Desert Island Discs Jesse Armstrong, writer
Jesse Armstrong chats with Edgar Wright, a renowned director famous for films like Shaun of the Dead, who reflects on his early fascination with King's works. Maitland McDonagh, a film critic dubbed the 'First Lady of Horror,' discusses the cultural impact of Carrie and why King’s storytelling captivates filmmakers. Mike Flanagan, known for adapting King's narratives, shares insights into the emotional depth of his horror and the challenges of movies like Doctor Sleep and Gerald's Game, emphasizing the balance between horror and humanism.
48:48
Everyday Life Powers Cinematic Horror
- Stephen King's stories pair everyday life with horror, making them widely adaptable to screen.
- His plainspoken, plot-driven writing creates cinematic narratives filmmakers can translate easily.
Early Reading Shaped Edgar Wright
- Edgar Wright read Stephen King around age 12 and found the books fused horror with adult themes that fascinated him.
- He recalls Carrie hitting both sympathy for the victim and a darker wish for violent revenge in viewers.
Pick Your Adaptation Strategy
- Adaptations can either translate a book faithfully or rebuild from core elements to create something new.
- Choose the approach that serves contemporary relevance rather than copying past versions verbatim.
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Intro
00:00 • 48sec
Carrie and the start of King on screen
00:48 • 4min
Edgar Wright on reading King young
04:45 • 50sec
Maitland McDonagh on Carrie's impact
05:36 • 2min
Why King is so often adapted
07:29 • 3min
Edgar Wright on favourite adaptations
10:43 • 2min
Making The Running Man relevant
12:18 • 4min
Arnold edition and approaching the book
15:56 • 4min
King's specificity and setting
20:10 • 5min
Mike Flanagan's early King encounters
24:45 • 3min
Flanagan: King's optimism and humanism
27:41 • 22sec
The dollar baby program explained
28:02 • 51sec
Adapting Gerald's Game's challenges
28:53 • 2min
Stephen King's non-intervention approach
30:30 • 55sec
Doctor Sleep and Kubrick's legacy
31:25 • 2min
Reimagining Carrie for today
33:48 • 1min
Flanagan's favourite King adaptations
35:11 • 41sec
Maximum Overdrive and King's filmmaking
35:52 • 2min
Why King endures for filmmakers
37:51 • 4min
Outro
41:40 • 41sec
#12896
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Needful Things
Stephen King
In 'Needful Things', Stephen King tells the story of Leland Gaunt, a charming and mysterious shop owner who opens an antique store called 'Needful Things' in the small town of Castle Rock, Maine.
Gaunt sells items that are perfectly suited to each customer's desires, but he demands not only a monetary payment but also a 'favor' – usually a prank played on another resident.
These pranks escalate into violence and chaos, revealing Gaunt's true nature as a malevolent force manipulating the townspeople.
The novel explores themes of temptation, revenge, and the darker aspects of human nature as the residents of Castle Rock are drawn into Gaunt's web of deceit and destruction.
#1099
• Mentioned in 35 episodes
The Stand
Stephen King
The Stand tells the story of a world devastated by a rapidly mutating flu virus known as Captain Tripps, which kills over 99% of the population.
The survivors are drawn to two opposing forces: Mother Abagail, a 108-year-old woman who represents good, and Randall Flagg, a supernatural entity embodying evil.
The novel explores themes of rebuilding society, the persistence of evil, and the necessity of standing against it.
The Complete & Uncut Edition, released in 1990, includes material that was originally cut from the 1978 publication, providing a more comprehensive and detailed narrative.
#3965
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
Stand By Me
Stephen King
Stand By Me, a coming-of-age novel by Stephen King, tells the story of four boys who embark on a journey to find the body of a missing boy.
The novel explores themes of friendship, loss, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
King's masterful storytelling creates a sense of suspense and mystery, while also capturing the emotional complexities of adolescence.
The novel's exploration of the power of friendship and the challenges of growing up has resonated with readers for decades.
The film adaptation of the novel further cemented its place in popular culture.
#17554
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Dance Macabre
Susanne Saville
#13992
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Life of Chuck
Stephen King
Stephen King's "The Life of Chuck" is a story about life, love, acceptance, and embracing life.
