TotalTelly.co.uk
Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV
The Dead Zone [1983]
![The Dead Zone [1983]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sFWztij1L._SL160_.jpg)
On the DVD: this disc comes with a chunky accompanying booklet with background notes on the film, cast and director, as well as a script excerpt for the originally planned pre-credits sequence (in the finished film we assume Johnny’s second sight is a result of the car accident--this earlier screenplay follows the book more closely). The movie itself--which features the "scissor-suicide" scene uncut--is accompanied by a chatty and informative commentary from film critics Stephen Jones and Kim Newman (a regular Amazon.co.uk contributor). Both the 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen picture and the Dolby 5.1 sound are adequate if unexceptional. --Mark Walker
RRP: £5.99
Our Price: £9.99 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
One of the very best Stephen King film adaptations, The Dead Zone is imbued with an ever-present atmosphere of dread. Shot in a permanently wintry Canada (standing in for New England), the icy backdrops are subtly employed by director David Cronenberg to accentuate the story’s fatalistic tone. Cronenberg’s welcome emphasis for the most part on psychological terror over physical shocks (something of a change of direction for him after The Brood and Scanners) is further enhanced by composer Michael Kamen’s marvellously chilly music score and Christopher Walken’s understated yet dominating central performance as high school teacher Johnny Smith, who wakes from a coma following a car crash to learn that he has been cursed with the gift of second sight. That his uncanny ability is indeed a curse and definitely not a blessing is made abundantly clear: even when Johnny is able to save people’s lives, there is always a price to pay. The cosmic law of Karma is grimly unforgiving. Herbert Lom, as Johnny’s sympathetic doctor, sums up the character’s plight, "Some things just weren’t meant to be." And even when Johnny learns the terrible secret of future Presidential candidate Greg Stillson (a villainous Martin Sheen), he knows he cannot act without accepting the fatal consequences. Brooke Adams, as the love of Johnny’s life, and Tom Skerrit, as the quietly desperate sheriff on the trail of a serial killer, are excellent in support.
Editorial
Synopsis
Based on a Stephen King novel 'The Dead Zone' tells of a man who emerges from a five year coma to find he has developed psychic powers to 'see' past and future events.
Could not be remade any better
Review date: 2008-04-07 Rating: 10 out of 10
Watching this very good transfer on the Prism release, its hard to imagine that anyone could remake a better version of this story. Walken is quite simply perfect for the lead role and despite its age (and his haircut) this feature has stood the test of time exceedingly well. I found the sound and picture on this release better than on some of the other studio releases. The lack of extras cannot dock a star because the picture and feature are near perfect. A must-have for all King fans and darn good film lovers alike.
Similar Products
Reviews
One of the Better Stephen King Screen Adaptations
Review date: 2007-07-16 Rating: 8 out of 10
David Cronenberg directs the Stephen King novel about a man who awakes from a coma with a life draining ability to see future tragedies when making contact with people. He also finds he can change these morbid outcomes. The screenplay (not written by Cronenberg or King) remains the films only real flaw besides some questionable supporting cast members. The novel is not a book that would make a perfect story to tell on film so the screenplay sort of stays in the shallow end and spits forth each episode that our hero Johnny Smith expereinces one at a time and without the level of understanding and depth King's book has. That is not to say The Dead Zone isn't a good movie. It's actually a very good movie.
The film remains a semi-classic in the suspense genre. Cronenberg has a way of handling scenes that is very European despite lacking the technical skills of his peers. He can give the actors very specific emotional direction and tell so much with using little or no dialogue. This helps the screenplay because it only offers some flashes of great dialogue. Cronenberg loves taking on films that lack certain aspects and giving them depth in places you never thought could have it. He is a unique force in independant films and earns his stars among the mainstream fans with this film. Martin Sheen surprisingly gives a solid performance here as well. He plays a crooked politician bent on gaining the presidency and earns our hatred quickly. He is actually quite remarkable here.
