Stephen King Reflects On Making The One Movie He Directed

Stephen King has reflected on making the one movie he ever directed, Maximum Overdrive, explaining what it was like crafting the film and what lessons he learned making it. Released in 1986, the movie is a loose adaptation of King’s 1978 short story, “Trucks,” exploring the consequences of an asteroid passing by Earth causing all machines to become sentient. Out of every King movie adaptation, Maximum Overdrive is the most infamous, failing critically and at the box office, with the creator himself disowning the movie later in his writing career.

Speaking with The Kingcast, King reflected on his time making Maximum Overdrive, explaining how he created the film during the time period when he was still addicted to cocaine and drinking. The horror author admitted he learned many aspects of making films because of his time directing the movie, but credited its success to cinematographer Armando Nannuzzi and his brother Daniele. He also reflected on a humorous story regarding how he learned to swear in Italian. Check out what King had to say below:

I went into it, and the thing is, at that time, I was doing a lot of cocaine and I was drinking a lot. You can tell! But, the thing is, man, I thought I knew how to make movies, and I realized if I did that again, I learned so much making Maximum Overdrive, it was like this intensive seminar. I had this Italian film crew, the Nannuzzi’s, because I’d liked the work that they had done on Silver Bullet. And so I asked if I could have them, and they said yes. And they didn’t have any English. It was one, the younger Nannuzzi brother, Daniele Nannuzzi, had some English, and he did the best that he could, and the more he spent time on that set, the better his English got. And the only thing I learned was how to swear in Italian.

What King’s Reflection Says About His Time Directing Maximum Overdrive

The King Of Horror Learned He Didn’t Want To Direct Again

King’s Maximum Overdrive was his directorial debut, and also the final movie he directed, because of just how bad the reception was. While Giancarlo Esposito has previously expressed positivity about his time working on the movie, it’s still considered one of the worst adaptations from the king of horror ever produced. Even so, its historical relevance as the only movie he’s directed makes it memorable regardless of quality, acting as a glimpse into the author’s attempt at crafting a big-budget feature for the very first time.

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Given King’s humor in reflecting on the movie and willingness to talk about it, he’s clearly open about how much he learned despite the disappointing final product. While it seems like a possible Maximum Overdrive 2 isn’t going to happen, his son, Joe Hill, has previously expressed interest in remaking the movie while altering elements to fix its issues. However, it still won’t take away from the goofy elements that make the original infamous. Luckily, the author knows of its historical status, his reflection still revealing the good in making it, even if the final product wasn’t high-quality.

Our Take On King’s Reflection About Maximum Overdrive

He Offers A Funny Story About Its Production

Despite its infamy as one of King’s worst adaptations ever, his reflection on directing the movie shows how he still sees it as an important element of his life, even if the final product wasn’t great. It also shows how he built connections with professional filmmakers despite the movie’s negative reception, showcasing the importance of the movie for his creative career. Even though most won’t remember Maximum Overdrive as one of King’s best works, it still holds an important place in his personal horror history.

Source: The Kingcast

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