“The Dead Zone” (1983)

Horror

Running Time: 103 minutes

Written by: Jeffrey Boam based on the novel by Stephen King

Directed by: David Cronenberg

Featuring: Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Anthony Zerbe, Colleen Dewhurst and Martin Sheen

Johnny Smith: “”Bless me”? You know what God did for me? He threw an 18-wheel truck at me! Bounced me into nowhere for five years! When I woke up, my-my-my girl was gone, my job was gone, my legs are just about useless. Bless me? God’s been a real sport to me!”

Critical Commentary

“The Dead Zone” is a 1983 science fiction thriller film directed by David Cronenberg and starring Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, and Brooke Adams. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King.

The story follows Johnny Smith (Christopher Walken), a high school teacher who is involved in a car accident that leaves him in a coma for five years. When he wakes up, he discovers that he has developed psychic abilities that allow him to see into people’s pasts and futures simply by touching them. His abilities eventually lead him to encounter a ruthless politician named Greg Stillson (Martin Sheen), whose election as president of the United States could lead to a global catastrophe.

Overall, “The Dead Zone” is a well-crafted and suspenseful film that effectively captures the eerie and foreboding atmosphere of Stephen King’s novel. Christopher Walken delivers a nuanced and haunting performance as Johnny, conveying the character’s sense of isolation and desperation as he struggles to come to terms with his newfound abilities. Martin Sheen is equally impressive as the charismatic and dangerous Greg Stillson, who represents a potent and unpredictable threat to the safety of the world. The film’s pacing is tight and effective, and Cronenberg’s direction creates a palpable sense of dread that keeps the audience on edge throughout.

“The Dead Zone” is a gripping and thought-provoking film that combines elements of science fiction, horror, and political thriller into a memorable and satisfying viewing experience. Highly recommended for fans of Stephen King’s work or anyone who enjoys intelligent and well-crafted genre films.

The film also explores themes of fate and destiny, as Johnny struggles with the knowledge of the future he gains through his powers. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the story and raises questions about the nature of free will and whether it is possible to change the course of events that seem predestined. The supporting cast of the film is also excellent, with Brooke Adams delivering a strong performance as Sarah, Johnny’s former girlfriend, and Tom Skerritt providing a memorable turn as Sheriff Bannerman. The film also features a number of standout scenes, including the tense confrontation between Johnny and Stillson at a political rally, and the haunting vision of a young girl drowning that haunts Johnny throughout the story.

While “The Dead Zone” is not without its flaws – some of the special effects have not aged well, and the pacing can feel slow at times – it remains a compelling and thought-provoking film that is well worth revisiting. Its exploration of power, politics, and the supernatural make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

One of the strengths of “The Dead Zone” is its ability to balance the supernatural elements of the story with the more grounded political themes. The film asks thought-provoking questions about the nature of power and the responsibility of those who hold it, and raises important issues about the role of the media and the dangers of demagoguery.

The film’s visual style is also notable, with Cronenberg making use of his signature body horror techniques to create disturbing and unsettling images. The use of sound and music is also effective, with a haunting score by Michael Kamen adding to the film’s atmosphere of unease.

While the film is faithful to the novel in many respects, there are some differences between the two versions. Some of the characters and subplots from the book are condensed or eliminated, and the film takes a somewhat different approach to the climax. However, these changes are generally effective in streamlining the story for a cinematic adaptation.

Furthermore, the film’s exploration of psychic abilities and their potential consequences is still relevant and interesting to contemporary audiences. The film raises important questions about the implications of having such abilities, and how they might be used for good or for ill. “The Dead Zone” is a standout adaptation of a Stephen King novel, and a compelling film in its own right. With strong performances, effective direction, and thoughtful themes, it is a must-watch for fans of the horror and science fiction genres, and for anyone interested in thought-provoking cinema.

Technical Commentary

Video

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, The Dead Zone arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Via Vision Entertainment. The release is sourced from an older master that was supplied by Paramount Pictures. It is a fine master, from time to time perhaps even easy to describe as quite good, but it reveals some very familiar limitations. 

Audio 

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. Most viewers will choose the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track when viewing the film, which is indeed very good.

Special Features 

• Trailer – a vintage trailer for The Dead Zone. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).
• Commentary – in this audio commentary, critics Stephen Jones and Kim Newman discuss the conception of The Dead Zone and the original material from Stephen King’s novel that inspired it, the production of the film as well as the very particular manner in which it was marketed, its style and tone, the main conflicts that are depicted in it, etc. 
• Look Past the Future – in this new program, cinematographer Mark Irwin discusses the evolution of his professional relationship with David Cronenberg, his contribution to The Dead Zone, the film’s visual style and tone and specifically the intent to make it look like as if Norman Rockwell had shot it, etc. In English, not subtitled. (17 min).
• From Coma to Coda – in this new program, composer Edward Shearmur discusses the unique qualities of the score Michael Kamen composed for The Dead Zone, the manner in which the music relates to the psychology of the film, etc. Music producer and engineer James Guthrie discusses his professional relationship with Kamen and his stylistic preferences as well. In English, not subtitled. (13 min).
• Dino in the Dark: Adapting the King of Horror – this new documentary takes a closer look at the history of the relationship between Stephen King and Hollywood as well as the key films that emerged from it, including The Dead Zone. Included in it are new interviews with author and Stephen King historian Joseph Maddrey, author and director Mick Garris, and director Mark L. Lester, among others. In English, not subtitled. (20 min).
• Frank Dodd & the Cujo Connection – presented here is a new visual essay by critic Lee Gambin. In English, not subtitled. (19 min).
• Memories From The Dead Zone – in this archival featurette, David Cronenberg explains how he became involved with The Dead Zone. Also included are clips from archival interviews with Brooke Adams, author and critic Douglas E. Winter, and editor Ronald Sanders. In English, not subtitled. (13 min).
• The Look of The Dead Zone – in this archival featurette, David Cronenberg, author and critic Douglas E. Winter, and cinematographer Mark Irwin address the visual appearance of The Dead Zone. In English, not subtitled. (10 min).
• Visions and Horror From The Dead Zone – in this archival featurette, David Cronenberg and cinematographer Mark Irwin explain how key sequences from The Dead Zone were shot and address specific material from Stephen King’s novel that was altered. Author and critic Douglas E. Winter comments as well. In English, not subtitled. (10 min).
• The Politics of The Dead Zone – in this archival featurette, author and critic Douglas E. Winter, editor Ronald Sanders, Martin Sheen, and David Cronenberg address the politics and subversive nature of The Dead Zone. In English, not subtitled. (12 min).
• Vintage Interviews (1983) – David Cronenberg, producer Debra Hill, and Martin Sheen discuss the production of  The Dead Zone as well as its characterizations and conflicts. In English, with imposed Japanese subtitles. (17 min).
• Interview with Stephen King – this archival interview with Stephen King was conducted at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. It covers a wide range of topics, including key events from The Dead Zone and the politics that may or may not be part of them. In English, not subtitled (51 min).