As a huge fan of Stephen King and his work, I can only imagine the thrill JT Mollner must have felt when the legendary author tweeted about his movie “Strange Darling.” It’s not every day that someone you’ve admired for years publicly acknowledges your work!
In the last few decades, Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption,” one of the standout movies from the ’90s and among the top Stephen King adaptations ever made, continues to captivate audiences and critics alike. However, what makes truly exceptional art so compelling is that it always reveals new, intriguing details with each revisit. This concept is beautifully demonstrated in our latest feature on The King Beat.
As a devoted Stephen King fan with years of immersion in his intriguing universe, I am thrilled to share my weekly roundup filled with two exciting tidbits for fellow enthusiasts like myself! First off, I had the privilege of chatting with William Sadler, who played a pivotal role in “The Shawshank Redemption.” It was an unforgettable experience that I’ll cherish. Secondly, I delve deep into one of King’s latest movie recommendations, offering a comprehensive look at this cinematic gem. So, without further ado, let us dive right in!
William Sadler Provided A Key Bit Of Improv To An Early Scene In The Shawshank Redemption
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but draw parallels between my favorite game worlds and Frank Darabont’s masterpiece, “The Shawshank Redemption”. The film doesn’t mince words when it comes to portraying the harsh reality of life behind bars. Remember that chilling scene where inmates are betting on who among the newcomers will crack first? It wasn’t just a cold display of indifference, but a grim reminder of the high stakes and ruthless nature of prison life. The sequence culminates in a shocking act of violence and death, setting the tone for the story that follows. This scene is a testament to the film’s ability to immerse us into its world from the get-go… And here’s a fascinating tidbit: one of its most impactful moments was improvised! Yes, you read it right; one of the movie’s greatest moments wasn’t even in the script.
Recently, I enjoyed an engaging conversation with actor William Sadler about his diverse roles in Stephen King adaptations such as “The Green Mile,” “The Mist,” and the upcoming “Salem’s Lot” remake. During our chat, we delved into his role as Heywood in “The Shawshank Redemption” – a film marking its 30th anniversary this year. Interestingly, he shared an intriguing tidbit about the “Fresh Fish” sequence. In that scene, Heywood cruelly taunts a new prisoner, nicknamed Fat Ass (Frank Medrano), to win a bet with his fellow inmates. However, Sadler disclosed that it was his suggestion for Heywood to attempt calming things down when Captain Hadley (Clancy Brown) enters the scene wielding his menacing baton. In his own words, Sadler explained this choice.
As a seasoned gambler with years of experience under my belt, I can’t help but share a tale from my past that still lingers in my memory. One fateful night, I found myself in a game against a notorious character known as Fat Ass. The stakes were high, and the tension was palpable. In the heat of the moment, when Fat Ass started causing a ruckus, I couldn’t help but let out an exasperated response.
As a long-time fan of “The Shawshank Redemption,” I can confidently say that Heywood’s character is one of the most intriguing in the film, and the improv scene involving Fat Ass serves to deepen our understanding of his complex personality. Having watched this masterpiece numerous times, it’s clear that Heywood initially comes off as a bully or even a villain, particularly during his interactions with Fat Ass. However, when Hadley enters the picture, we begin to see a different side of Heywood – one that shows he is capable of kindness and empathy despite his rough exterior.
According to William Sadler in an interview, this intricate emotional depth carries over into the following scenes too. The next morning, Heywood is seen joking and cheerful, having won the bet, but his mood shifts dramatically upon learning about Fat Ass’s fate. Tim Robbins’ character, Andy Dufresne, then tries to restore some dignity to the deceased man. Sadler went on to say…
The following morning, I realized I owed that man a deep affectionate kiss or something similar. “How’s my horse doing?” I inquired. “He’s deceased. Hadley bashed his head open.” Andy questioned, “What was his name?” Since I had no idea, not even knowing the name of the person who just killed me. He asked about him because he knew the boy had been sent to the infirmary. He was aware that the boy had taken a severe beating, but didn’t know what had happened to him. Upon finding out that he had died, Andy asked, “What was his name?” I retorted, “It doesn’t matter what his name is.” Immediately getting defensive about it.
Heywood may not be wicked; instead, he’s exceptionally unwise and shaped by his surroundings. Despite this, he offers a captivating perspective on prison life within the context of The Shawshank Redemption. Furthermore, he experiences a profound lesson on institutionalization when James Whitmore’s character, Brooks Hatlen, threatens him with a knife after learning about his release.
William Sadler pointed out that Heywood may not be the sharpest mind in the room, yet he serves as an effective lens through which to explore the world of Shawshank. In fact, Heywood could also be considered one of the film’s main sources of amusement.
He’s one of the characters – I like to think that as an actor, I can sort of dial a character’s IQ up or down. I can pretend that it’s higher than my own, or I can pretend that it’s much, much lower than my own. And Haywood is way, way… all it really is is a matter of how much they see going on around them and understand. And the [laugh] and the further down I dial it, until you get to Haywood, he can only see what’s right exactly in front of him. He’s constantly surprised by things, which I think is fun. It’s fun. It’s funny that in the movie, I think he’s almost a comic relief that you need, you know?
