As a cinephile who’s been through the emotional rollercoaster that is horror cinema, I can wholeheartedly appreciate Mike Flanagan’s connection with Stephen King’s universe. His personal journey from being traumatized by Tim Curry’s Pennywise to becoming a fearless horror filmmaker is not just a testament to his resilience but also to the power of storytelling that King masterfully weaves.
Mike Flanagan, a contemporary master of horror, renowned for works such as The Haunting of Hill House and Hush, is increasingly recognized as the preferred choice for film and TV adaptations based on the works of Stephen King. Flanagan offers his perspective on why he’s suited to bring more of King’s extensive library to life. According to the director, it all comes down to shared themes of trauma.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter about his newest movie based on Stephen King’s short story “The Life of Chuck“, Flanagan shared that there’s no accident in their compatibility when it comes to King’s work. He revealed that the seeds for their future partnership were sown way back, when as a young boy, he first encountered a particular dancing clown. Recalling how watching the mini-series of “It” starring Tim Curry left him traumatized, Flanagan explained that it was this experience that led him to King’s novels.
Initially, when the show appeared on ABC, my friends organized a sleepover to watch it. Desperate to leave, I feigned illness and went home. Goodness gracious, I was devastated! However, I discovered that if I could mentally force myself to endure a frightening sequence without shutting my eyes, I gradually became less fearful in small steps. This mental exercise provided me with something useful that I could apply to my life – helping me conquer fears such as public speaking or approaching girls. By college, I had become almost impossible to scare. And when I decided to venture into the horror movie industry, it seemed like the digital code in “The Matrix.” Now, I’m deeply engrossed in the technical aspects of the genre, so it is unusual for a film to stir any emotions within me.
I couldn’t watch horror movies as a kid. They scared me too much.
As a movie buff eager to step up my game with my peers, I thought diving into horror literature would be the ticket. Little did I know that Stephen King, one of the pioneers I stumbled upon, would take me on a rollercoaster ride of fear unlike any other. What makes his tales truly chilling isn’t just the creepy clowns and monsters lurking in the shadows but rather the exceptional empathy he shows towards his characters. Indeed, King has earned my admiration as a writer par excellence, always leaving me on the edge of my seat with anticipation and respect for his craft.
Flanagan’s Upcoming Film is Definite Proof That His Future Holds More of Stephen King’s Universe
Chuck’s Life” is director Mike Flanagan’s third movie in the Stephen King universe, and he plans to adapt The Dark Tower series next. During an interview, Flanagan discussed why he has earned the title of auteur, as perceived by industry executives and perhaps even King himself. One of the most significant instances showing King’s approval occurred when Flanagan helped the author be more accepting of Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of “The Shining.” When Flanagan made Doctor Sleep, a sequel to The Shining, he was able to bring his vision and King’s views to life while also honoring Kubrick’s iconic film. According to Flanagan, a crucial conversation with King went like this:
In Maine, we showcased the movie “Doctor Sleep” where I sat beside its creator in his hometown theater in Bangor. Rather than focusing on the screen, I tried to subtly read his responses. If he nodded, it was a sign that my work was well-received; if he sighed or shifted uncomfortably, it suggested displeasure. This film was quite lengthy, running for two and a half hours. Eventually, after such a long screening, he leaned over and said, “You did a great job.” That moment left me nearly speechless. Later, he drove me to his house where we enjoyed pizza and had a pleasant conversation. He’s an incredibly kind person.
Before making The Life of Chuck, we collaborated extensively on many aspects. He had significant input on decisions like casting and details. But during production, he took a step back and let us take control, regarding the film as our project, while reserving the book as his own.
Unfortunately, I learned that one of Stephen King’s projects in his universe which I had been eagerly anticipating, has been put on hold. Yet, it might just work out for the best since he also revealed that this decision frees him to focus on the one King story that seemed unfilmable – The Dark Tower. Flanagan expressed:
“I once penned a script based on ‘Revival’, one of my best works, but it didn’t work out. That project is now abandoned due to me being occupied with ‘The Dark Tower’. Stephen King typically prefers not to have writers working on multiple projects simultaneously, which means that something isn’t getting made.
The Life of Chuck
is yet to receive a release date.
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2024-09-07 00:05