The Dead Zone (1983)
David Cronenberg’s The Dead Zone, like many adaptations of Stephen King’s work, makes notable changes to the source material. In this case, the screenplay from Jeffrey Boam takes the core, almost episodic structure of the novel, and streamlines it into the three distinct acts necessary to create a compelling film script. In doing so, it very effectively tightens a previously sprawling tale, and builds in further connections between character and plot development. It retains its main thrust, however, which is to apply the concept of ‘supernatural’ powers to the age-old question: “If you had the chance to kill Hitler and prevent the deaths of millions, would you take it?”
Christopher Walken plays Johnny Smith – a schoolteacher in Maine. Johnny’s attempting to embark on a romance with his colleague, Sarah Bracknell (Brooke Adams), but their date is interrupted when he suddenly develops a severe headache, and leaves early. While driving home in bad weather, Johnny’s involved in a car crash and is then comatose for five years. When he wakes, Sarah has married and is mother to a young child.
As he gets to grips with his new situation, Johnny discovers that he has a kind of telepathic power that allows him to see things in the lives of others when he touches them. His new ability generates a lot of public interest, from which Johnny shies away. His relationship with Sarah becomes more complex, and Johnny agrees to help local law enforcement solve a series of murders – the process of which leaves Johnny seriously injured.
Though he attempts to seek anonymity once more, Johnny comes to understand more about his ability – including the fact that he can influence the future by acting upon his visions. When his friendship with Sarah brings him to a political rally for Presidential hopeful Greg Stillson (Martin Sheen), he touches the candidate’s hand and sees a terrifying vision of the atrocities he’ll commit after winning the election. As the story hurtles toward its inevitable, violent conclusion, we find that it’s the hubris of man that’s ultimately Stillson’s downfall – though its reveal is prompted by the intervention of Johnny.