Electric_blues (electric_review) wrote, @ 2004-06-27 22:45:00

Secret Window DVD Review (2004)
Stephen King films have always been a 'hit or miss" game. For every great Stephen King film, such as Misery, The Shawshank Redemption of Apt Pupil, there's always a stinker like "Pet Semetary" or "Maximum Overdrive". The problem is that Stephen King's work doesn't usually translate well into film without completely changing the story, as was the case with Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining".

However, "Secret Window" does a very good job of capturing a Stephen King story without altering the source material too drastically. The tale of an author haunted by a stranger named John Shooter who claims he stole a story from him, Secret Window takes us deep into the heart of man and into the very nature of fear itself.

Johnny Depp once again proves he can actually act, but that's usually a given. More compelling than Depp's performance is the story itself. Few films of the horror genre actually stick with me these days, actually keep me thinking long after the film has ended. This one, however, still has me thinking. I won't spoil it for you, but I will say that if you turn on your brain while watching this, and leave it on, you'll find yourself questioning a lot of things about yourself.

The main thing that distinguishes this from other Stephen King films is that there is some actual narration in the film. As the story unfolds, we're let into the main characters mind, his very thoughts. This might seem clunky in cinema, but it works very well in this film. Despite other poor reviews, I highly recommend you see this film.

The DVD sports a healthy array of extras, including deleted scenes and commentary. I'll admit, I liked the extended deleted ending better than the cut theatrical ending. It's worth more than a watch, it's worth a buy. Watch this film at least twice to fully appreciate it.

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