The Mist isn’t even in theaters yet, and the controversy has already started. My early review of the film was online exactly five minutes before I got my first email from a fan of the original Stephen King book, outraged over the story’s new ending. Though for most of its running time it’s a faithful adaptation, in the last five minutes Darabont takes The Mist in a completely different direction from the way it finishes in King’s story. I loved it, but it’s the kind of finish that’s almost certain to inspire equal parts hatred and adoration among moviegoers.
One person who loves the new ending is Stephen King. That’s right, he couldn’t be happier with Darabont’s new finish to his tale of terror. At a press conference today to promote the film, King talked about Darabont’s take, and had nothing but superlatives to say about it. He says: “Frank wrote a new ending that I loved. It is the most shocking ending ever and there should be a law passed stating that anybody who reveals the last 5 minutes of this film should be hung from their neck until dead.”
I’m with him. I loved the ending and anybody stupid enough to spoil this thing deserves the pitchforks and torches treatment. I’m not sure it’s as shocking as he thinks it is (for some reason I saw it coming) but that doesn’t make it any less effective. The Mist will mess you up. Give it a chance to wow you. Stephen King said so.
