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Salem's Lot 2004 from old board
Author: Bev Vincent
Blood-Curdling Terror Comes To Small-Town America in SALEM'S LOT, a Horrifying TNT Original Miniseries Starring Rob Lowe [/b]
Andre Braugher, Donald Sutherland, Rutger Hauer, James Crowell and Samantha Mathis Co-Star in Two-Part, Four-Hour Thriller Set To Premiere on TNT June 20 and 21
A dark terror has come to the picture-perfect town of Jerusalem's Lot, and it's up to a writer with a haunted past, played by Rob Lowe (Lyon's Den, The West Wing), to uncover the horror that has taken over the town in SALEM'S LOT, an Original dramatic miniseries event for Turner Network Television (TNT). Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Street), Donald Sutherland (The Italian Job), Rutger Hauer (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind), James Cromwell (Babe) and Samantha Mathis (TNT's The Mists of Avalon) also star in this gripping two-part, four-hour thriller. Shot on location in Melbourne, Australia, SALEM'S LOT will premiere on TNT Sunday, June 20 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) and conclude on Monday, June 21 at 8 p.m (ET/PT).
SALEM'S LOT, adapted from the best-selling novel by horror master ,Stephen King, is a co-production of TNT and Warner Bros. Television, with Mark Wolper (TNT's The Mists of Avalon, The Thornbirds) executive-producing for The Wolper Organization and Jeff Hayes (Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde) executive-producing for Coote/Hayes. Mikael Salomon (Band of Brothers) directs from a script by Peter Filardi (Flatliners, The Craft). The movie also features atmospheric cinematography by Ben Nott (Code Red) and a score by Christopher Gordon (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World), showcasing the vocal talents of Dead Can Dance's Lisa Gerrard (Gladiator, Whale Rider).
Jerusalem's Lot, or Salem's Lot, as many natives affectionately refer to it, appears on the outside to be the perfect small town. But there is something evil festering under the surface of this Maine hamlet, and it seems to be emanating from the ominous Marsten House, perched atop a hill overlooking the town. When Mears was a child, he witnessed a horrible murder in the house, one that has left him emotionally scarred. He hopes, however, to wrestle with the demons of his past by writing a book about the town and its inhabitants.
Ben is not the only newcomer to town. An antique dealer named Richard Straker (Sutherland) has also arrived to open up a new shop with his silent partner, Kurt Barlow (Hauer). It doesn't take long before strange things begin happening. A series of mysterious deaths and disappearances eventually lead Ben, waitress Susan Norton (Mathis), high-school teacher Matt Burke (Braugher) and Father Donald Callahan (Cromwell) to conclude it might be the work of vampires. They work together to uncover the terrifying truth.
Turner Network Television (TNT), the destination for drama, is a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. 24-hour advertiser-supported service. TNT, an industry leader in delivery of adults 18-49 and 25-54 in prime and total day, is cable's only network combining award-winning original films, with upcoming fare including Salem's Lot, adapted from the Stephen King novel, and the Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentations The Winning Season and The Wool Cap; highly anticipated original series, including The Grid and a Steven Spielberg 12-hour series, Into the West (working title); powerful one-hour dramas, such as Law & Order, ER, NYPD Blue, The X-Files, Charmed, Judging Amy and Angel, with Without a Trace joining in fall of 2004; broadcast premieres; and championship sports coverage including NASCAR, the PGA and the British Open and the NBA. Beginning in May 2004, TNT will be presented in high-definition.
Author: Bev Vincent
**** MILD SPOILERS ****
I got a copy of the movie from TNT last night and watched the first two hours. The beginning is very lyrical, almost poetic, but it's dark and a condemnation of small towns, or at least this particular one. In spite of what I've read elsewhere, substantial changes have been made to the book in adapting it. Not so much in the story as in the nature of the characters. Matt, for example, the school teacher, is now both gay and black. Doctor Cody is less than an upstanding citizen. Mark Petrie is almost a young hooligan. The whole story has been modernized, with e-mail relationships. Straker does most of his antiques business on-line. Donald Sutherland is great as Straker, but I'm having a hard time understanding him through the massive beard. Rutger Hauer's only been in one scene so far, but he brings a different energy to Barlow. I'm looking forward to watching the rest.
I have to say, though, that Rob Lowe's Ben Mears is not likable so far. They've changed his motivations entirely and his presence in the Lot supposedly to write about Marsden House is just a cover for his real objective.
I think people who are looking for the novel on screen may be disappointed by this in a Kubrick sorta way. I'm trying to detach myself from the novel a bit and be more objective, but it ain't easy.
Blood-Curdling Terror Comes To Small-Town America in SALEM'S LOT, a Horrifying TNT Original Miniseries Starring Rob Lowe [/b]
Andre Braugher, Donald Sutherland, Rutger Hauer, James Crowell and Samantha Mathis Co-Star in Two-Part, Four-Hour Thriller Set To Premiere on TNT June 20 and 21
A dark terror has come to the picture-perfect town of Jerusalem's Lot, and it's up to a writer with a haunted past, played by Rob Lowe (Lyon's Den, The West Wing), to uncover the horror that has taken over the town in SALEM'S LOT, an Original dramatic miniseries event for Turner Network Television (TNT). Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Street), Donald Sutherland (The Italian Job), Rutger Hauer (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind), James Cromwell (Babe) and Samantha Mathis (TNT's The Mists of Avalon) also star in this gripping two-part, four-hour thriller. Shot on location in Melbourne, Australia, SALEM'S LOT will premiere on TNT Sunday, June 20 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) and conclude on Monday, June 21 at 8 p.m (ET/PT).
