Review of Apt Pupil (1998) by Bob V — 12 Oct 2010

Based on a Stephen King novella (don't worry, they changed then ending), Apt Pupil is 'a study in cruelty' according to Bryan Singer.

I read the novella way back when, when I was probably too young for it, and it wasn't until a more recent rereading that I appreciated the finely tuned evil-that-man-does vibe in it. This movie cuts out a lot of the overt violence and channels this vibe beautifully. McKellen is of course a marvellous actor (the marching scene literally gave me chills) and Brad Renfro was a fine child-actor, who managed to bring a special intensity to his teenage roles, before going the way of many childactors, ending his spiral by swallowing a bullet. Clearly, something was tormenting him, and perhaps that's in part why he brings his character to life in a discomforting way.

I approve of the change in ending here. I love Stephen King, but his endings, oy vé! Like being made exquisite love to, and then right before the climax the other guy pukes in your neck, passes out on top of you, and traps you to the floor under his heavy body, leaving you unable to scratch your suddenly itchy nose.