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Renowned author Stephen King experienced a blend of regret and envy in response to the movie adaptation of his novella “The Mist.” The story unfolds in a quaint New England town cloaked in thick mist concealing bizarre and deadly creatures. Enormous bugs and otherworldly entities lurk amid the fog, as the townspeople barricade themselves in a supermarket, grappling with the unknown terror outside.
In King’s original novella, the main character, Dave, escapes the supermarket and the oppressive religious zealot leading the frightened patrons. He manages to reach his car and drives off into the uncertain expanse of mist, where a crackling radio eventually hints at other human survivors. However, the movie adaptation directed by Frank Darabont took a darker turn.
Darabont’s film sees Dave and other survivors run from the store into the mist without any sign of hope. Convinced of an impending doom, Dave uses his last bullets to mercifully end the lives of his companions before bracing for his own death. It is at this moment of despair that the military arrives, an ironic twist that leaves Dave alone with his actions. Darabont sought King’s approval for this harrowing ending.
King supported the grim conclusion, indicating that it was powerful storytelling: “I think every generation needs a movie like Night of the Living Dead where nothing turns out well for anybody at the end. Where everybody dies…” Darabont explained that with King’s blessing, he felt justified in the creative decision for such a stark finale.”
Despite its somber tone, the film’s ending is an unforgettable conclusion to a haunting tale, leaving both King and audiences in a state of satisfied discomfort.
FAQs About Stephen King’s Reaction to The Mist’s Movie Ending
- What was “The Mist” about? – “The Mist” is a story about a strange fog that envelops a town, bringing with it deadly creatures from another dimension. The townspeople take refuge in a grocery store as society breaks down around them.
- How does the movie ending differ from the novella? – In the novella, the protagonist at least has a hint of hope with a voice on the radio. The movie, however, ends with the protagonist committing mercy killings before the unexpected arrival of the military, leaving him with the weight of his decisions.
- Did Stephen King approve of the movie’s ending? – Yes, King expressed approval, despite its bleakness. He believed that the dark ending was impactful and necessary, comparable to the tone of movies like “Night of the Living Dead.”
- Who directed the film adaptation of “The Mist”? – Frank Darabont directed the movie adaptation of “The Mist.”
Conclusion
Stephen King’s response to the film adaptation of “The Mist” encapsulates the complex emotions that authors often feel when their written words are translated onto the screen. While King may have felt a tinge of regret for the absence of the novella’s glimmer of hope, he also expressed a feeling of envy for the merciless and profoundly effective ending that Darabont crafted. Ultimately, the film’s conclusion stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact a story can have, regardless of its medium.