SALEM'S LOT, adapted from the best-selling novel by horror master ,Stephen King, is a co-production of TNT and Warner Bros. Television, with Mark Wolper (TNT's The Mists of Avalon, The Thornbirds) executive-producing for The Wolper Organization and Jeff Hayes (Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde) executive-producing for Coote/Hayes. Mikael Salomon (Band of Brothers) directs from a script by Peter Filardi (Flatliners, The Craft). The movie also features atmospheric cinematography by Ben Nott (Code Red) and a score by Christopher Gordon (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World), showcasing the vocal talents of Dead Can Dance's Lisa Gerrard (Gladiator, Whale Rider).
Jerusalem's Lot, or Salem's Lot, as many natives affectionately refer to it, appears on the outside to be the perfect small town. But there is something evil festering under the surface of this Maine hamlet, and it seems to be emanating from the ominous Marsten House, perched atop a hill overlooking the town. When Mears was a child, he witnessed a horrible murder in the house, one that has left him emotionally scarred. He hopes, however, to wrestle with the demons of his past by writing a book about the town and its inhabitants.
Ben is not the only newcomer to town. An antique dealer named Richard Straker (Sutherland) has also arrived to open up a new shop with his silent partner, Kurt Barlow (Hauer). It doesn't take long before strange things begin happening. A series of mysterious deaths and disappearances eventually lead Ben, waitress Susan Norton (Mathis), high-school teacher Matt Burke (Braugher) and Father Donald Callahan (Cromwell) to conclude it might be the work of vampires. They work together to uncover the terrifying truth.
Turner Network Television (TNT), the destination for drama, is a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. 24-hour advertiser-supported service. TNT, an industry leader in delivery of adults 18-49 and 25-54 in prime and total day, is cable's only network combining award-winning original films, with upcoming fare including Salem's Lot, adapted from the Stephen King novel, and the Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentations The Winning Season and The Wool Cap; highly anticipated original series, including The Grid and a Steven Spielberg 12-hour series, Into the West (working title); powerful one-hour dramas, such as Law & Order, ER, NYPD Blue, The X-Files, Charmed, Judging Amy and Angel, with Without a Trace joining in fall of 2004; broadcast premieres; and championship sports coverage including NASCAR, the PGA and the British Open and the NBA. Beginning in May 2004, TNT will be presented in high-definition.
Author: Bev Vincent
**** MILD SPOILERS ****
I got a copy of the movie from TNT last night and watched the first two hours. The beginning is very lyrical, almost poetic, but it's dark and a condemnation of small towns, or at least this particular one. In spite of what I've read elsewhere, substantial changes have been made to the book in adapting it. Not so much in the story as in the nature of the characters. Matt, for example, the school teacher, is now both gay and black. Doctor Cody is less than an upstanding citizen. Mark Petrie is almost a young hooligan. The whole story has been modernized, with e-mail relationships. Straker does most of his antiques business on-line. Donald Sutherland is great as Straker, but I'm having a hard time understanding him through the massive beard. Rutger Hauer's only been in one scene so far, but he brings a different energy to Barlow. I'm looking forward to watching the rest.
I have to say, though, that Rob Lowe's Ben Mears is not likable so far. They've changed his motivations entirely and his presence in the Lot supposedly to write about Marsden House is just a cover for his real objective.
I think people who are looking for the novel on screen may be disappointed by this in a Kubrick sorta way. I'm trying to detach myself from the novel a bit and be more objective, but it ain't easy.
Comments
Argh. That would be tough on me not to like Ben Mears -- he's one of my fave SK characters, so is Mark Petrie (what? a hooligan? please). Not to mention Salem's Lot is one of my fave books. That's what continues to bug me so much about Kubrick's The Shining -- I literally could not stand Wendy in the movie, ruined it for me.
But I'll watch and see... I think Rob Lowe might be a little pretty for Ben, but we'll see..... :~
Lin
Author: Bev Vincent
It's a very beautifully filmed movie and all the actors look good and act well. I'm just having a few adjustment problems with the liberties taken with the story. Mark isn't quite a hooligan, but he's got more attitude than I remember from the book. Susan Norton's parents are all but missing from the story except for one brief appearance by her mother so far. I'll see how things ramp up in part 2 -- the vampires only start to come on-screen in the last few minutes of part one.
Author: CRinVA
Just once I'd like to see something before the rest of the world - or read something before the rest of the world!
I did have advance movie screening passes to Big Fish and even then I had a family obligation and couldn't go! !@#$
Author: DTUK
You've just confirmed my misgivings about the Straker beard thing Bev, he kept reminding me of Santa Claus all the time :~
With you mentioning the difference in characters' mannerisms from the book, it makes me wonder just how dark a picture they want painting off this town. I can understand King showing you everything underneath the surface, like the dark depths benath a still pond over a period of time and length of story to slowly get you used to the town's characters and their lives before showing you something infinetly more darker thats come among them.
But I always saw Cody as a fine upstanding character and a brave man. I am still holding out that Rob Lowe will make a good Ben Mears but apart from him coming back to the town to release the demons of his childhood through a book he wished to write based on the Marsten House, I am at a loss as to what other agenda he could have... :~ /
I would be very interested in hearing what you think of Rutgur Hauer as Barlow, Bev...will wait with anticipation for part two of your take on the new adaptation.
