Stephen King's Controversial Relationship with Stanley Kubrick's Film Adaptations

Is it true that Stephen King didn't like the movie version of Stanley Kubrick's interpretation of his novel, The Shining? Yes, this is true. Stephen King has been quite vocal about his dissatisfaction with Kubrick's film adaptation of his work.

King’s Dissatisfaction

Notoriously, Stephen King does not like Kubrick's interpretation of his novel. In fact, back in 1997, King had a television mini-series made under his supervision. The casting of a ghastly child as little Danny Torrence ruined it for many fans, including the author himself.

Kubrick's Vision vs. King's Novel

Kubrick felt that King's novel sugar-coated the alcoholic metaphor. In his adaptation, Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) became a Mary Sue figure who brutally dealt with his family’s problems. Kubrick wanted to portray the harsh reality of alcoholism and its impact on families, especially highlighting how isolation and domestic abuse can ensnare those who are victims of an alcoholic father.

Meanwhile, Kubrick interpreted Dick Halloran as a metaphorical figure for social drinking during Prohibition, particularly the use of "moonshine" or homemade liquor. According to Kubrick, this metaphor reflected the social dynamics and the way alcohol can impact communities. King, on the other hand, viewed Kubrick's interpretation as removed from the reality of alcohol dependency.

King's Response and "The Shawshank Redemption"

In his response, King wrote "The Shawshank Redemption," a story deeply rooted in his own experiences and autistic self. Here, the protagonist, Andy Dufresne, became a Mary Sue figure who faced extreme social and familial abuse. King's novel explores the themes of social intolerance, familial abuse, and the isolating effects of such conditions.

Ultimately, King's work in "The Shawshank Redemption" emphasizes his own sense of injustice and the profound impact of social and familial neglect on an individual's life. The novel is a stark contrast to Kubrick’s adaptation, which King found to be too abstract and distant from the reality of his original story.

Remake and King's Preference

While both the 1980 version and the remake of "The Shining" were enjoyable, King preferred the remake, which was closer to his original book. He stated that he didn't care what he thought about Kubrick's interpretation since one could see the differing visions and which one resonated more with him and his audience.

King has also commented on his own writing, saying that his work has "sucked" since the 1990s. This self-criticism adds another layer to his relationship with both his earlier works and film adaptations.

Favorite Scenes and Nicholson's Performance

For many viewers, scenes from the 1980 The Shining that stand out are Nicholson's interaction with the bartender ghost, the caretaker's ghost, and his pursuit of his wife on the stairs. These iconic scenes showcase Nicholson's intimidating performance, which few actors can match.

Despite King's dissatisfaction with Kubrick's adaptation, it stands as a classic in its own right, celebrated for its cinematic style and performances.