When it comes to the prolific novelist, Stephen King, I often think of Jack Nicholson hacking down the door in the Shining. I also think of Carrie, Cujo and Pet Cemetery.
The Life of Chuck is the latest Stephen King novella to receive the film treatment. It has been brought into cinematic life by horror specialist Director Mike Flanagan.
Put them together and you would think The Life of Chuck would be hands over your eyes scary.
Despite one’s preconceived notions, The Life of Chuck is not part of King’s traditional horror fare.
In fact, it leans more towards Stephen King’s other books, Shawshank Redemption and Stand by Me – dramatic.
The Life of Chuck is the story of an ordinary man, whose life we travel through in reverse. The movie comes in three parts or acts. In the first act we meet Chuck (Tom Hiddleston) who is dying of a brain tumour depicted as the end of the world. As for Chuck, it is the end of his world.
We move back nine months into the Act 2 Buskers Forever where Chuck dances with a drumming busker and a bystander. Tom Hiddleston can dance.
Four actors take turns portraying Charles “Chuck” Krantz. Tom Hiddleston as 39-year-old, Jacob Tremblay as 17-year-old Chuck, Benjamin Pajak as 11-year-old Chuck and Flanagan’s son, Cody, as 7-year-old Chuck. They all do a great job of depicting the thoughtful, dance loving character.
They are backed by a stellar supporting cast comprising Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Matthew Lilard and Mia Sara.
Together, they’ve created a contemplative movie that that stays with you well after leaving the cinema.
In saying that, some people around us found the movie confusing. That probably relates to the way they handled Chuck’s death using metaphor.
The story shows how people and events shape our individual worlds. It is a rich journey that takes the viewer on a roller-coaster of emotions. The unusual, thought-provoking storyline and fine performances kept me enthralled for the full duration of the movie.
The Life of Chuck opens 14th August.