Regarding email relationships: I am sure Mark Petrie has a computer with internet connection. When Danny Glick visits him, which I am sure he will do in the second part. It won't take long for Mark to send an emergency email to the world's press and alert them to vampires in the Lot. Bang! goes Barlow's plan for world domination because all the papers and gawkers will rush to the Lot to see what's going on (not to mention the National Guard the US Army and FBI and CIA - using Tommyknockers as an example here). This is one reason why I definetly think they shouldn't have included the internet in the mini-series.
Vampirism killed by the technological age. Barlow should have stayed in his coffin frankly.
Author: AngelsGirl
I had the pleasure of seeing ”Salem's Lot” a couple of months ago and I think it's very well done. I never read the book, so I can't comment on the differences.
A couple of questions for you, Bev, if you will. Why do you think Matt Burke is gay? Did he say he was and I just missed it? Since I saw it quite a while befoe you and it was a “rough cut” version, perhaps they added some scenes and his being gay was exposed then. Otherwise, I saw no indication that he was gay. Would you be specific so when I watch the movie again this weekend, I'll know to watch for it? Thanks.
Next, you said Rob Lowe wasn't likeable as Ben Mears. I'll concede that he wasn't bubbling over with joy, but there *were* people he liked and who liked him in return . . . Andre, Dr. Cody, Mark, Susan, and at first, the landlady at the boarding house liked him.
You've got to admit, he wasn't welcomed with open arms so maybe that's why he didn't seem likeable ~~ he was treated so shabbily, he didn't have *reason* to smile or have an opportunity to be liked.
I'm assuming you've watched Part Two by now, and in that you'll see that Ben shows compassion for Mark in a few scenes ~~ he covers him with a blanket while he sleeps in a hospital chair, he shows some concern for him as they wait outside Mark's house, he worries about Mark going on the “staking” mission with the grown men . . .
He also does a *big* favor for Dr. Cody that quite possibly would have saved Dr. Cody's life if circumstances had permitted ~0 , and he did it without being asked. That was a likeable thing to do.
Anyway, those are just a couple of observations of my own that differed from yours and I wanted to post them for fun, and in no way meant to be argumentative. If you'd like to continue our discussion, I'd be very happy to respond.
Thanks!
SPOILER ALERT for 'SALEM'S LOT, NOVEL AND MINISERIES
Two references implied it. First, when he is introduced as the bit of color in the community, the Ben Mears voiceover stresses that he lives alone and is single and that his alternative lifestyle is “tolerated” down in Portland so long as he is discrete. Secondly, when he invites Mike Ryerson to spend the night at his place when he is acting strung out, there is definite implications that Mike is aware that he's gay and looking at his finely chiseled body when he strips off his shirt.
Agreed there are characters in the movie that like him -- but I don't. Susan is repulsed by him when she finds out he's been deceptive and only warms to him later on when he explains about Marsden House. True, he didn't get the warmest of welcomes in the Lot, but I just have a hard time getting to like him, especially since our introduction to him (after the fight scene, which I still haven't gotten to the end to find out what THAT'S all about) is this very negative and condemning voiceover description of small towns.
I haven't gotten that far along, but I can guess what the favor is. I have to say I'm not particularly fond of Dr. Cody, either.
I have no problems even if you want to be argumentative! Welcome to my board, by the way, and I would be very happy to continue our discussion. Other readers should beware that there will probably be inevitable SPOILERS here for both book and miniseries.
Last night I got to the resurrection of Mrs. Glick and Susan and Mark's capture at Marsden House.
Author: AngelsGirl
SPPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
Thanks for the warm welcome, Bev. Maybe we *will* argue down the road, but let's still try to keep it friendly. I wouldn't want to have to stake you.
I'll re-watch Part One tonight and watch for the gay references. I don't remember the alternative lifestyle comment but I remember Mike taking his shirt off. I recall the camera panning his body but it never occurred to me that Matt was doing the same thing! %)
I remember reading that Rob, himself, has said Ben Mears is not a very likeable character, however, I can't help but have compassion for him. He's been haunted for 30 years because he feels responsible for the death of a playmate and he's not led a happy life because of it. Sure he's successful, but that black cloud of what happened at the Lot is always hanging over him. Naturally he has a disdain for the small town.
How old do you think Mark is supposed to be? I can't quite figure him out.
This is funny. I let my sister and brother-in-law watch the movie. My brother-in-law is one of those guys who prides himself for not letting *any* movie scare him. Well, when my sister returned the movie I asked her how many times Larry jumped, because viewers *will* jump. She said 4 times. I asked her what he jumped at and she laughed and said, “When the toast popped out of the toaster.” They watched the movie a second time and darn if he didn't jump again at the toast and he *knew* it was gonna happen! So that accounted for 2 jumps. I won't tell you the other 2.
When you talk about the fight and “what was that all about”, are you talking about the fight between Ben and Father Callahan at the beginning of the movie? Don't read the following if you don't want to know:
SPOILER ***** Father Callahan became a vampire but left the town of Salem and was never going to use his vampirism. Ben knew he was the last remaining vampire and tracked him down to Detroit to the homeless shelter and was going to kill him. He chased him upstairs, they struggled, and both went out the window, which was the opening of the movie. Then the whole movie was Ben telling the story to the intern of *why* he tried to kill a priest. Remember, the intern asked him why did he try to kill a priest? That's what the fight was about ~~ Ben needed to kill the last remaining vampire. *****
Ok, that's all for now. I'll watch for your next post.
