Dead Zone

One of the unwritten laws of the movies is that Stephen King books are nearly always disappointing when transferred to the big screen. One film which doesn't fit that rule is The Dead Zone. In the hands of David Cronenberg, you may expect this to be a gore-filled affair, but it is actually a very well-made, subtle film which emphasises the psychological sense of fear rather than settling for blood-spattered mayhem. There isn't a moment in the film that will make you jump out of your seat, but it is still an effectively scary film because it plays on your mind.

Normal, down-to-earth everyman Johnny Smith (Christopher Walken) is involved in a terrible car crash which leaves him comatose. Four years later, he miraculously awakens. To begin with, he is devastated to learn that his girlfriend has moved on, marrying and starting a family with another man. But soon he realises that this is the least of his problems. He soon discovers that the accident has left him with remarkable powers, which enable him to see into people's futures just by touching their hand. And Johnny is in for one hell of a nasty shock when he shakes hands with potential senator Greg Stillson (Martin Sheen) at a political rally....

An intelligently paced and very well-acted film, The Dead Zone is also full of unpredictable plot developments. Walken elicits great sympathy as the normal guy who rapidly learns that his new gift is actually a curse, and there are fabulous supporting performances from Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Brooke Adams and the terrifying Martin Sheen. The film has several tremendous moments, but the climax in particular builds to an emotional crescendo. The premise of The Dead Zone is probably rather silly if you stop to think about it, but other than that it is a most impressive film - and still ranks as one of, if not THE, best adaptation of a Stephen King story so far.

I keep having to remind myself that David Cronenberg directed this, as it is so unlike his previous and subsequent work--more mainstream, less cold, and far less fixated on gooey special effects. What is going on here? One of the most stunning adaptations of a Stephen King novel with Christopher Walken absolutely brilliant as tortured coma victim Johnny Smith, that's what. An elementary-school teacher preparing to marry Sarah (Brooke Adams), Johnny has a run-in with fate that throws him into a coma for 5 years; when he awakens, he is plagued by psychic visions, including a chilling apocalypse that frames the film's final act. While the horror elements (including a suicide via scissors) carry an appropriate impact, the core of "The Dead Zone" is Walken's performance--he portrays Johnny as a recluse who regards his visions as a curse, and taps into a sensitivity and vulnerability that is rarely seen in male film characters; his interactions with others carry a down-home, plausible feel that gives the film a strong emotional resonance. Cronenberg directs Jeffrey Boam's script almost as a series of vignettes, but maintains a flowing pace and trusts Walken to deliver the film to a heartfelt, tragic conclusion.

THE DEAD ZONE is one of the best adaptations of a Stephen King novel, capturing the horror as well as King's meditation on destiny, fate, etc. It helps a lot that David Cronenberg directed it, lending his cold, somber tone, which fits perfectly with the story. Casting Christopher Walken as Johnny Smith was pure genius, since Walken's gaunt, haunted look and renowned quirkiness made him an ideal choice. Brooke Adams is Johnny's conflicted fiancee, Sarah, torn between a once promising past and a poignant future.

Johnny's long journey begins with an accident, resulting in a lengthy coma, which destroys his life while somehow allowing him to see events before they happen. This leads to his ability being used to help those around him, culminating in a decision that just might save the world.

Co-stars Herbert Lom as Johnny's soon-to-be eternally grateful doctor, Sam Weizak, Anthony Zerbe as zillionaire hockey dad, Robert Stuart, Tom Skerritt as the desperate Sheriff Bannerman, and Martin Sheen as the repellent politician, Greg Stillson.

P. S.- Once unimaginable, the rise of Stillson seems almost prophetic now...

Starring Christopher Walken in a tour de force performance, the film weaves a tale of supernatural intrigue and moral complexity. Walken's portrayal of Johnny Smith, a man who awakens from a coma with psychic abilities, is a revelation - his ability to convey the weight of his newfound powers and the ethical dilemmas they present is nothing short of captivating.

Cronenberg's deft direction and the film's moody atmosphere create an eerie ambiance that lingers long after the credits roll. As Johnny grapples with his psychic visions and attempts to prevent impending tragedies, The Dead Zone delves into themes of fate, free will, and the moral gray areas that arise from possessing extraordinary gifts. With a riveting narrative and a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, The Dead Zone solidifies its place as a must-watch in the realm of supernatural cinema, offering a chilling and introspective experience that transcends the boundaries of its genre.

If Hollywood could get back to maving good honest movies like this. You know the sort of movie. One that you can go to the cinema, pay your money and be entertained by a good story unspoiled by ugly CGI effect and mediocre TV actors who think they're A listers.

I watched Dead Zone after trying to tackle Cronenberg's Cosmpopolis having already seen the movie back in the 90's. I think I wanted to just check if Cronenberg really did make The Dead Zone and it was as good as I thought it was after seeing the turkey Cosmopolis.

My curiosity was confirmed. The Dead Zone was a good old fashioned horror thriller, intellectually provoking, great cinematography, great acting from all especially Walken who rarely disappoints. Is it too much to ask that Hollywood goes back to doing what they were always able to do very well? Probably!

The story is about a man who attains psychic abilities after 5 years in a coma due to a car crash. From that point Walken finds himself in various scenarios where his new super powers are put to the test. Martin Sheen hams it up as the nasty presidential candidate. I found the movie, sad in places, at times exciting and also thought provoking. Not as much gore as we normally see from Cronenberg but this was a mainstream production, probably the only one of two he made in that bracket, the other being The Fly.

The Dead Zone had all the ingredients of a good movie and I guess that's why it stands the test of time. I wonder who will remember Cosmopolis?