Renowned author Stephen King made a guest appearance on the beloved talk show David Letterman, where he shared his candid thoughts on the classic horror film "The Shining." Known for his bestselling novels such as "Carrie" and "The Dead Zone," King has delivered spine-chilling stories to fans worldwide. In his latest book, "The Fire Starter," he continues to captivate readers with his thrilling narratives.
During the interview with Letterman, King discussed the art of scaring people and the fascination with the unknown. He revealed that the fear of the unexpected and things that lurk in the dark tend to grab people's attention. King referenced one of his iconic scenes from "Carrie," where a hand emerges from a grave, grabbing the unsuspecting character. He explained that by catching people off guard and lowering their defenses, he can truly immerse them in his stories.
Letterman questioned King about the origins of his dark thoughts and whether writing scary stories was purely a means to earn money. King clarified that he has always been fascinated by supernatural beings, ghosts, and the things that go bump in the night. In the early 70s, he started writing stories for magazines that catered to readers seeking a thrilling experience. These stories earned him anywhere from $100 to $300, which helped pay the bills during the early days of his marriage.
Childhood fears also played a significant role in shaping King's writing. He explained how the concept of the Boogeyman or the monster in the closet scared him as a child. King acknowledged that even as adults, we still experience fears, but we sublimate them and refrain from sharing them openly. However, when we find ourselves alone in the dark, those irrational fears resurface, making ordinary things seem sinister.
When asked why people enjoy being frightened, King equated it to a joke about a person who repeatedly hits their head against a wall. They do it because it feels good when they stop. Similarly, people find solace in the end of a scary experience, realizing that their own lives may not be as daunting as those depicted in books or movies. King believes that being scared allows us to confront our fears vicariously, making us grateful for the relatively less horrifying aspects of our lives.
King's ability to instill fear has not only garnered him a dedicated following of readers but also attracted some eccentric fans. Although most fan letters are sincere and appreciative, there are occasional interactions with individuals who display outlandish behavior. One such instance includes an individual wanting to photograph King's supposed ancestors standing behind him. Despite these peculiar encounters, King welcomed the connection his work had created, finding it fascinating rather than irritating.
As a resident of Western Maine, King admitted that the darkness and the sounds of nature at night can be chilling. The combination of being alone in the woods accompanied by the haunting calls of loons on the lake can send shivers down anyone's spine. The atmospheric elements of his surroundings have undoubtedly contributed to his ability to convey the sense of fear so effectively in his novels.
The discussion took a turn towards Hollywood adaptations of King's books, particularly focusing on "The Shining" and Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the lead character. King expressed his satisfaction with Nicholson's performance, stating that he did a phenomenal job. However, King confessed to having conflicting feelings about the film as a whole. He recognized several flawless and visually stunning aspects of the movie while also feeling like he had sacrificed creative control by selling the rights to director Stanley Kubrick.
Letterman inquired about the extent of control authors have when their books are adapted into movies. King noted that he has never asked for much control in such situations. He revealed that he is currently working with George Romero, the director behind "Night of the Living Dead" and "Dawn of the Dead," on the screenplay of his book. King anticipates having some say in the creative decisions for the film adaptation. However, when it comes to selling a book to a production company, he likens it to sending a child off to school, hoping it will thrive without directly influencing the outcome.
With the interview concluding, talk turned to King's personal life, including his three children—ages ten, eight, and three and a half. The older children have seen the television adaptation of "Salem's Lot" and the movie version of "Carrie." King emphasized that while he never forbid his children from reading his works, his daughter is currently more engrossed in equestrian novels than horror stories.
As one of the most influential authors in the horror genre, King continues to engage readers with his ability to create terrifying worlds. He finds inspiration in various literary genres and non-fiction topics. King expressed particular interest in writing a book about notorious criminal John Dillinger, demonstrating his diverse range as an author.
Throughout the interview, King shed light on the distinction between horror and science fiction. He explained that horror typically stems from inexplicable elements, while science fiction draws from scientific advancements or plausible developments in the future. However, he acknowledged that there is often overlap between the two genres, and fans have passionate debates discussing the fine lines that separate them.
With King's latest book, "The Fire Starter," captivating audiences, readers eagerly look forward to his future projects. King hinted at an idea for his next venture, emphasizing that ideas come and go, but when one lingers, he knows it's worth exploring. As fans anxiously anticipate King's next spine-tingling tale, his legacy as the master of horror continues to thrive.