Author: Bev Vincent
No, I would have a hard time stating that one for a fact, too. Twelve? Fourteen? He seems a little rowdy at the beginning. A bit of a troublemaker.
I'll probably watch the rest of it tonight, so I can read the rest of your message then. So far I haven't really had a “jump” moment. The Danny Glick at the Window scene didn't work for me nearly as well as the original, which was truly haunting. Also, the original Mike Ryerson at the Grave scene creeped me out, too.
Author: DTUK
Hi AngelsGirl: How did Ben know Father Callahan was the final vampire? If we go by the book for a moment when the Lot burned at the end when Ben and Mark lit the match and dropped it and watched the wind fan the flames, the town was indead dead (Undead) but even before that they deliberated upon the mammoth task of finding every single vampire and killing them all. They knew some would escape and even with years in which to complete the task they would find the murdering of vampiric children and babies sickening. We know from the book and recorded excerpts that most of the town had been converted to vampirism and that there had been a few thousand people that lived in the town. I find it hard to believe they tracked down every single Type 2 vampire and destroyed them before they in turn infected more pople and the cycle spiralled out of control.
If Callahan becomes a vampire in the new mini-series when did he overcome the insane appetite for blood that would have driven him to slay people indiscriminately because he drank Barlow's blood. Barlow's blood will be a pure source of vampirism and may have been a battle Callahan would ultimately lose, if not very quickly.
Loves 'Salem's Lot debates...:)
Author: DTUK
Agrees with Bev, both Danny at the window and Mike at the graveside terrified me in the original. And the original also scared me when Mike returned to visit Matt Burke: I will see you sleep like the dead, teacher.”
Author: AngelsGirl
Hi Guys,
I'm not avoiding you, really I'm not. As I said, I never read the book and haven't watched the new version of the movie since January, so in order to have an *educated* discussion, I'm going to watch the movie again over the next couple of days so I can hold my own against you two, who obviously know much more about the works of SK than I do.
So give me a day or so and I'll be back in the Forum ready to head to go head with you about the movie *only*. I intend to read the book and then can debate that with you too, but for now, all I've got to work with is the Rob Lowe version of the movie.
I'll be back!
Author: Ratty
i hate people that brag
I WANNA SEE THE MOVIE!!!!!!
then i can debate myself
Author: DTUK
Wonders when it will be aired over here...hopefully not in the autumn with long dark nights :~
AngelsGirl: get a copy of the book and read that also
Author: AngelsGirl
Actually, I have a copy of the book but one of the stars of the movie (the re-make, not the old one) has it. He's written a personal message to me and has either mailed it or is going to mail it in the next few days (I hope), so I'll read it as soon as it arrives.
How's THAT for bragging!
Author: DTUK
lol
Author: Ratty
if there was anything or anyone the was in need or deserved a raspberry, it would definitely have to be you AngelsGirl, so to you i give
Author: IT
c'mon Angel's Girl! Give!!! WHO has it?????
Author: AngelsGirl
If I can figure out how to get this avatar thing to work, you'll see his picture. Until then, we'll just call him *Ben*.
Ratty, you sound like the grand master-debater!
Thanks, Bev, for helping with the avatar! Now you guys know who the “author” is who has written in my copy of “Salem's Lot”.
Author: Bev Vincent
Bumping this up so we cal all fawn over AngelsGirl's avatar!
::: drooling over Angels avatar ::: ~0 :~
Author: Lin242[b]
Hi AngelsGirl!
Your spoiler quote is making me think since I've just read DTV and of course there is some overlapping of some of the information there, I'm just trying to get it straight in my head. *ouch*
Lin
Author: [b]Bev Vincent
She may have Rob, but I have this:
Samantha Mathis as Susan
Author: DTUK
She's looking abit pale there, Bev - is this after she turns into a vampire?
And why the HECK hasn't she got the trademark 'Salem's Lot red eyes??? Wonder from the photo if this is the scene where she visits Mark (after their venture to the Marsten House) during the early hours of the morning.
Author: Lin242
You go Bev
Author: Bev Vincent
Well, this is fairly late in the story, so she's been through a lot...
It's from a scene that doesn't really have an analog in the novel.
Author: Lin242
hahaha -- Dukky, *hi* I didn't see your “pale” remark first. I wasn't imitating you.
Bev, I still think Ellen Rimbauer was cuter, tho'...
Lin
Author: DTUK
Susan was always one of my favourite character's in the book and I think Susan Mathis looks like being a good Susan, I was always a little sad when they have to confront Barlow's little gift that he left them when they get close to finding him. I can't imagine having to do what Ben did to someone that you have fallen in love with.
But then I can't imagine him wanting her prowling around or giving love-bite a whole new meaning. hehe
Author: DTUK
Lol Lin
Actually I think a vampire Susan looks erm...rather cute
Author: Lin242
Dukky, you're such a “sucker” for a pretty face....
Lin
Author: DTUK
LMAO, Lin
Can't help it...heck am even attracted to vampires it seems, where will it end ~0 lol
Author: Ratty
You lot are really sucking the life out of these vampire jokes!
Author: Bev Vincent
Rutger Hauer as the big cahuna of vampires: Barlow
Author: Ratty
I have always thought of him as an evil character ever since i seen him in The Hitcher.