O.K., now it's time to play favorites. Johnny Smith is played by one of the most identifiable actors of all time. The greatest character and supporting acting of all time in my eyes and here we see him in a rare feature role. He is Christopher Walken and with all the imitations of his wild talk and bizarre off-screen shenanigans aside, he is quite simply an amazing actor. He takes his role very seriously here and turns the film from mediocrity into a very good movie. He takes the character for what readers may have loved about him and that is that he is your every day guy who happened upon some very usual and at times deeply sad circumstances...it just wasn't in the cards or it wasn't meant to be like Smith's Doctor felt. For those who read the novel you'll see subtle references to some of the more robust thinking in the story but never quite enough. There is an underlying message in the film that I really wish wasn't somewhat lost among the communication of the screenplay and the direction. King's novel touches on these things tremendously well and makes us question fate and wonder if time and death is really just so one-dimensional. The film makes you think if you want it to, but not like the novel which is truly one of King's greatest. I honestly believe Walken may have been the only guy on the set who understood this about the story.
If you are looking for a film full of suspense and several exciting climaxes and you like Christopher Walken, then I highly recommend The Dead Zone...but keep in mind that so few King novels have been done real justice with a film and where this is probably not one of them it remains a very good movie. It isn't quite Carrie or The Shining but it is still very good.
BAD
Review date: 2007-05-09 Rating: 2 out of 10
This is one of the poorest films I have EVER watched.
There's very limited story, and what little there is is highly rushed. So rushed to the point that it's insignificant. For a film that's not far beneath 2 hours there's barely any plot development.
Christopher Walken's character, Jonny, rushes through his premonitions in lightning speed as if he had it all written on the back of his hand. He might have well have held the script in his hand whilst explaining to the Police who the murderer was; it's as if the characters are rehearsing a play it's that scripted! Walken's a fantastic actor but was unable to save this film.
The book's great! The film sucks. For a good SK film adaption, try 'The Stand'
A Great Stephen King film
Review date: 2007-02-08 Rating: 8 out of 10
In my view, Stephen King's early works have always been his best.And yet, most of them have suffered from poor translations to film.This film bucks that trend thankfully.
The acting talent here is pretty good.Christopher Walken is always watchable in anything he is in (Deer Hunter and Sleepy Hollow to name just two!)and he does a fine job of making Johnny seem vulnerable, frustrated and ultimately driven to do what he knows he HAS to do.Martin Sheen is good as well.He plays the part of a fervent,and slightly crazed, power hungry politician.Herbert Lom is excellent as Johnny's doctor.Tom Skerritt gets a brief appearance too, and is also believable.
The plot is good too and the pacing of the film is spot on.There are definite chapters within the film and there is real development in all of these scenes.I won't spoil the plot, but i can say that all this is a 'horror film' it isn't overly gory or horrific.It is quite thoughtful and poses some interesting moral questions.
For those of you have read the book, this follows the plot pretty well, but doesn't go into the same amount of depth, and some reviewers have criticised this - i disagree with that view.To me, the film has been paced correctly and has edited out the things that are not vitally important.If you haven't read the book, i would really recommend it - it is one of Stephen King's best in my view, and doesn't always get the recognition it deserves.
This dvd is a brilliant buy in my opinion for a number of reasons - good acting talent, good plot and pacing AND the price is perfect too!
Treat yourself to this - fans of Stephen King will love it, and people who like something a bit different will enjoy it too!
Atmospheric Psychological Thriller
Review date: 2007-01-14 Rating: 8 out of 10
I consider this to be the best of any Stephen King adaptation. The tale is most effectively set against a chilly, winter, almost monochrome backdrop, which cleverly matches the mounting sense of cold dread as the story unfolds.
No, its not 'gory' or 'in your face scary'... its not meant to be that sort of movie. The effect is far more subtle than that, and for me, all the more entertaining than some predictable, formulaic and juvenile 'slasher/bloodfest' type of presentation. This is a genuinely engrossing psychological thriller, beautifully portrayed by both Christopher Walken and Martin Sheen, which inexorably builds towards its edge-of-the- seat climax. You will not be disappointed...
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Tom Skerritt
Christopher Walken
Herbert Lom
Brooke Adams
Anthony Zerbe
Creators:
Christopher Walken (Primary Contributor)
Brooke Adams (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Prism Leisure
Manufacturer: Prism Leisure
EAN: 5050159430154
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2004-08-30
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 104 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1983-10-21
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Russian (Original Language)