Outline:
Stephen King is widely recognized as the “King of Horror,” but a significant factor in the effectiveness of many of his terrifying stories is his dark sense of humor – and, let’s be honest, his occasional use of childish elements (which are clearly evident inthe regrettable, OxyContin-fueled “Dreamcatcher”. He’s even more humorous in person and, naturally, on social media, where he frequently pokes fun at the incredibly foolish condition of the world.
For someone who has spent his entire life frightening us with iconic novels like “Salem’s Lot,””The Shining,” and “Misery,” it’s essential to possess a good sense of humor. I believe this trait also helped him navigate his battles with drug and alcohol addiction, as well as that dangerous encounter with a minivan on Maine State Route 5 in 1999. Where did he acquire it? Based on his favorite books and authors, I’m not entirely certain. He admires the works of Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Ray Bradbury, H.P. Lovecraft, and Ira Levin. Perhaps Harlan Ellison influenced him with a sharp, dark sense of humor.
When you examine King’s list of 10 preferred filmsHis fondness for humor starts to become a bit clearer. There are some tough ones on the list (notably “Sorcerer” and “The Godfather Part II”), but the other eight contain plenty of laughs. Still, there’s only one true comedy on the list, and it came out when he was 19 years into his writing career. But who among us can resist the existential humor of Harold Ramis’ “Groundhog Day?” I genuinely don’t trust people who aren’t fond of this film. And if you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a treat: it’s now available on Netflix a few weeks before February 2nd.
Read more: 15 Terrifying Films That Are So Unsettling You’ll Only View Them Once
There’s no 11/22/63 without Groundhog Day
“The Groundhog Day” is an outstanding comedy., but it’s not what I’d describe as a cheerful comedy. Bill Murray delivers a superb performance as the grumpy, anti-social weatherman Phill Connors, who strongly dislikes being sent to cover Punxsutawney Phil’s yearly prediction about how much longer winter will last. He detests being in this small Pennsylvania town, and it seems like a cruel cosmic joke when he finds himself reliving the same day repeatedly.
Connors experiences a full spectrum of emotions. He gives in to the worst parts of his character, becomes suicidal when overwhelmed by sadness, and finally concludes that he might escape this strange time loop by becoming the best version of himself. It’s the funniest film Ingmar Bergman never directed. And it’s no surprise that the horror of Connors’ situation resonates with King’s dark, yet openly sentimental nature.
I would really enjoy seeing King write or speak extensively about his affection for “Groundhog Day,” but I believe that everything he needs to express about Ramis’ film is already captured in his finest book: “11/22/63” (steer clear of the terrible television adaptation). This expansive story follows a school teacher who discovers a portal from the present day to September 9, 1958,isKing’s “Groundhog Day.” It’s not particularly humorous, but it’s heartfelt, intense, frightening, and sorrowful. It seems like the novel King was destined to create. So, thank goodness King decided to sit in a cinema and laugh uncontrollably as Bill Murray endured hardship and came out as a better person.
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Read the original article on SlashFilm.