He has played so many infamous characters, a replicant in Blade Runner (if you aint seen this, go get it!), a coffee addicted policeman in Split Second and numerous others to mention.
Author: AngelsGirl
Ok, since I'm still waiting for my book autographed by Ben, er, Rob to arrive, is it ok for Bev and me to still have a discussion about the new movie, or is that gonna spoil things for the rest of you? We started one then got side-tracked because you “book fanatics”
That's obviously gonna have to wait, but I'd still love to talk about the movie. Is that acceptable?
Author: AngelsGirl
Bev, have you watched far enough into the movie to see Ben do what he does to Susan? Is that true to the book? The, you know, procrastination?
I thought that part was soooooooooo cool!
Rob said he got “vampire's elbow” from practicing “staking” into sandbags. Nice to know he didn't practice into real people!
Of course, vampire aren't real people anymore, are they? Muwahahahaha!!!
AngelsGirl: I have no probs with a 'Salem's Lot discussion, it will help build the anticipation of waiting to watch it.
Ratty: I loved RH in the Hitcher, a class suspenseful movie.
Author: IT
You lucky gal Angels!!! I'm green!! How did you manage to meet that gorgeous hunk?
'Salem's Lot has always been one of my favorite books, so I really hope this movie does it justice. Though just from some of the things I've read here, I get the impression that a lot of liberties have been taken with the book.
Ya know, I've always wondered if King gets pissed when such liberties are taken with his books. If fans of his books can get...shall we say a tad annoyed, it makes me wonder what he says to his wife, or if he just figures that's part of letting your book go to film. I know he didn't like Kubrick's version, but I think(or that's all I remember right now) that's the only time I've heard he was unhappy.
Author: Bev Vincent
IT: There have been times when he's liked the changes. When the bullets fall from the balcony in The Dead Zone, for example. He said, “I wished I'd thought of that.”
AngelsGirl: I finished watching the entire series, so I'm open for discussion.
Everyone else: Beware, there may be spoilers on this thread from here on out. Even if you think you know Salem's Lot, beware, because there are some things unique to this miniseries that are bound to come up. Cast aside your eyes lest they bring you ruin!
AngelsGirl: The scene in the basement of Marsden House where they find Susan is different. In the book they don't leave her unstaked to reappear later on. I had problems accepting that they would do that, even with the little debate they had over whether she might be “cured” if they killed Barlow. I mean “big oops” why didn't they think of that before they drove the stake into Ralphie Glick!
Then the scene where Susan appears to Ben at the boarding house and they have this ever-so-calm discussion in which she reveals that his lifelong angst was all for nothing didn't really work for me, either. Ben should have been freaking out and barely listening, in my opinion. It went on far too long, the discussion, because they had all this information to dump, and I just sat there shaking my head.
Author: DTUK
Bev: some would say I'm already ruined and corrupted
That's interesting that they stake Ralphie cause in the book we never learn of his fate after he becomes a vampire and gets Danny. Interesting change - will accept that
And agrees with Bev, I thought a vampire's life-long ambition was to get as many victims as they could with the least amount of hassle (i.e. people wanting to stake them and jabbing crucifixes in their faces...etc) - anyways...I don't think Ben should be sitting there having a long discussion with a vampire Susan.
Hi, all blood sucking friends. I'm going to talk about some specific information here, so read on only if you really wanna know.
I, too, found it a bit odd that Ben would even consider Susan might be “cured” and at the time, I cringed at his procrastination of staking her. But because they'd had a relationship, of sorts, he could have moved on and let someone else do the deed.
Because Ben didn't kiss Ralphie Glick!
First of all, I don't think their discussion was “ever-so-calm”. I think a better word to describe this scene is “frisson”. Something was going to happen . . . I knew it was going to happen . . . I didn't know what it was, but I had a heck of a time waiting for it!
Plus, given the subject matter of this story, having ANY discussion with a vampire is all relative.
By this time I think Ben was long past the freaking-out stage. Also, even though Susan was now a vampire, he felt somewhat *comfortable* with her . . . well, as comfortable as you can feel around a vampire. And Ben wasn't stupid ~~ he had his stake handy.
Also, if you'd had this major lifelong angst, I think you'd want to give the girl, er, vampire, a couple of minutes to hear her out.
In my opinion, the discussion didn't go on for nearly as long as it probably felt to you. In fact, I thought it all happened pretty fast. If people really want to know how long this conversation took, I'll be happy to time it.
Now Bev, be honest, don't you think the way Ben staked Susan was way cool? I mean, letting her have it from behind when she turned from him to attack Mark . . . you've gotta admit that was one slick move. Will you admit that? Or are you a diehard, by-the-book hold-out?
Now, I have a question. I thought the only way to destroy a vampire was by staking it through the heart. What's with Mark *killing* Father Callahan by smothering him?
Comments?
Author: Bev Vincent
Callahan wasn't a vampire, he was merely unclean. Barlow didn't drink his blood; he drank Barlow's. I expect in this movie version the argument would be that he had been changed into something like Straker, a familiar of sorts, with allegiance to the vampires but not of them. In the book, Callahan can no longer enter his church after the episode with Barlow -- it rejects him, burns his hand when he tries to enter.
Author: IT
It seems when I finally get to see this, I'm gonna have to totally dismiss the book...is that pretty much correct? I can deal with that, just like going to see a good movie, but if I expect 'Salem's Lot, by King, I'm not gonna get that...am I?
