Iconic, Check Out These Series of Film Adaptations From Stephen King That Stir Up Your Feelings!

Kapanlagi.com - The name Stephen King has soared high in the literary world. The concepts of horror and fantasy are closely associated with the name Stephen King. He has written at least 61 novels, 5 non-fiction books, and 200 short stories compiled in book collections. Being a best-selling storyteller in New York, Stephen King has achieved many accomplishments.

One of them is when former President of the United States, Barack Obama, awarded King the National Medal of Arts in 2015. King also won the Grand Master Award nomination at the Edgar Award. This award specifically appreciates mystery story writers and is one of the most prestigious awards in the literary world. Stephen King has won a total of 100 awards throughout his writing career.

The uniqueness of the stories in Stephen King's novels will surely captivate readers. With this factor, many film production houses are eyeing King's novels to be adapted for the big screen. There are at least 47 cinematic adaptations of his novels and short stories. The question is: Why so many? One of the reasons is the complex and strong characterization. This will leave a deep impression on the audience. Another factor is that Stephen King is able to explore many things that make his stories so diverse.

So, what are the films that adapt Stephen King's works? Check out the following review!

1. IT

(Credit: imdb.com)

Starting with the horror film, IT. This film is one of King's novel adaptations that garnered great success. IT premiered in 2017. However, there was a film adaptation with the same title in 1990. Its unique story with iconic character, Pennywise, the dark clown with a troubled childhood. The 2017 version of IT stars Bill Skarsgard, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lilis, Wyatt Oleff, Jack Dylan Grazer, Nicholas Hammilton, and Jackson Robert Scott. It tells the story of the Loser Club haunted by Pennywise. They try to eliminate this ghost in various ways. 

IT successfully brings terror to all its viewers. Horror films are usually associated with jump scares that stand out in every scene to stimulate the adrenaline of the audience. However, IT seems to highlight the character of each of its characters. Let's mention Bill's performance as Pennywise. Bill perfectly portrays the creepy smile of Pennywise. Also, his clown attributes somewhat traumatize anyone.

2. The Shawshank Redemption

(Credit: imdb.com)

If usually Stephen King's film adaptations mostly carry the horror or thriller genre, this film instead shows another side of life in prison. Starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, this film tells the story of a banker named Andy Dufresne who is imprisoned for being accused of murdering his wife and her lover. Unexpectedly, a man who is not too concerned about the surrounding environment like Andy actually forms friendships with fellow inmates in prison. This film teaches many values of life seen from the perspective of prison inmates.

Like other characters in King's novels, the characterization in this film is very strong. Like Brooks, who has been in prison for 50 years but refuses to leave. Not long after, he commits suicide because he cannot adapt to the new environment. Andy's friends in this film have special characters. This film has achieved the highest rating according to IMDB with an average positive review.

3. The Shining

(Credit: imdb.com)

THE SHINING is a psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film was released in 1980 and is considered one of the most iconic horror films in history. It tells the story of Jack Torrance, a writer who has recently quit drinking. He accepts a job as the caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, known for its creepy atmosphere. Jack moves in with his wife and son. Danny, the son, can see the dark history of the hotel. One day, Jack loses his sanity and plans to kill his wife and son.

This film received various public responses. Many believe that the portrayal of the Overlook Hotel is the most effective horror setting. Jack Nicholson's acting also received much praise for portraying a character with a slight obsession. Interestingly, to achieve realistic acting, Kubrick even had to make the female lead terrified to the point of affecting her psyche. This may be a form of dedication, but it is also dangerous for Shelley Duvall's mental health.

The film adaptation of Stephen King's work was quite successful, considering he is a famous writer. In addition, his diverse and complex writing keeps his works in the forefront of literature and many receive offers to be adapted for the screen. 

Written by Adelia Dewi Masita

(kpl/mag)