READER'S ROCK LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 2 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2014 Vol. 1 Issue 4 October 2013 | Page 31

When books translate to the big (or small)
screen and when they don't…
I've had several good questions in my inbox
lately (i.e. what do you think of Charlie Hunnan
in 50 Shades?) but I'm opting to answer
something a bit more seasonal this month.
There are loads of movies and TV shows based
on spooky/creepy/eerie books and I can't
think of any better time to discuss them or
rather some of them. So, here it is, my top five
best for the big screen and some for the small
screen.
The Shining
"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
Does it get much better than Stephen King's
creepfest brought to life by a stunning
performance by Jack Nicholson? A shrill Shelley
Duvall and young Danny Lloyd added just
enough weirdness to land this movie in the
classics. The concept of the story is not
particularly scary and I didn't consider the
book a horror when I read it but seeing the
ghosts appear on screen in such gruesome
scenes coupled with Jack Nicholson's
downward spiral, it is difficult to ignore the
chill creeping down my spine every time I
watch it. I would be remiss if I didn't mention
that 1997 travesty that was a poor attempt to
remake The Shining into a TV miniseries
starring Stephen Weber and Rebecca De
Mornay. It was sadly lacking between the
limitations of the small screen and the lack of a
male lead as awe-inspiring as Jack Nicholson.
No offense, Stephen but after Wings you could
hardly blame me.
Dracula
There have been several adaptations of Dracula
but my personal favorite is the 1992 version
with the divine Gary Oldman in the title role.
With Winona Ryder as a stunningly meek Mina,
Keanu Reeves as Harker and of course,
Anthony Hopkins breathing life into Van
Helsing. I've heard a lot of people complain
about this version but I thoroughly enjoyed it
and with the exception of Bela Lugosi, I
challenge anybody to find a better Dracula than
Gary Oldman. I've read the book – a few times
actually – and while I still do not fear the
vampire, I appreciate the tale and the father of
all blood sucking fiends.
This is a place to note that I have seen previews
for the new show set to premiere on NBC with
the dashing Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Dracula
and I am excited. It looks to put a new spin on
the old legend and with a dash of intrigue and
an edgier vibe.
Exorcist
I confess, I have not read the Exorcist but I have
seen the movie and it did not scare me either.

However, I admit that the premise is creepy
and let's face facts, Linda Blair's lovely face was
certifiably grotesque as the possession took
hold. It is a worthwhile film to watch,
a true Halloween classic. There have been
several subsequent spin offs of the Exorcist
forming a true franchise but I seriously doubt
there will ever be a version to rival the first.
Legend of Sleepy Hollow
I have only seen two versions of Sleepy Hollow,
the Bing Crosby version and the Johnny Depp
take. Bing is timeless but it lacked the oomph
and effects that Depp's version possessed. Get
it? Possessed? Anyway, I am a HUGE fan of the
Sleepy Hollow legend, I mean, come on, a
headless horseman, how cool is that? I loved
Christina Ricci in all her pastiness as she met
the challenge of poor Ichabod's love interest.
Simply delightful!
This TV season also brings Sleepy Hollow to
prime time. I have not yet watched it but I am
eager to see it after the initial feedback I've
read. I am a little put off by the casting initially
but I'm trying to keep an open mind.
The Ring
Okay, there are more. I know it. I've read
several. I could do an entire list on just Stephen
King books but this movie actually creeped me
out. Really, only a part of the movie affected me
but more because of how it was filmed than the
actual story. I cannot stand the stop-action
style of filming that they used (also seen in the
Grudge) because something about it sets my
teeth on edge. I've skimmed the book and
found it much better than the film in spite of a
fabulous performance by the amazing Naomi
Watts. I find the film to be a bit shallow
whereas the book had a little more substance.
Still, if you are looking to be thoroughly freaked
out this season, try out The Ring and you will
see what I mean.
As I said, I could go on and on and on about
spooky movies and books and TV shows but
this article should be only so long. I love
movies, I really do but I love to read too, it's a
crazy love triangle and sometimes I'm left in
the cold but when it comes to this time of year,
I am rarely dis appointed! Happy Halloween!
P.S. Incidentally, I have to answer the Charlie
Hunnan question because it is killing me! I am
actually considering seeing 50 Shades now that
he has been cast. I truly appreciate Charlie
Hunnan as Jax on Sons of Anarchy and I am
suddenly interested in something I previously
had no interest in. Well cast, well cast indeed.

Violet Patterson, author of the Kindle Bestselling Emerald Seer Series is an avid movie fan with appreciation for all genres.
She and her children eagerly await the releases of The Hobbit Desolation of Smaug, Thor 2, and The Avengers 2. Ms. Patterson
splits her time between tourism marketing, writing, running her business Kharmic Chaos, and most importantly, being Mom to two
amazing children. Find more on Violet at http://emeraldseer.blogspot.com or on twitter @booksbyviolet.