The Dark Tower (2017 film)
Plot
The Dark Tower is a 2017 American science fiction western film directed by Nikolaj Arcel. The film is based on Stephen King's series of novels of the same name, which combines elements of multiple genres, including fantasy, horror, and western. The story revolves around a young boy named Jake Chambers, who discovers clues about another dimension called Mid-World. He is drawn into this dimension where he encounters the last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain, who is on a quest to reach the Dark Tower and save all existence from the Man in Black.
Cast
The film features a notable cast, including:
- Idris Elba as Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger.
- Matthew McConaughey as Walter Padick, also known as the Man in Black.
- Tom Taylor as Jake Chambers, a young boy with psychic abilities.
- Claudia Kim as Arra Champignon.
- Fran Kranz as Pimli Prentiss.
- Abbey Lee as Tirana.
Production
Development
The development of The Dark Tower film adaptation began in the early 2000s, with various directors and writers attached to the project over the years. The film was eventually directed by Nikolaj Arcel, who co-wrote the screenplay with Akiva Goldsman, Jeff Pinkner, and Anders Thomas Jensen. The project was a collaborative effort between Sony Pictures and Media Rights Capital.
Casting
The casting process for The Dark Tower was extensive, with Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey being the first major actors to join the project. Elba's casting as Roland Deschain was met with mixed reactions due to the character's depiction in the novels, but his performance was ultimately praised. McConaughey was cast as the antagonist, Walter Padick, bringing a charismatic and menacing presence to the role.
Filming
Principal photography for The Dark Tower began in April 2016 and took place in various locations, including South Africa and New York City. The production faced several challenges, including budget constraints and the need to balance the film's multiple genre elements.
Themes
The Dark Tower explores several themes, including the battle between good and evil, the importance of perseverance, and the concept of destiny. The film also delves into the idea of multiple dimensions and the interconnectedness of different worlds, a recurring motif in Stephen King's works.
Reception
Critical Response
The Dark Tower received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the performances of Elba and McConaughey, others criticized the film for its pacing, narrative structure, and departure from the source material. The film holds a rating of 16% on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 4.2/10. The consensus reads, "Go then, there are other Stephen King adaptations than these."
Box Office
Despite the mixed critical reception, The Dark Tower performed moderately well at the box office. The film grossed $113 million worldwide against a production budget of $60 million. It was particularly successful in international markets, contributing significantly to its overall earnings.
Legacy
The Dark Tower has sparked discussions about the challenges of adapting complex literary works into films. The film's reception has led to debates about the importance of staying true to the source material versus making necessary changes for a different medium. Additionally, the film has introduced a new audience to Stephen King's expansive universe, encouraging viewers to explore the original novels and other related works.