The story is described as earnest and weird in its own way.
The novel features a stacked cast of actors, including Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Tremblay, and Nick Offerman.
The story will allow for classic monologues, and the earnestness of the story will speak to what Mike Flanagan does well.
The story is expected to be in three parts.
#6166
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
The Dead Zone
Stephen King
The Dead Zone follows Johnny Smith, who after a car accident, falls into a coma lasting nearly five years.
Upon waking, Johnny discovers he has developed the ability to see into the past and future through touch.
He struggles with the burden of his new power, especially when he envisions a disastrous future involving a ruthless politician, Greg Stillson.
Johnny must navigate his new reality, help solve a serial killer case, and ultimately try to prevent a nuclear war.
The novel explores themes of missed opportunity, belief, and the sacrifices one must make to alter the course of events.
#1481
• Mentioned in 28 episodes
The Running Man
ben benson
#18201
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Gerald's Game
Stephen King
The story follows Jessie and Gerald Burlingame, who travel to their secluded lake house in western Maine for a romantic getaway.
During a sexual game, Gerald dies of a heart attack, leaving Jessie handcuffed to the bed.
Trapped and alone, Jessie must confront her painful memories and the voices in her mind while trying to find a way to escape.
The novel explores themes of survival, psychological trauma, and the inner struggles of its protagonist.
#775
• Mentioned in 44 episodes
It
Stephen King
Published in 1986, 'It' is a horror novel by Stephen King that follows the experiences of seven children in Derry, Maine, as they are terrorized by an evil entity known as 'It'.
The story alternates between two periods: 1958, when the children first encounter 'It', and 1985, when they reunite as adults to confront the monster once more.
'It' takes on various forms to exploit the fears of its victims, most commonly appearing as the clown Pennywise.
The novel explores themes of childhood trauma, the power of memory, and the enduring impact of evil on the lives of its victims.
It is known for its detailed world-building and the vivid depiction of the fictional town of Derry, where the story unfolds.
#6293
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
Doctor Sleep
Stephen King
Doctor Sleep is a 2013 horror novel by Stephen King, serving as the sequel to his 1977 novel 'The Shining'.
The story follows Danny Torrance, now an adult, who is haunted by the ghosts of the Overlook Hotel.
Danny, who has suppressed his psychic abilities through alcoholism, eventually finds redemption through Alcoholics Anonymous and uses his powers to comfort dying patients, earning him the nickname 'Doctor Sleep'.
He must protect a young girl named Abra Stone, who possesses even stronger psychic abilities, from the True Knot, a cult that preys on children with 'the shining' to remain immortal.
The novel explores themes of addiction, redemption, and the struggle against supernatural forces.
#1888
• Mentioned in 23 episodes
The long walk
Christobel Mattingley
While detailed plot information is not available, Christobel Mattingley's works often focused on themes relevant to children, such as personal growth, social issues, and environmental concerns.
'The Long Walk' likely follows this pattern, offering a story that resonates with young readers.
#1137
• Mentioned in 34 episodes
Carrie
Stephen King
Set in Chamberlain, Maine, 'Carrie' by Stephen King tells the story of Carietta 'Carrie' White, a 16-year-old girl who is ridiculed and bullied by her peers and abused by her ultra-religious mother, Margaret.
Carrie discovers she has telekinetic powers after a humiliating incident in the school locker room where she gets her first period.
The story unfolds through multiple narratives, including newspaper reports, court transcripts, and personal memoirs, detailing Carrie's transformation from a shy and isolated girl to a force of vengeance.
After being humiliated at the school prom, Carrie unleashes her powers, causing widespread destruction and death in the town.
The novel explores themes of ostracism, bullying, and the psychological trauma experienced by its characters.
#25040
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Night Shift
Stephen King
Stephen King's "Night Shift" is a collection of short stories that showcases his early mastery of horror.
The stories range from chilling tales of supernatural encounters to dark explorations of human nature.
The collection features iconic stories like "Jerusalem's Lot" and "The Children of the Corn," establishing King's signature style and themes.
The stories are characterized by their suspenseful plots, memorable characters, and unsettling atmosphere.
