This is a wonderful documentary on CUJO. I was particularly interested in the discussion of why Stephen King's screenplay was rejected. Why would the authors screenplay be turned down? Well, according tot eh documentary, because King's rendition strayed too far from the novel!
King later encouraged the film makers to let the boy live, even though he died in the novel. It is King's willingness to allow his work to have a little give that has allowed Hollywood to be successful in translating his work his work to film.
Check it out at: youtu.be CUJO
It is indeed a good documentary. It can be found on the 25th anniversary edition DVD.
ReplyDeleteNice to see Douglas Winter interviewed. Man, do I wish that guy would write an updated version of "The Art of Darkness"!
An updated Art of Darkness would be about 8,000 pages now.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd read every page of it!
DeleteThere is an art to writing screenplays and an art to writing novels. King may have mastered writing novels but he isn't very good at writing screenplays. Look at the abysmal screenplay for The Shining mini-series. What works on the page doesn't always work on the screen. Meanwhile screenwriters like Darabont have successfully adapted his books. I don't think King is really needed when it comes to writing screenplays for his movies. He sure can try though. He also tried directing for the record. He said he won't try it again.
ReplyDeleteI mostly agree with you, although I think his screenplay for "Storm of the Century" is excellent.
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