1408… and other Stephen King Works
I love Stephen King. He’s been my favorite author since I swiped my mom’s copy of Cujo and read it in terror and pure enjoyment at the tender age of 8. As a matter of fact, I have my mom’s copy of It, which she purchased when it was first released in paperback. It’s dogeared and falling apart, the cover is held on by sheer will and packing tape, but it’s my favorite of his books. I was watching The Stand this weekend, thinking about the fact that so often during the summer the television networks get together and declare it a “Stephen King Weekend” where they air movies based on King’s work all weekend long. During one of the commercial breaks, they showed a preview for the upcoming 1408 Movie. I knew within about 5 seconds that it was based on a Stephen King short story. One that I happen to love. And I’m awaiting the release of this film EAGERLY.
While a lot of the elements in King’s work are often difficult to translate to film, I’ve found that the short stories translate best. There’s room for expansion without taking away from the original story, whereas converting a full novel into a movie (not just King’s, of course) the screenwriter and/or director has to decide what elements of the story to eliminate. For good or ill, I love most of the movies based on Stephen King’s work — even the stuff that is generally considered a poor translation.
The 1408 Movie really looks like it was a great translation to film, and that the director added/expanded on some fantastic elements in the film. It’s gonna be so good. I can’t wait. Now I just have to find someone to go with me.
If you haven’t read the short story (shame on you!), it’s about a man known for debunking paranormal claims who decides to check out a room noted for it’s “spooky activity.” Much terror ensues, and to be perfectly honest, no synopsis I could give would do justice to the story. You really should read the story. It’s in King’s book of short stories “Everything’s Eventual” and let me tell you, that one’s got some of his best short story work.