The Dead Zone (1983)

After my recent enjoyment of "Dead Ringers," I decided to keep trucking through the Cronenberg filmography and pick up a copy of "The Dead Zone." Though I think Stephen King is probably one of the best storytellers of our generation, I have often been unimpressed (except for "Stand By Me," based on his novella "The Body") with the film adaptations of his novels (i.e. "Sleepwalkers," "Cujo," "Carrie," "It," etc.) and have always felt that they never quite translate well onto the big screen. After reading a short summary of the film, and more importantly, discovering that Christopher Walken was the lead, I decided to give the movie a try. I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed with the film and, though Cronenberg did not write or adapt the script, it stands out as one of his best efforts.
Like most of King's stories, "The Dead Zone" takes place in upper New England around the town of Castle Rock. Christopher Walken plays the Everyman, Johnny Smith, a schoolteacher who after an unfortunate car accident, goes into a 5-year coma and discovers that he has developed psychic abilities. Able to predict the future and avert tragedy, Smith reluctantly offers to use his newfound ability for the good of others though his body negatively suffers the effects of each prediction. When he learns that a local politician will eventually have a damaging impact upon the fate of Mankind, Smith knows that he must stop him at all costs.
"The Dead Zone" is a film that not only benefits from being a successful novel and great adapted screenplay, but also tremendous acting. Christopher Walken is brilliantly cast in the film and successfully combines the strange with the everyday. Even before his accident, Johnny Smith is portrayed as an eccentric individual who seems to enjoy the strange (Poe's "The Raven") and has a preponderant attitude toward adolescence (i.e. a love of theme parks and a great connection with children). Though the accident does little to change his nature, the 5-year coma forces him to grow up and face the reality that a great portion of his life and intended livelihood has passed. Christopher Walken's flair for the strange helps to breathe Johnny Smith to life in a way that no other actor could have. Along with Walken, the supporting cast, including Brooke Adams, Herbert Lom, Tom Skerritt, and the wily Martin Sheen, help to reinforce King's claim as the master of modern suspense and make "The Dead Zone" among one of the top films of the early 1980's.

3.5 out of 4