CarrieStephen King Book vs 1976 FilmStory Review
With Halloween getting closer, its only
fitting to discuss one of my favorite horror stories, Stephen Kings first-published
novel, and then film adaptation of Carrie. For years I had only seen the movie, of which
I found strangely fascinating, but it wasnt until college where I got to experience Kings
writing style for the first time. In a film studies course on American Gothic
and Horror, I was infatuated by the difference in perspective and order of storytelling seen
in the written form. Unlike a start-to-finish approach, context
is given by reports from newspapers and magazines, along with letters and book excerpts.
They go into detail on how Carrie White devastated
Chamberlain, Maine, a fictional town with tragedy-filled reputation. Whatever happened here is being retold through
each chapter, which in a sense is to build up to one very crucial moment. As a high school student and outcast, Carrie
is bullied by many classmates, and at the same time is learning to control her telekinetic
abilities. Being able to move things with ones mind
essentially.
Shes like Eleven from Stranger Things,
just older and with a more normal background, discovering her powers inherently instead
of being scientifically altered. Normal may not be the best word though, as
she did grow up with her fanatically religious mother Margaret, making life at home perhaps
more challenging than away. Nobody deserves Carries situation. Even King finds his work to have a surprising
power to hurt and horrify.
It only makes sense this book is banned in
many U.S. Schools, there isnt much in the way of positive reinforcement here. Yet these renditions of Carrie work so well,
both widely acclaimed, with the screen adaptation among few in horror genres nominated for Academy
Awards. Sissy Spacek and Piper Lauries mother-daughter
relation propelled their considerations, and became the storys most complex narrative.
The side characters are interesting too, with
Sue being one of the bullies who realizes her cruelty and attempts to help Carrie. Sues boyfriend Tommy makes for an all-around
good guy who genuinely wants to do the right thing. Then theres Miss Collins, or Desjardin, who stands up for her and tries to be a friend as best she can. Even one-dimensional antagonists, Chris and
Billy, yes, thats John Travolta, while not likable in the slightest, deliver their
hatefulness so well, its hard not to recognize.
One of the most confounding things about Carrie
too, is determining whether to feel sorry for her or not, based on the resulting conclusion. In one version shes almost meant to be
despised, or at least not relatable, but in the other she is more attractive and portrayed
sympathetically. I wont spoil the big shocker, which unfortunately
through trailers and posters is somewhat seen as an intentional reveal. If you havent seen or read Carrie, Id
advise avoiding this if possible, which will make it all the more satisfying overall.
I will say that both mediums are worth investing
time in, with Kings near 200 pages being the most appealing. There has been a musical, sequel and remakes,
but none have been received too well. Carrie is a hauntingly heartbreaking tale
worth absorbing, and remains relevant today. And thats why this story is a Dyligent
Pick.
Now do you have a horror story to share? My name is Dylan, and you can support me by
liking this video, following @dyligentpicks or subscribing for more entertainment reviews
and recommendations. Thanks for watching, look forward to my Halloween-birthday pick!.
fitting to discuss one of my favorite horror stories, Stephen Kings first-published
novel, and then film adaptation of Carrie. For years I had only seen the movie, of which
I found strangely fascinating, but it wasnt until college where I got to experience Kings
writing style for the first time. In a film studies course on American Gothic
and Horror, I was infatuated by the difference in perspective and order of storytelling seen
in the written form. Unlike a start-to-finish approach, context
is given by reports from newspapers and magazines, along with letters and book excerpts.
They go into detail on how Carrie White devastated
Chamberlain, Maine, a fictional town with tragedy-filled reputation. Whatever happened here is being retold through
each chapter, which in a sense is to build up to one very crucial moment. As a high school student and outcast, Carrie
is bullied by many classmates, and at the same time is learning to control her telekinetic
abilities. Being able to move things with ones mind
essentially.
Shes like Eleven from Stranger Things,
just older and with a more normal background, discovering her powers inherently instead
of being scientifically altered. Normal may not be the best word though, as
she did grow up with her fanatically religious mother Margaret, making life at home perhaps
more challenging than away. Nobody deserves Carries situation. Even King finds his work to have a surprising
power to hurt and horrify.
It only makes sense this book is banned in
many U.S. Schools, there isnt much in the way of positive reinforcement here. Yet these renditions of Carrie work so well,
both widely acclaimed, with the screen adaptation among few in horror genres nominated for Academy
Awards. Sissy Spacek and Piper Lauries mother-daughter
relation propelled their considerations, and became the storys most complex narrative.
The side characters are interesting too, with
Sue being one of the bullies who realizes her cruelty and attempts to help Carrie. Sues boyfriend Tommy makes for an all-around
good guy who genuinely wants to do the right thing. Then theres Miss Collins, or Desjardin, who stands up for her and tries to be a friend as best she can. Even one-dimensional antagonists, Chris and
Billy, yes, thats John Travolta, while not likable in the slightest, deliver their
hatefulness so well, its hard not to recognize.
One of the most confounding things about Carrie
too, is determining whether to feel sorry for her or not, based on the resulting conclusion. In one version shes almost meant to be
despised, or at least not relatable, but in the other she is more attractive and portrayed
sympathetically. I wont spoil the big shocker, which unfortunately
through trailers and posters is somewhat seen as an intentional reveal. If you havent seen or read Carrie, Id
advise avoiding this if possible, which will make it all the more satisfying overall.
I will say that both mediums are worth investing
time in, with Kings near 200 pages being the most appealing. There has been a musical, sequel and remakes,
but none have been received too well. Carrie is a hauntingly heartbreaking tale
worth absorbing, and remains relevant today. And thats why this story is a Dyligent
Pick.
Now do you have a horror story to share? My name is Dylan, and you can support me by
liking this video, following @dyligentpicks or subscribing for more entertainment reviews
and recommendations. Thanks for watching, look forward to my Halloween-birthday pick!.
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