If you’re eager to honor the 30th anniversary of “The Shawshank Redemption,” you can rent or buy the movie digitally from popular online platforms. At the moment, it is also accessible through an AMC+ subscription. Moreover, don’t forget to check back here on TopMob for more from my upcoming interview with William Sadler.
Stephen King Is A Big Fan Of The New Horror Movie Strange Darling, And The Writer/Director Is Over The Moon About It
Film director JT Mollner is currently basking in a unique phase, given his role as an ardent reader of Stephen King’s works. Not only has he been engrossed in bringing to life the first-ever screen adaptation of “The Long Walk,” which he assures will be a gritty cinematic journey, but he now boasts the esteemed endorsement from the author himself. Last week, King publicly lauded Mollner’s upcoming horror film, “Strange Darling,” and understandably, the director is thrilled about this recognition.
The film titled “Strange Darling” is due in cinemas on August 23rd. Last week, Stephen King praised the work on his Twitter account, describing it as a “shrewd masterpiece.” He advises not to delve too deeply into its details before watching. Here’s a link to his tweet: [Link]
Hey there, gaming community! I’ve been fortunate enough to get my hands on an early preview of STRANGE DARLING, and let me tell you, it’s nothing short of spectacular. I can’t wait to share the trailer with you all – it’s a true work of art that you simply have to see for yourself. Trust me when I say that this film is full of surprises; give it a watch, and you’ll quickly understand what I mean. Here’s the link: https://t.co/XGIEyJAbA6. Can’t wait for you all to experience it! 🎥🍿🎉
Just moments after sending out that tweet about my upcoming interview with JT Mollner, I found myself grilling him on his latest flick, “Strange Darling.” Naturally, my curiosity led me to inquire about Stephen King’s response. To my surprise, the director revealed he was aware King had watched the movie, but admitted he hadn’t a clue a tweet was on its way!
On my way back to Los Angeles from the Central Coast along the Pacific Coast Highway, my phone began acting strangely out of nowhere, leaving me puzzled about the situation… A month prior, Stephen King might have watched Strange Darling as our producer, Roy Lee, had graciously arranged it. They’ve worked together before since Roy has been involved in producing several of his films. After he was prompted to watch the movie, we anxiously waited for his response.
Apart from being the producer for the show “Strange Darling”, Roy Lee is recognized for contributing to Andy Muschietti’s “IT” duology, Mike Flanagan’s “Doctor Sleep” and “The Stand” miniseries. This means he has a good understanding of Stephen King’s preferences, as Mollner mentioned they had recently discussed with Lee about King’s response to the film, and they are looking forward to a potential announcement on social media regarding it.
I recently visited the film set of my Stephen King adaptation, The Long Walk. Roy, another writer, was also present. During our conversation with director Francis Lawrence, we shared that Stephen King had expressed his approval of the project. Lawrence asked if King would tweet about it, to which I inquired about the process. Roy explained that it wasn’t a requirement or for monetary gain; instead, King engages with movies because he enjoys them. If he chooses to tweet, he does so out of passion, not obligation. There’s little we can do if he doesn’t feel like posting.
JT Mollner views Stephen King tweeting about “Strange Darling” as a significant milestone in his career, given that he’s been an avid fan of King since he was very young. In fact, the first complete novel he ever read was “Carrie,” which he acquired from a used bookstore when he was in second grade with his aunt. This book left a lasting impression on him, as Moller often reminisces about it.
In the second grade, I was summoned to the principal’s office due to my teacher’s disapproval of my Stephen King books, which were then deemed as low-brow horror that would corrupt young minds. That book, in particular, had landed me in hot water, and I recall them questioning my mother about why she permitted me to read it at such a tender age. She bravely defended me, stating simply, “He’s reading!”
Featuring Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Barbara Hershey, and Ed Begley Jr., the movie “Strange Darling” hits theaters on August 23. Stay tuned to TopMob for an interview with JT Mollner, where we’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes insights!
Recommendation Of The Week: “Red Screen”
From stories of demonic possession to the plot of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers, the idea of people we know and love getting replaced with nefarious doppelgangers is a classic horror premise, and it’s one that Stephen King exercises with delight in his short story “Red Screen.” Originally published as an independent e-book in 2021, it’s one of the briefer entries in King’s 2024 omnibus You Like It Darker, but it certainly packs a punch,
In the narrative, we meet the main character, Frank Wilson, a NYDP detective handling homicides. During an interrogation of Leonard Crocker, a man accused of stabbing and killing his wife, Frank encounters personal problems gaining a startling new perspective. Crocker claims it wasn’t him who committed the crime but an alien imposter that has been masquerading as his spouse, emotionally tormenting him for months. At first, Frank dismisses Crocker as insane, but his words gradually make him ponder and question his own domestic troubles.
That wraps up this week’s edition of The King Beat, but be sure to head back here next Thursday here on TopMob for my latest roundup of news from the world of Stephen King.
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2024-08-08 19:38