King on Screen

Director: Daphné Baiwir
Writers: N/A
Starring: ‎Frank Darabont, Mike Flanagan, Mike Ferris, Taylor Hackford 
Year: 2023
Duration: 105 mins
BBFC Certification: 15

Stephen King on Screen begins not with a talking head or a film clip, which is usually the traditional way of beginning a documentary of this type. Instead, we are treated to a seven minute Easter Egg stuffed dramatic homage that sees a young woman arrive at a sleepy Maine town. Something seems off; a gas station attendant eyes her suspiciously, while the long, tree lined roads she drives down feel laced with menace. Arriving at a local bar, she is greeted by some familiar looking faces, before she is invited to give a mysterious painting to ‘the master…’

So an unusual way to start a documentary then, that’s for sure, albeit a fun one as you try to spot the supposedly 300 King references dotted throughout this extended opening…yet something about it feels slightly off and unfocused, which in a way perfectly sets the stage for the documentary that is about to follow.

By this stage in his career, Stephen King might be just as famous for the 80 plus films and TV shows based upon his work as he is for the (more than 50!) novels themselves. In this regard, Stephen King on Screen looks to celebrate the legendary author through an exploration of the multitude of cinematic and television adaptations of his world conquering, iconic fiction.

Quite an impressive cast has been assembled here to discuss all things King. Heavy hitters such as Frank Darabont and Mike Flanagan (two of the most skilful interpreters of King’s fiction) lend their thoughts and anecdotes, as well as a whole host of less well known filmmakers, such as Mikael Håfström or Mick Garris. The list of interviewees is by no means definitive or even that varied – big names such as John Carpenter, David Cronenberg or (perhaps most egregiously) Rob Reiner certainly feel missed. It also would have been fantastic to have heard from some actors or dedicated screenwriters; as it stands, this is very director focused.

Nevertheless, what is on offer here is entertaining and interesting if you are a fan of King. Beyond the anecdotes and backstories about various productions, some of the insights into King’s work are insightful and considered. Before watching this documentary, for example, I never considered just how many of King’s stories feature people being trapped in hostile environments. From The Shining to Under the Dome, from Misery to even less horror focused tales such as The Shawshank Redemption, it was surprising for me to be made aware of this central trope that underpins much of King’s work. The interviewees also rightly point out and discuss the key element that makes King’s fiction so popular and unforgettable – it isn’t the horror or the darkness, it’s the characters that King creates that makes his work and the subsequent adaptations so memorable and engaging.

At times you do wish that a broader view was taken on the ‘Stephen King cinematic universe’. Big hitters such as The Shining are obviously discussed (in surprisingly pejorative tones by the way!) but some of the essential deep cuts, such as The Dead Zone or The Running Man only receive passing mentions. The latter day TV adaptations also hardly get a look in. Under the Dome or The Outsider (which in my mind ranks as one of the best King adaptations ever) are hardly even mentioned, let alone discussed. There is also an inordinate amount of discussion dedicated to The Green Mile, which, while a great movie, perhaps didn’t deserve so much screen time considering what wasn’t discussed at all.

Ultimately, Stephen King on Screen isn’t really a forensic look at how King’s screen adaptations differ from his written work, nor is it an encyclopaedic exploration of all 80 plus screen and TV credits associated with him. Rather, it uses fun, informal discussions about some of the key adaptations of his novels as an excuse to chat and rhapsodise about King himself. With some great on set footage and interviews with two of his key cinematic interpreters, Stephen King on Screen is clearly a labour of love, made by King fans for King fans. If you don’t go in expecting an authoritative or even definitive look at the cinema of Stephen King, then you’ll likely find lots to enjoy.

Film:

Signature Entertainment presents Stephen King on Screen on Digital Platforms 26th June & Blu-ray 18^th September

Where to watch Stephen King on Screen