Imprisonment as a Theme in Stephen King's Works

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?