Stephen King
Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode look at screen adaptations of Stephen King, from The Shawshank Redemption to The Shining. With guests Edgar Wright and Mike Flanagan.
Fifty years on from the release of the film Carrie, directed by Brian DePalma and based on the first novel by Stephen King, Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode look at King adaptations on screen, from The Shawshank Redemption to The Shining. Why is the work of the modern horror maestro so often adapted? And what is the best ever Stephen King adaptation?
Ellen hears from US critic and writer Maitland McDonagh, who has been a front-row witness to King on screen for five decades, about her favourite adaptations of his work - from Misery to The Monkey.
And Ellen speaks to Edgar Wright - the director of Shaun Of The Dead, Baby Driver and the most recent King adaptation to reach cinema screens - The Running Man.
Meanwhile, Mark talks to Mike Flanagan - the filmmaker who, perhaps more than any other in recent years, has helped keep King's work vividly alive on screen, with adaptations of Gerald's Game, Doctor Sleep, The Life of Chuck and a forthcoming new take on Carrie.
Producer: Jane Long
A Prospect Street production for BBC Radio 4
On radio
Broadcasts
- Yesterday19:15BBC Radio 4
- Tuesday11:00BBC Radio 4
Which films and TV inspired Netflix hits Bridgerton and Squid Game?
Screenshot explores the connections between today’s streaming hits.
Why did the erotic thriller run out of steam?
Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode explore cinema's steamiest genre.
How did method acting become so extreme?
A historical timeline of the sometimes bizarre technique.
Why going to the cinema is good for you
Going to the movies isn’t just for fun – it benefits your mind, body and soul. Here’s why
Podcast
![]()
Screenshot
Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode guide us through the expanding universe of the moving image
