In the line of theatrical and Made for TV attempts drawn from Stephen King's literary works, this is really quite good. It is a darkly twisted work which hints to the Machiavellian theories and demonstrates a remarkable execution.
Unfortunately, it is almost anti-climactic in its delivery, in spite of the stellar performances which support this work. I was a trifle disappointed with this attempt, but that is only because I am a King fan. If you're not concerned with the comparison to the short story upon which this is based, the movie alone is really quite enjoyable. It is a well developed psychological thriller with some highly entertaining moments.
If you are concerned with the comparison to King's literary writings however, you will be greatly disappointed, as Todd's descent into madness is completely skipped in the theatrical version. Let me explicate further. Todd is first intrigued by the death and violence of the Nazi concentration camps and the horrendous tortures and "medical experiments" conducted there. He becomes seduced by the blood, the pain, and the adrenaline rush he receives from viewing these things in his mind's eye and in the books he ferrets from the library.
He then discovers his neighbor is a Nazi and blackmails him into detailing the things done at these camps; first hand accounting generates a better rush for Todd, and so he becomes enamored totally; surrendering utterly to these stimuli until finally, madness is achieved.
All this is omitted and what elements are present, are never explained. It is much like the Made 4 TV version of "It" in that it never explains what "They all float down here" means to the plot, yet they use it over and over. They use Todd's madness over and over in "Apt Pupil," yet they never demonstrate that madness to its fullest potential (or even its most shallow potential) on film.
If you are a King fan, it'll hurt your feelings and therefore, rates a 3.5/10.
If you aren't a King fan and do not have a story to which you will compare this work, it rates a 7.8/10.
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, it rates a 6.5/10 for giving you some suspense, but never exploring the psychology behind Todd's actions.
That's a 6/10 from...
the Fiend :.
Unfortunately, it is almost anti-climactic in its delivery, in spite of the stellar performances which support this work. I was a trifle disappointed with this attempt, but that is only because I am a King fan. If you're not concerned with the comparison to the short story upon which this is based, the movie alone is really quite enjoyable. It is a well developed psychological thriller with some highly entertaining moments.
If you are concerned with the comparison to King's literary writings however, you will be greatly disappointed, as Todd's descent into madness is completely skipped in the theatrical version. Let me explicate further. Todd is first intrigued by the death and violence of the Nazi concentration camps and the horrendous tortures and "medical experiments" conducted there. He becomes seduced by the blood, the pain, and the adrenaline rush he receives from viewing these things in his mind's eye and in the books he ferrets from the library.
He then discovers his neighbor is a Nazi and blackmails him into detailing the things done at these camps; first hand accounting generates a better rush for Todd, and so he becomes enamored totally; surrendering utterly to these stimuli until finally, madness is achieved.
All this is omitted and what elements are present, are never explained. It is much like the Made 4 TV version of "It" in that it never explains what "They all float down here" means to the plot, yet they use it over and over. They use Todd's madness over and over in "Apt Pupil," yet they never demonstrate that madness to its fullest potential (or even its most shallow potential) on film.
If you are a King fan, it'll hurt your feelings and therefore, rates a 3.5/10.
If you aren't a King fan and do not have a story to which you will compare this work, it rates a 7.8/10.
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, it rates a 6.5/10 for giving you some suspense, but never exploring the psychology behind Todd's actions.
That's a 6/10 from...
the Fiend :.