It sounds pretty good...just NOT like the book.
Author: Bev Vincent
Yes, for a lot of things you're going to have to dismiss the book -- right from the very beginning, which depicts a scene no one has ever seen before.
Ahhhh, that's disappointing, but at least I'm forewarned. Now I won't feel too cheated.
Bev, did King have any input on this one? Have you any idea what HIS viewpoint on the outcome of this movie is?
Author: DTUK
This is definitely sounding like an abandon-the-book adaptation here, but from what I am hearing, my interest is still keen. After all it's vampires
Author: Bev Vincent
King didn't have anything to do with the remake and hasn't made any comments about the new version.
Author: Ratty
There have been a few movies out there that have threw the book out the window and done a complete new version (from what i remember) and a few pulled it off. From what the lucky sods in this forum are saying, its been done well. (the good out does the bad)
Author: AngelsGirl
You didn't ask this question of me, but I'll address it if you don't mind.
On March 11th I was told, by someone who would know such things, that a copy of the movie was “going to be sent to SK” so I don't know if he's even seen it yet or not. I was also told (not on March 11th, but previous to that date) that Sk was present during some of the filming of the movie as an observer.
I wish I could offer more, as to whether or not he liked what he observed, but I don't have that information.
If I hear of any comments he makes about the movie, I'll certainly post them here, although I'm not the SK expert here by any means. I'm the Rob Lowe expert.
Bev, the copy you saw ~~ was it the rough cut or the final version?
Also, you didn't reply to my question about Ben's staking of Susan. Did you like the way it was done in the movie?
Author: JeeberD
Ugh, I'm not sure that I can deal with it, though. One of the things that frustrates mem most is when movies based on books don't match up right.
All I ask for is an honest depiction of the novel...
Author: Bev Vincent
I can say for a near certainty that King wasn't present in Australia for any of the filming.
The version I saw was a finished cut.
I don't really have strong feelings one way or the other about the way Susan was staked. By the time the scene had played out I was having so many problems with it that I had vaguely lost interest.
Author: AngelsGirl
I wish I could back-up where I was told he was. Since I can't, I'll graciously defer to you because as I said before, you guys are the SK experts and have no doubt you know the facts.
I saw the rough cut in early February. Can you tell me this? Was the voice-over in the final version done by Rob Lowe or someone else? In the rough cut it was done by someone else, but a letter accompanying the tapes said there would still be changes made for the finished copy. Now I'm anxious to see the final version to see what differences there are.
Bev, did you like *anything* about the movie?
Author: Bev Vincent
The voice over was done by Lowe.
I liked the way the scene between Barlow and Father Callahan played out. I liked the final scene between Eva and her future husband. Susan was cute.
I'm sure if you gave me some time, I might come up with some other things.
That's really good to hear. In the rough cut it wasn't and I worried about that. It detracted from the film because it was by some blah nobody voice.
I hope they kept Dwight Yoakam's music playing in the restaurant in at least two of the scenes where it appeared in the rough cut. Did you happen to notice? I'm a DY fan too.
How did you feel about the flashback scenes of young Ben playing pirate in the Marsden House and the way it was finally shown in full? Was this true to the book?
One thing I found unnecessary was the side-story about the doctor being blackmailed. That just seemed out of place.
I never saw the David Soul version. Did anybody here like that? I heard it was hideious.
Author: Bev Vincent
You're right about the music -- I didn't notice.
The blackmail plot -- I agree. It really made me dislike the good doctor, who was an older and more reputable man in the novel and original version of the film. The carousing person was actually the slimy realtor, who wasn't blackmailed but was terrorized by the guy when he caught him in bed with his wife and made him suck on the ends of his doublebarreled shotgun before pulling the trigger. (It wasn't loaded, but...)
The funky red coloring of the flashbacks didn't do much for me, sort of robbed that part of its verite. Ben's story was not as complex in the novel. None of this issue of letting someone else die. He was haunted by the spectre of seeing Hubie Marsden hanging, but that was it. It hadn't tainted his life to the extent it does in this version.
While the David Sould version probably looks tacky and campy now, it has a couple of highly memorable moments. The way Ralphie Glick scratches at the Mark's window stays with me to this day, and I first saw it in 1979. Also, the graveyard scene where what's-his-name jumps into the grave is really powerful, even though it took place in daylight. Barlow was bad -- they turned him into a voiceless monster -- and David Soul took a little getting used to, but the movie was not hideous. It wasn't even terrible. Compared to a lot of adaptations, it came off pretty well.
Author: IT
JeeberD, I have to agree with you about being disappointed when a movie doesn't match the book. I already spouted off once before about this very issue...maybe in my “Introduce Yourself thread...not sure.
BUT, as much as it disappoints me, at least this time I KNOW the book and the movie will have very little in common. So if I choose to watch it, I'm going in with my eyes open and won't be surprised and annoyed.
Author: DTUK
Bev: Mike Ryerson jumps into the grave after digging Danny Glick back up as the sun starts to go down and he stares into those eyes.
When Ralphie gets Danny in the hospital in the 1979 version terrified me ~0 that smoke against a black night and then a palid figure in pj's floating and then scratching at the window...SPOOKY! ~0
Ahem, it was Danny who visited Mark
Barlow was terrifying, but nothing like as depicted in the book. It will be good to see Barlow as he was meant to be seen.
