BY SARA REINEKE
The Kino Lorber Blu-ray release of Stephen King’s 1993 Needful
Things comes in the midst of Hollywood’s current remake fever. With such
projects as Carrie (2013), IT (2017), Pet Sematary (2019)
and the upcoming IT: Chapter Two (2019), this author’s works continue to
draw movie audiences and infuse the horror genre as they had during the 1980s
and 90s. Revisiting this original production of King’s 1991 novel - whereupon
the devil comes to visit the small Maine town of Castle Rock - one is reminded
why both his novels and films alike are regarded as iconic horror set pieces.
Following along on the heels of previous successes such as Carrie (1973),
The Shining (1980), Pet Sematary (1989), and Misery (1990)
- and released only a year before the iconic Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Needful Things shares many similarities to King’s other works.
Meditating on the theme of human evil, this film puts the hateful hearts of the
townspeople of Castle Rock in the forefront. The supernatural element of Needful
Things’ shopkeeper Leland Gaunt’s omniscient devil is present as he
instigates many of the townsfolk to action. But the most heinous and horrific acts are ultimately committed by
ordinary people, those of whom are fueled by an underlying anger against their
neighbors.
Unlike other Stephen King adaptations, this film does not bury its
ideas in subtext. Gaunt reminisces boastfully about how, over the centuries, he
has sold weaponry - but it was always the ordinary people around him that put
these tools of mortality to work. So while supernatural elements certainly exist
in this film, it’s also a morality play that begs us to look critically at
ourselves. It’s only by doing so that we can make sure we don’t become
the Danforth Keetons, the Chris Hargensens, or the Annie Wilkes of the
world.
Max Von Sydow’s performance as the shadowy shopkeeper Leland Gaunt is
particularly compelling. The
townspeople's desired treasures he sells comes at a steep price, causing them
to commit acts of sabotage and violence against one another. Ed Harris, who
plays Castle Rock’s sheriff, is a central figure in a dangerous cat-and-mouse
game… one that only intensifies when petty feuds drive the townspeople to
commit heinous acts in retaliation for perceived wrongdoings. Amanda Plummer’s
interpretation as the mousy and skittish Nettie Cobb should be recognized, as
her character’s life is the first to be manipulated. One is not entirely
empathetic to the sad consequences of Gaunt’s cynical game until Nettie finds
the remains of her beloved dog and is finally pushed to her breaking
point.
The quality of the film’s print is exceptional, presented here in a 1.85:1
aspect ratio and 1920x1080P, with a DTS a soundtrack. Bonus features include
the original theatrical trailer and an informative and entertaining audio
commentary with film historian Walt Olsen and director Fraser C. Heston. The
commentary provides interesting insights into the production of the film, the
on-set relationships between crew and cast, and the back stories to Heston’s
first feature film. Film historians and Stephen King fans alike should enjoy
this behind the scenes look at the making of the film.
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