The Dead Zone (1983) was somewhat based upon the Stephen King novel. Cronenberg plays "director-for-hire" as he adapts the novel with his own vision in mind. Even though he was only a hired gun, his trademark is everywhere. The movie has a cold and clinical feel to it. The book is the opposite of this movie, but it makes a interesting companion piece.
Christopher Walken stars in the lead role as Johnny Smith. He's a school teacher who one day (after a terrible accident) is blessed (or cursed) with the ability to for see a certain future. Herbert Lom co-stars as his doctor and Brooke Adams co-stars as well as his former love interest. Martin Sheen plays in what's nothing more than an extended cameo appearance. He plays Greg Stiltson with restraint but with an underlining madness. Tom Skeritt co-stars as well as the constable who seeks out Johnny's help.
The movie follows the book somewhat but there's something missing. Cronenberg takes the story and adds his own coldness to the overall film. The cinematography is very Norman Rockwell (in an interview he told his Director of Photography to accomplish this feat with his lens). The performance of Walken is also cold and clinical. I don't know if this was done on purpose or if that's just the way he acted during this time period.
Despite the lack of involvement with writing the screenplay, this film has Cronenberg written all over it. But many of his fans (such as myself) will feel conflicted if they're fans of the book (such as myself). So it's up to you to decide how to feel about this movie. It's an interesting movie for horror fans in general but not necessarily for fans of Stephen King. All depends on one's taste I guess. I have to give this one a passing grade.
B-
Christopher Walken stars in the lead role as Johnny Smith. He's a school teacher who one day (after a terrible accident) is blessed (or cursed) with the ability to for see a certain future. Herbert Lom co-stars as his doctor and Brooke Adams co-stars as well as his former love interest. Martin Sheen plays in what's nothing more than an extended cameo appearance. He plays Greg Stiltson with restraint but with an underlining madness. Tom Skeritt co-stars as well as the constable who seeks out Johnny's help.
The movie follows the book somewhat but there's something missing. Cronenberg takes the story and adds his own coldness to the overall film. The cinematography is very Norman Rockwell (in an interview he told his Director of Photography to accomplish this feat with his lens). The performance of Walken is also cold and clinical. I don't know if this was done on purpose or if that's just the way he acted during this time period.
Despite the lack of involvement with writing the screenplay, this film has Cronenberg written all over it. But many of his fans (such as myself) will feel conflicted if they're fans of the book (such as myself). So it's up to you to decide how to feel about this movie. It's an interesting movie for horror fans in general but not necessarily for fans of Stephen King. All depends on one's taste I guess. I have to give this one a passing grade.
B-