On Twitter, the platform previously known as Twitter, renowned author Stephen King shared a compilation of melancholic coming-of-age movies assembled by a well-known director, offering his unique perspective. King specifically pointed out the 1986 adventure drama “Stand by Me,” directed by Rob Reiner, which many might find surprising given its generally upbeat reputation.
Scott Derrickson, the director behind “The Black Phone” and also known for films like “Sinister”, originally published a list that showcases his expertise in somber coming-of-age movies. This list included titles such as “Elephant”, “Kids”, “Christiane F.”, “Rumble Fish”, among others, all of which have a melancholic tone. However, when Stephen King reposted the list and included “Stand By Me”, Derrickson responded that he does not consider this film to be bleak.
The movie titled “Stand by Me” is a poignant drama about growing up, inspired by Stephen King’s story “The Body” from his 1982 collection, “Different Seasons.” In this film, we see Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, Kiefer Sutherland, John Cusack, and Richard Dreyfuss in the leading roles. Critics highly praised it as an exceptional adaptation of King’s work, with some even calling it flawless. The film earned a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars but was incredibly successful commercially. Nowadays, many fans consider it one of the best films produced in the 1980s due to its strong sense of nostalgia. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an impressive score of 92%.
Is Stephen King Right That Stand by Me Is Bleak?
Over Labor Day weekend in 1959, the movie “Stand by Me” tells the tale of four pals – Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern – setting off on a remarkable journey. Their mission: to find the vanished body of Ray Brower, a local boy. This quest takes them through the dense forest, where they encounter difficulties such as menacing bullies and pesky leeches. Yet, their adventure also serves as a poignant moment for these friends, deepening their bond and creating an indelible memory that will forever mark their time together. “Stand by Me” is often hailed as one of the best films depicting the summer that transformed everything.
To many people, including Scott Derrickson, Stand by Me appears as a heartwarming journey infused with humor that can brighten up your day. However, despite its cheerful exterior, the film delves into somber themes, particularly death and the dawning realization of mortality. The story unfolds from Gordie’s point of view following the tragic news of Chris’s demise after attempting to intervene in a fight that ended fatally. While it may seem gloomy compared to films like the intense school-shooting drama Elephant or the unsettling and distressing Kids, Stand by Me still has its lighter moments.
Stephen King has often expressed his appreciation for the movie “Stand by Me“. In an interview with Rolling Stone, when asked about his favorite film adaptation based on his work, he replied, “I believe it would be ‘Stand by Me‘ because it stayed true to the book and captured the emotional depth of the story, making it a moving experience.” He also praised it for its faithfulness to the original work.
Reflecting back on that unforgettable day at the Beverly Hills Hotel screening room, I can still recall the shock and awe that washed over me as Rob Reiner played his masterpiece. I was there for some other reason entirely, but little did I know that this chance encounter would change my life forever. With a gleam in his eye, he asked if he could share this movie with me, casually mentioning it was made on a shoestring budget and destined for obscurity. Boy, was he wrong!
Stand by Me
is available to stream on The Roku Channel and Pluto.
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2024-08-26 02:31