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Stephen King Approves of The Mist's New Ending!
by Alex Billington
November 19, 2007
Source: Cinema Blend
Legendary horror author Stephen King has had two of his stories adapted into feature films this year, the first being 1408 back in June and now The Mist, starring Thomas Jane, Toby Jones and Marcia Gay Harden, hitting theaters this week. Readers of the site should know that I definitely did not like 1408, despite its great reviews and generally positive feedback. Fortunately I've seen The Mist already and it's much better, much scarier, much more thrilling, and overall a better movie. It was not perfect, and there are some flaws or debatable parts, but that doesn't mean it's still good. The ending itself is so good that not only does Stephen King approve of it, but he says he'll kill me if I spoil it!
Just last week Stephen King was out promoting The Mist and at a press conference (via Cinema Blend) he went on record as publicly saying that he approved of and even "loved" the new ending. Here's King's official statement:
Frank wrote a new ending that I loved. It is the most shocking ending ever and there should be a law passed stating that anybody who reveals the last 5 minutes of this film should be hung from their neck until dead.
It's rare that authors really go out and state that they approve of a movie to begin with, but to say they approve of and even loved a massive change, especially to the ending, is pretty incredible. This means quite a damn bit for Frank Darabont and The Mist. Although a different genre, Alan Moore won't even acknowledge that his graphic novels (V for Vendetta or Watchmen) are adapted. And this statement coming from someone as well-known and powerful as Stephen King is definitely a good thing.
The Mist arrives in theaters this Wednesday, November 21st. If you've had your share of Thanksgiving turkey and your relatives and are looking for a good scare, this is a must see. It will scare the living crap out of you, make you think and debate, and still be an enjoyable experience.
12 Comments
1
It looks rather interesting! I sure hope it doesn't turn out to be another 'Dreamcatcher"-also with Thomas Jane-nor a rehash of "The Fog"! But, being that "1408" was pretty good this just might stand a chance! Stephen King rules!
Spider on Nov 20, 2007
2
Went to an advance screening last night....Security was tight - no cell phones, and they checked you with metal detectors as you walked in. I must have read "The Mist" 10 times in middle school, and I was leary of the film at first. After a couple of minutes, I thought it may turn out to be a cheese-fest, but my worries were soon subsided. The film is extremely well done, and very, very true to King's original story. I didn't see the ending coming - not by a long shot. If you recall, in the short-story, there was no resolution at the end - the main character says two words into his son Billy's ear - Hartford and Hope, and the story ends. Do they make it out of the mist? We don't know. Mr. Darabont didn't want to leave his audience hanging, so he indeed re-wrote the ending...and what an ending!! And no worries, it is not a feel good hollywood ending by any means. The best King adaptation since Darabont's other takes on King's work. Loved it!
Funkylenny on Nov 20, 2007
3
Stephen King, as a supposed artist in English prose, should know the difference between "hanged" and "hung"...
C G ESTABROOK on Nov 20, 2007
4
A professional writer should know that one is "hanged," not "hung," until dead.
Bruce on Nov 20, 2007
5
Amateur writers should know that professional writers get to be professional writers in part by ignoring the rules of grammar when and where they choose.
michael Reynolds on Nov 21, 2007
6
According to M-W.com: Hung is more appropriate for less formal hangings . Thus, not only does Stephen King imply that they should be executed, he also implies that he wishes the execution to be informal. This is probably so that it can be done quickly - with little pomp. It turns out that he is the professional writer, and the rest of the comments obviously come from those who are not.
Anon on Nov 21, 2007
7
I was dissappointed. It looked like a showcase for Hollywood agendas. The damn military causing problems in the world, those damn religious people being judgmental and causing problems, blah, blah, blah. I felt like I was getting preached to instead of being entertained.
Wade on Nov 21, 2007
8
Wade typed: "I was dissappointed. It looked like a showcase for Hollywood agendas. The damn military causing problems in the world, those damn religious people being judgmental and causing problems, blah, blah, blah. I felt like I was getting preached to instead of being entertained." Preach on, brother! LOL! Friggin' hypocrite. I haven't seen it yet, but I can't wait! I heard the ending will shock your SOCKS off!
Dick Williams on Nov 21, 2007
9
Writing is not a profession, it's a craft. In any event, Stephen King doesn't write. You could hardly even describe the pulp he churns out as typing.
Anon on Nov 21, 2007
10
THE "HANGED" VS. "HUNGED" DEBATE: Anon typed: "It turns out that he is the professional writer, and the rest of the comments obviously come from those who are not." Yes, but clearly they ARE experts in the field of auto-asphyxiation, so don't be, like, so quick to dismiss their opinions, dude.
Dick Williams on Nov 21, 2007
11
Hung or hang?.... you're all correct! usage For both transitive and intransitive senses 1b the past and past participle hung, as well as hanged, is standard. Hanged is most appropriate for official executions *he was to be hanged, cut down whilst still aliveTand his bowels torn out — Louis Allen* but hung is also used *gave orders that she should be hung — Peter Quennell*. Hung is more appropriate for less formal hangings *by morning I'll be hung in effigy — Ronald Reagan*.
Marc Stallings on Nov 21, 2007
12
Anon typed: "You could hardly even describe the pulp he churns out as typing." Here's what you need to do, Anon. Read "The Shining" late at night and all alone. Stephen King will have you crying like a bitch, you dandified James-Joyce readin' git.
Dick Williams on Nov 21, 2007
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