And definetly not a terrible version - quite good in fact and loyal to the essence of the novel.
And yep IT: Knowing it won't be alot like the book won't lead me to disappointment when I come to watch it. But I can just watch it for what it is...
A quick question: Does any of the remake vampires have red eyes?
Author: Bev Vincent
Nary a red eye as far as I can recall, but I'm colorblind so that effect, if present, might have been lost on me.
Author: DTUK
I hope they have included the red eyes, cause that's one of the pivotal moments in the story when Mike talks with Matt Burke and relates the scary red eyes, and can remember very little else after the attack from Danny.
That's in the book anyways...wonder if that bit has been skipped out in the remake.
Author: JeeberD
Wasn't that actually the telephone guy or electric guy or someone who got the shotgun in the mouth? Crockett was a slimy realtor, but I don't think he was the one who got caught with another man's wife...
Author: Bev Vincent
You're right, it was Corey Bryant with the shotgun. I think that must have been different in the TV miniseries?
Author: AngelsGirl
Hi Guys,
I haven't been avoiding my vampiring duties. I've been moving. I thought there were red eyes but being an admitted novice, my translation of red eyes and yours may be different.
Shall get back into the discussion when I've unpacked!
!@#$
Author: Bev Vincent
I received this from the Press Agent for Salem's Lot, the finalized press material for the series:
Blood-Curdling Terror Comes To Small-Town America in SALEM’S LOT, a Horrifying TNT Original Miniseries Starring Rob Lowe
Andre Braugher, Donald Sutherland, Samantha Mathis, Rutger Hauer and James Cromwell Co-Star in Two-Part, Four-Hour Thriller Set To Premiere on TNT June 20 and 21
A dark terror has come to the picture-perfect town of Jerusalem’s Lot, and it’s up to a writer with a haunted past, played by Rob Lowe (Lyon’s Den, The West Wing), to uncover the horror that has taken over the town in SALEM’S LOT, an Original dramatic miniseries event for Turner Network Television (TNT). Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Street), Donald Sutherland (The Italian Job), Samantha Mathis (TNT’s The Mists of Avalon), Rutger Hauer (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind), and James Cromwell (Babe) also star in this gripping two-part, four-hour thriller. Shot on location in Melbourne, Australia, SALEM’S LOT will premiere on TNT Sunday, June 20 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) and conclude Monday, June 21 at 8 p.m (ET/PT).
SALEM’S LOT, adapted from the best-selling novel by horror master Stephen King, is a Mark M Wolper Production in association with Warner Bros. Television, with Mark M Wolper (TNT’s The Mists of Avalon, The Thornbirds) executive-producing for The Wolper Organization and Jeffrey Hayes (On the Beach, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) executive-producing for Coote/Hayes Productions. Mikael Salomon (Band of Brothers) directs from a script by Peter Filardi (Flatliners, The Craft). The movie also features atmospheric cinematography by Director of Photography Ben Nott, a.c.s. (Code Red), and music by Christopher Gordon (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World), showcasing the vocal talents of Dead Can Dance’s Lisa Gerrard (Gladiator, Whale Rider).
Jerusalem’s Lot, or Salem’s Lot, as many natives affectionately refer to it, appears on the outside to be the picture-perfect small town, something right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. But there is something evil festering under the surface of this Maine hamlet, and it seems to be emanating from the ominous Marsten House, perched atop a hill overlooking the town. When Ben Mears (Lowe) was a child, he had a horrifying experience in the house, one that has left him emotionally scarred. He hopes, however, to wrestle with the demons of his past by writing a book about the town and its inhabitants.
Ben is not the only newcomer to town. An antique dealer named Richard Straker (Sutherland) has also arrived to open up a new shop with his silent partner, Kurt Barlow (Hauer). It doesn’t take long before strange things begin happening. A series of mysterious deaths and disappearances eventually lead Ben, waitress Susan Norton (Mathis), high school teacher Matt Burke (Braugher) and Father Donald Callahan (Cromwell) on a quest to uncover the terrifying truth. What they find challenges their notions about the nature of evil, as horrors both human and inhuman threaten to destroy the town’s way of life.
Written in 1973 by Stephen King, Salem’s Lot was published by Doubleday in 1975.
Author: Old Darth
So Bev - which version do you like better?
It's disappointing to hear so much was changed characters wise. The book was so cleanly written
from a character perspective. When I heard there was remake I was hoping the story
would be unchanged and the focus would be on presenting the 'horror' elements
in a less subdued and dated manner.
Callahan's fate is disturbing as well. I really was surprised and overjoyed by his reappearance
in the Wolves of Calla.
Author: Bev Vincent
The original 1979 miniseries has been with me for so long that it would be very hard for anything to take its place.
Author: Old Darth
I hear you. The original - while somewhat dated - still has some pretty good moments.
Author: DTUK
The original scared me enough that I willingly started upon the King path and I don't think a remake will have a significant impact upon the original which was very good.
Author: LauraK
My introduction to Stephen King came in '79 when I, at 12, saw 'Salem's Lot on tv. I already had an affinity for the macabre and vampires especially, so I was hooked. My mom gave me her copy of 'Salem's Lot and I've been a constant reader ever since.
Cheesy as parts of it may seem now, that was one powerful mini-series, imo. Danny Glick at the window, scratching (Weren't there 2 window scratching scenes, and didn't one also show Ralphie?), Mike, compelled to jump down into Danny's grave and open the lid, then rocking in the chair waiting for Matt, Mrs. Glick's resurrection scene, the vampires crawling after Ben and Mark...I could go on!
