New York (AP) – Recently, Stephen King spoke to the Associated Press about his latest book, “The Life of Chuck,” “Never Flinch,” and various topics concerning new film adaptations.
Here are the key takeaways from that discussion:
About Chuck’s Life
Over the years, King has established personal guidelines regarding what he shares about his book adaptations. “My philosophy is to stay silent if you can’t say something positive,” he states. At times, King expresses enthusiasm for adaptations, especially when discussing “Chuck’s Life.” The recent adaptation of his novel by the same name was featured in Mike Flanagan’s 2020 collection “If You Bleed.”
“The Life of Chuck,” set to release in theaters by Neon on June 13th, features intertwining storylines but opens with an apocalyptic tone. The internet is about to collapse, resembling a blurry fighter on its last leg. California is described as peeling off from the mainland “like old wallpaper.” Yet, within this concluding narrative, King showcases his most heartfelt expression. The story, both in book and film form, delves into life’s essential values in times of loss. It highlights elements like dance, the poetry of Walt Whitman, and joy.
“In ‘Chuck’s Life,’ we recognize that while this man’s time is limited, it doesn’t mean he can’t experience joy,” King explains. “Existential dread and sorrow are parts of the human experience, but so too is joy.”
About His Life as a Movie Fan
King’s vivid storytelling has inspired approximately 50 feature films. For over fifty years, since Brian De Palma’s 1976 adaptation of “Carrie,” Hollywood has embraced King’s works, filled with captivating characters and pure entertainment. He is also an avid movie enthusiast.
“I enjoy everything from ‘The 400 Blows’ to films starring Jason Statham,” King shared during a phone interview from his Maine home. “Even the worst movie I’ve seen turned out to be a great way to spend an afternoon. The only film I truly disliked was ‘Transformers.’ At one point, I thought, ‘This is absurd.’
About Modern Anxiety
King notes that disasters reminiscent of those depicted in “Chuck’s Life” often fuel his anxiety.
“We’re slowly becoming a country that fails to acknowledge the real issue of carbon emissions in our atmosphere,” he remarks. “It’s absurd. Certain right-wing politicians can talk endlessly about saving the world for their grandchildren, but they only care about profit.”
On social media, King has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump regarding public funding for PBS and NPR. He anticipates that over the next four years, “culture will go underground.”
In “Never Flinch,” Holly Gibney is hired as a bodyguard for women’s rights activists facing mysterious violent occurrences during their speaking engagements. In this follow-up novel, King pays homage to “a supporter of women’s rights who was murdered while fulfilling his duties.” “I’m sure right-wing critics wouldn’t approve,” King muses.
About “Never Flinch”
At 77, King continues to write prolifically, having released around 80 books, including his latest, “Never Flinch.” This mystery thriller revisits King’s recent favorite character, private investigator Holly Gibney. Her vulnerability and determination to confront challenges drew King back to her story.
“It brought me immense joy to witness Holly evolve into a more self-assured figure,” King reflects. “But she never completely sheds her anxieties. None of us do.”
“Never Flinch” serves as a reminder that King has always prioritized genre over character. He becomes enamored with characters and tends to pursue them through thick and thin.
“I find so much joy in writing, so I’ll keep doing it,” King chuckles. “I’m generally upbeat because writing allows me to release everything dark within the narrative.”
Source: apnews.com