Title: Stephen King Goes to the Movies
Author: Stephen King
First published January 20, 2009
626 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781416592365 (ISBN10: 1416592369)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
Stephen King, the master of horror, takes us on a journey through his favorite short stories that were adapted into films. The Shawshank Redemption, a film based on the novella “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption,” received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Morgan Freeman.
In 1408, John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson brought the horror to life, making it a box office success in 2007.
“Children of the Corn” was transformed into the popular movie of the same name, while The Mangler was inspired by King’s personal experience working in a laundromat. Hearts in Atlantis, based on “Low Men in Yellow Coats,” featured the legendary Anthony Hopkins.
This collection includes new commentary and introductions to all of these stories, offering a treasure-trove of movie trivia for all Stephen King fans.
About the Author
Stephen Edwin King was born in 1947 in Portland, Maine to Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. His father left the family when Stephen was just two years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his older brother, David.
They moved around during his childhood, spending time in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Stratford, Connecticut before finally settling in Durham, Maine when Stephen was eleven. His mother’s parents were getting older and needed care, so the family moved back to Maine to take care of them.
After his grandparents passed away, Mrs. King found work in the kitchens of Pineland, a nearby residential facility for the mentally challenged.
Stephen attended school in Durham and graduated from Lisbon Falls High School in 1966. While at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote for the school newspaper and was involved in student politics.
He became a supporter of the anti-war movement, coming to his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970 with a degree in English and went on to become a teacher.
He met his wife, Tabitha Spruce, while they were both working at the Fogler Library at the University of Maine. They married in 1971, and Stephen struggled to find a job as a teacher.
He worked as a laborer at an industrial laundry while Tabitha used her student loan and savings to support them. Stephen sold his first short story, “The Glass Floor,” in 1967 and continued to sell stories to men’s magazines throughout the early years of his marriage.
In 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy in Maine. He continued to write in his free time, working on novels and short stories.
Editoral Review
Stephen King Goes to the Movies is a collection of five short stories written by the renowned American author Stephen King. The book was first published on January 20, 2009, and falls under the science fiction and horror genre.
The book brings together some of King’s most popular stories that have been adapted into movies. In this book, King takes readers behind the scenes of popular films and shares his thoughts on how the stories were transformed into movies.
The plot follows the five stories: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, The Mangler, Children of the Corn, The Lawnmower Man, and Hearts in Atlantis. The stories range from tales of redemption, dealing with emotions and love, to tales of horror and gore.
Each story explores different themes and concepts, but all are guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. King’s writing style is known for its vivid imagery and detailed descriptions.
His work is also known for being highly influential within the science fiction and horror genre, making Stephen King Goes to the Movies an essential read for fans of the genre. The book is also significant as it brings a more significant insight into the creative process of adapting a literary work into a movie.
The book opens with the story Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, which follows the relationship between inmates Andy and Red in a fictional prison. The story has been adapted into one of the most popular movies of all time, The Shawshank Redemption.
Each story in the book has a unique setting, time period, and conflict. King’s ability to paint detailed costumes and evoke emotion through his writing is remarkable.
His characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with them. The pacing of the stories is also well-timed, with the tension building until the thrilling climax.
However, while Stephen King Goes to the Movies is undoubtedly a compelling read, it may not be suitable for all audiences due to its graphic content and horror themes. The book highlights King’s talent in bringing readers into a fictional world and keeping readers engaged throughout.
King’s passionate approach in writing horror, science fiction, and mystery stories is unrivaled. However, while the book is an excellent introduction to King’s work, it may not be the best option for readers sensitive to graphic horror themes.
Overall, Stephen King Goes to the Movies is an essential read for fans of King’s work and the science fiction and horror genre. King’s exceptional storytelling skills and ability to transport readers into unique fictional worlds make this book an enthralling read.
The book is recommended for adults who enjoy horror and science fiction and are not sensitive to graphic content. It receives a solid 8/10 rating for its gripping stories, vivid imagery, and expert storytelling.