It's funny, some of the scenes in the novel were so visual for me that I almost remember 'seeing' them in the mini-series! When he was tied up by Straker and trying to get loose- was that shown? In my memory it was, but...? When they're reading the note from Barlow and he's threatening Mark: “...you shall enter my church as choirboy castratum.” Ooo! I was scared for him!
(I have it on tape, just too lazy to get it out and watch it! Course if it comes on tv, I'll tune right in, right, Nate? Lol!)
I so wish that they hadn't turned Barlow into Nosferatu. That was the one thing I really disliked about the original. He should have been seen as the suave, debonaire vampire from the book. I'm having a hard time picturing Rutger Hauer in the role, actually. I keep seeing him in the Hitchhiker.
I'm sure I'll watch it but I already feel as though it is not going to measure up. I loved the original and I think nothing can change that.
Also, I'm curious about them having Ben chase down Father Callahan and go out a window w/ him. Have they not read Wolves of the Calla? Or does that not matter? Probably not.
Author: elixir
I agree with Laura. I caught the miniseries on television not too long ago, and it does have its moments. I think it's rather good, even for a television miniseries.
But if I were really to weigh the good versus the bad, I kind of feel that this movie is “ready” to be re-made. I just wish it wasn't a yet-another-television-miniseries-adaptation.
Does anyone else agree with me on that point?
Author: DTUK
The point regarding a remake: yes
A remake in the 21st century with email/internet: no.
There are far too many inconcistencies regarding vampires taking over a town that will have around 70% of the homes hooked up to the net. I can't believe not one single person issued an email to the authorities telling them what was happening and for them to if not quarantine the town, then to at least have the authorities investigate.
I think if a remake needed doing then it should have been beased in the same era as the original - the 70s. They could have dealt with all sorts of things that were missing from the first and made it a stronger remake because of that.
Also I assume from the case of Barlow - since he came from Europe, likely Eastern Europe, that there weren't even an irregularities with towns and townspeople where he originally came from. Then if we go further - who created Barlow, that was old when Rome was young and people walked around with fishes on their bellies. I think 'Salem's Lot (remake's) biggest failing in this century will be that if it ain't anything like Blade or Underworld or any other modern vampire movie or series (Buffy a case in point and then Angel :~) - then it won't wash with a mass audience. Which would be a true shame.
However, I will check it out...mostly cause Samantha Mathis looks very attractive as both human and vampire
We will just after see if it works.
Author: Lilja
Hi
I have 8 new promo shoots from Salem's Lot on my site, including what will become the poster art if anyone wants to check it out.
Author: DTUK
Has seen the new photos, Lilja
Samantha Mathis looks very interesting and Rob Lowe looks...ummm...suicidal with grief? This is getting better all the time
Author: Bev Vincent
She's one sexy vampire, that's fer shure.
Rob Lowe is pretty dour throughout most of the film. He comes to town pissed off and it just goes downhill from there!
Author: DTUK
Hmm...Pissed off. I'm not sure they have captured the essence of Ben Mears exactly there. David Soul managed for me to capture the essence of Ben Mears in the early part of the movie and most of the way through it. Though I never pictured Ben having blond hair.
You watch Bev...this will be in the essence of Blade...Wesley Snipes spent alot of time being P'O'd too.
Author: Angela
“Rob Lowe is pretty dour throughout most of the film. He comes to town pissed off and it just goes downhill from there!”
So, you didn't like his performance? You say he was dour through most of the film. Were there any times when he wasn't?
Author: Bev Vincent
It wasn't his performance so much as the way his character was written. He's come back to the Lot with a mission, not a pleasant one, and he's pretty single minded about this in spite of any opposition. I wouldn't say he's ever really cheery.
Author: Angela
Okay, thanks.
Author: DTUK
I must say I really enjoyed Rob Lowe's character in the West Wing series, and if he is meant to be a certain way in the new remake...well I guess the people involved knew what they were going for...but it strikes me as odd how much people detract from creative licensing when it comes to book adaptations.
I have no idea when 'Salem's Lot will air in the UK, but I've asked my brother to record it for me when someone let's us know the airdate - he has one of those satellite dishes so gets Sky One etc...my TV just has the 5 good old regular channels.
Author: Angela
I understand what you mean. I haven't read the book, but I know I've been livid with movies that make extreme and unnecessary changes with books I have read. So, I won't notice the changes from the book, but I sympathise with those of you who do.
Author: DTUK
Hi Angela
If you get the chance, try the book out it is a really good story
Author: Jreitan47
Fangoria has posted the full Salems Lot TNT airdate schedule: http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=2301
Author: Old Darth
Quint over at AICN has his review up and it ain't purdy:
http://www.aint-it-cool.com/display.cgi?id=17566
Why oh why must people make changes for the sake of making changes?!?!
Author: Bev Vincent
He seems to agree with just about everything I've either posted here or written for my CD review.
Author: IT
Oh dear. How terribly disappointing. I think it should be against the law to screw a book up so badly. It should be mandatory for the book to have been read and followed when it's made into a film. I have to agree with Quint's query....Is it really so hard to adapt King's books to film? And if it is, then leave it the hell alone!!!
Author: DTUK
Yep, it looks like this adaptation is going the way of the dodo :~ I really hate it when people can't stay true to the story.