2017 seems to be the year for Stephen King as one book after another continues to be translated onto film. Whether it is a series on television or on the big screen, the hits keep coming. Of course, over the years there have been several renditions, but few ever hit the mark. Times they are a changing!
When I first read that Netlix was releasing an original movie based on King's book, Gerald's Game, I was beyond excited. Gerald's Game of all books! As with all of King's books, there is a link somewhere (even if it's just an offhand comment about a news article of a woman threatened by a rabid dog). Gerald's Game was directly linked to Dolores Claiborne and vice versa. If memory serves, (it has been a few years since I've seen Dolores Claiborne), there was no mention of Jessie during the eclipse. Imagine my delight to discover that the writer's understood the link, and valued it enough to put it in this one!
Ok, geek fan girl moment aside, let's get down to the nitty gritty.
Gerald's Game is more of a cerebral read in the respect that the majority of it takes place within Jessie's mind. It comprises her thoughts and fears. It pushes the envelope on what is real or imagined with her prolonged imprisonment. When I saw the trailer and watched how they were going to tackle that issue, I knew I had to give it a try. Especially seeing Carla Gugino in the lead role.
Though there were some changes (one large one that is ultimately understandable), overall, this movie is a definite win and took It's place in my heart as being one of the best adaptations of King's work written by someone other than King. What also scores this one high is the fact that even knowing what was going to happen, I was still horrified at how she freed herself (not to mention being extremely creeped out by what was possibly lurking in the shadows while I slept).
If you don't have Netflix, get it just to see this movie. You won't be disappointed. And if you've put off reading this book, go pick a copy up and read it. And get a copy of Dolores Claiborne too because it's worth a read as well.