this incredible capability, it also burdens him with pain and a greater knowing
of the world he lives in. Coffey also happens to be a death-row inmate, along
with his fellow prisoners most of whom are also likeable characters. Enter Paul
Edgecomb. Although we see him in the film prior to Coffey, we do not learn of
his confinement until the end of the film. I will not give any spoilers, but I
am very disappointed if you don’t already know what I’m talking about. Cue Melinda Moores, a victim of a horrible
tumor in her brain that makes her lose all traits of herself. She eventually
escapes her prison. See what I mean? Everyone is trying to escape something.
SPOILER ALERT—DO NOT READ THIS SECTION IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FILMS
DREAMCATCHER, THE DARK HALF, OR SECRET
WINDOW
Although not set in a
literal federal prison, the film Dreamcatcher
has many examples of the concept. Following four friends who are spending a
weekend together at their vacation cabin, the film tells the story of how they
acquired a telepathic bond with help from their special needs childhood
companion “Duddits”, and their current struggle against an extraterrestrial
being. Character Jonesy, portrayed by Damian Lewis, has the most eloquently
displayed example of a metaphorical prison in all literature and film. After
encountering the alien enemy, Jonesy finds himself a prisoner in his own mind, physically
possessed by the paranormal entity. The Alien controls his body and his
physicality, but Jonesy is enabled to hid secrets, information, and thoughts
from his parasite.
Another example of
imprisonment is more literal, a sort of “camp” set up by the government to
quarantine anyone in the area who may have been exposed to “Mr. Grey”, an
eventual nickname of the space creature.
Here are a few more examples
of characters who are in some way prisoners in King-inspired films:
·
The
Mist-
Wouldn’t you feel confined if you were forced to stay in a grocery store with
some possible lunatics, whilst creatures from another dimension are wreaking havoc
outside?
·
The
Dark Half/Secret Window-These two stories are very similar in
many aspects, but they also contrast in many ways. Both follow key characters
who are novelists. The Dark Half,
starring Timothy Hutton, following Thad Beaumont, who is a prisoner in his own
subconscious; taunted and plagued by an alter-ego who turns out to be so much
more. Secret Window follows Mort
Rainey played by Johnny Depp, who is scrutinized by his split personality John
Shooter, who can be found incarnate of John Turturro.
There are many other
examples of literal and symbolic prison and prisoners in King’s works and
inspired films, but you get the point. It is a talent of his, to show this
concept as a repeating theme in his work without it ever becoming boring. Can
you think of any other authors/screenwriters who you can say the same about?
