The horror novella “1408” was penned by Stephen King as a writing exercise for his non-fiction work “On Writing,” before transforming into a standalone story featured in his collection “Everything’s Eventual.” Much like King’s seminal work “The Shining,” “1408” explores the theme of a haunted hotel, or more precisely, a haunted hotel room. Translated into the silver screen, the story maintains its core while adding new layers. John Cusack portrays Mike Enslin, an author specializing in the supernatural, although ironically, he is a non-believer himself—a disbelief stemming from the tragic loss of his daughter to an illness.
“1408” kicks off with Mike’s current project on haunted hotels and his encounter with room 1408 in the upscale Hotel Dolphin in New York. Despite hotel manager Olin’s (played by Samuel L. Jackson) fervent dissuasions, Mike insists on staying. The ensuing tale is one of madness and genuine hauntings, as the room lives up to its nefarious reputation. The movie features various endings, with King and many fans suggesting the director’s cut ending found on Blu-ray as the preferred conclusion.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about “1408” and Stephen King’s Views
What is “1408” about?
“1408” is a horror novella by Stephen King, which was adapted into a film. It tells the story of Mike Enslin, an author who debunks supernatural occurrences and confronts a truly haunted hotel room, number 1408.
Who stars in the movie adaptation of “1408”?
John Cusack stars as Mike Enslin, while Samuel L. Jackson plays the hotel manager, Olin.
Did Stephen King believe “1408” deserved an Oscar nomination?
While not directly stated in this content, it is implied that Stephen King appreciated the film, particularly hinting that it could have been considered for its performance (likely referring to John Cusack).
Why does Stephen King think the director’s cut ending of “1408” is superior?
The director’s cut ending is said to provide a more fulfilling and coherent conclusion to the film, offering a better payoff to the buildup of suspense and character development.
Where can I watch the director’s cut of “1408”?
The director’s cut of “1408” is available on the film’s Blu-ray release.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stephen King’s horror realm mastery is evident in “1408,” a story that begins as a simple exercise and ends up as a compelling, multi-layered psychological horror. With “1408,” King revisits the haunted hotel motif with a fresh perspective, one that resonates so deeply with audiences and critics that there’s a case made for an Oscar-worthy recognition, especially regarding its acting performance. The movie also raises discussions about the inevitable variability of adaptations and their endings, encouraging viewers to seek the director’s cut for the most complete viewing experience.