"Night Shift" remains a cornerstone of King's work, demonstrating his ability to craft terrifying and thought-provoking narratives.
#54535
The Monkey
Stephen King
Stephen King's "The Monkey" is a short story about a cursed toy monkey that causes a string of horrifying deaths.
The story explores themes of childhood trauma, fate, and the consequences of unchecked curiosity.
The novel features memorable characters, including the twin brothers who must confront the monkey's malevolent power.
King's masterful storytelling creates a chilling atmosphere of suspense and dread.
The novel's exploration of childhood trauma and the supernatural has made it a classic of the horror genre.
#1524
• Mentioned in 27 episodes
Misery
Stephen King
In 'Misery', bestselling novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car accident by Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed number one fan.
However, Annie's obsession turns violent when she discovers that Paul has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain, in his latest book.
Annie keeps Paul captive in her isolated house, forcing him to write a new novel, 'Misery’s Return', to bring the character back to life.
The novel explores themes of captivity, writer's block, and the dark side of fandom, as Paul struggles to survive Annie's brutal and unpredictable behavior.
#832
• Mentioned in 42 episodes
The Shining
Stephen King
In 'The Shining,' Stephen King tells the story of the Torrance family—Jack, Wendy, and their young son Danny—who move into the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies.
Jack, a recovering alcoholic and aspiring writer, takes the job as the hotel's winter caretaker to overcome his personal demons and reconnect with his family.
However, the hotel, with its dark and violent history, exerts a malevolent influence on Jack, exploiting his weaknesses and threatening his family.
Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as 'the shining,' is particularly vulnerable to the hotel's supernatural forces.
As the winter isolates them, the family faces terrifying events that culminate in a tragic confrontation with the hotel's evil presence.
#2139
• Mentioned in 21 episodes
SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
MARK KERMODE
Jesse Armstrong is a British author, screenwriter, and producer.
He has written several award-winning TV comedies and satirical dramas and won many accolades for his work including two BAFTA TV Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and three Writers Guild of America Awards. His hit HBO series Succession has won nineteen Emmys.
Jesse was born and educated in Oswestry, Shropshire, and attended Manchester University where he studied American Studies as an undergraduate and American History for his Masters. After university, he worked as a researcher for a Labour Member of Parliament for a couple of years it was an experience that would later inform his time as a writer on The Thick of It.
He met his writing partner, Sam Bain, at Manchester University and together they created and co-wrote 9 seasons of Channel 4’s BAFTA-winning comedy Peep Show and 4 seasons of the student comedy Fresh Meat. During this time, he also wrote for the political satire series The Thick of It and co-wrote the film In the Loop, the latter of which earned him Oscar and BAFTA nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay. He also co-wrote the films Four Lions and Downhill and wrote and directed the television film, Mountainhead.
He was the creator and show-runner of the hit HBO TV show Succession, a drama about a fictional powerful media family with the plot centring around which child would succeed the father played by Brian Cox. Succession won a total of 19 Emmys including Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for each of Succession’s four seasons.
He lives in London with his wife and has two children in their twenties.
DISC ONE: A Day in the Life - The Beatles DISC TWO: Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division DISC THREE: Debaser - Pixies DISC FOUR: Georgia on my Mind - Billie Holiday DISC FIVE: The Magic Number - De La Soul DISC SIX: New York, I Love You but You’re Bringing Me Down - LCD Sound System DISC SEVEN: Dream Song 28: Snow Line. Written and read by John Berryman DISC EIGHT: Violin Concerto in D Major, RV 234 “L’inquietudine” 1: Allegro. Composed by Antonio Vivaldi and performed by Walter Gallozzi and I Musici
BOOK CHOICE: The Norton Anthology of Poetry LUXURY ITEM: A football CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Georgia on my Mind - Billie Holiday
Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Sarah Taylor
Desert Island Discs has cast many TV writers away to the island over the years including Russell T Davies, Sally Wainwright and Abi Morgan. You’ll also find the stars of Peep Show, Robert Webb and David Mitchell in there too along with the actor Brian Cox who played the patriarch, Logan Roy, in Jesse’s hit TV series, Succession. You can hear their programmes if you search through BBC Sounds or our own Desert Island Discs website.