Donald Sutherland’s lengthy career spans over a century, leaving behind a legacy of iconic roles in films like M*A*S*H, Klute, Pride & Prejudice, and The Hunger Games franchise. However, one of his most striking performances often goes unnoticed due to its brevity, and that is his portrayal of Richard Straker in the 2004 TNT miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s vampire novel, Salem’s Lot.
Sutherland plays Straker, a human familiar and longtime slave to the vampire Kurt Barlow (Rutger Hauer), in the small town of Jerusalem’s Lot, Maine. As a master of creepiness, Sutherland brings an unsettling quality to the character, making him feel otherworldly from the start. His performance is a highlight of the miniseries, despite minor plot issues.
The story follows author Ben Mears (Rob Lowe) as he returns to the Lot seeking inspiration and closure to his childhood memories of the haunted Marsten House. However, things take a dark turn when people begin to go missing, and the town is eventually overrun by vampires led by Barlow.
Sutherland’s Straker is a significant part of the story, as he serves as a proxy for the vampire Barlow. His connection to Barlow is palpable, even without them sharing scenes together. Sutherland’s performance is so convincing that it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the role. His over-the-top quality adds to the creepiness of the character, making him a memorable antagonist.
Donald Sutherland in Salem’s Lot (Photo: Salem’s Lot)
Despite his character’s smaller role compared to the 1979 miniseries, Sutherland doesn’t seem to mind, making the most of his challenging part. His demented take on Straker doesn’t let up until his eventual death, and even then, it’s a shocking and disturbing moment. The scene where Barlow hangs Straker upside down, scaring off Ben’s companions, perfectly echoes the brutal and disturbing scene from the novel.
While the 2004 miniseries has some flaws, including a disappointing ending that deviates significantly from Stephen King’s original story, the performances are what make it worth watching. Sutherland and Hauer deliver standout performances that boost the miniseries despite its scripted issues. The adaptation also features a haunting atmosphere, making it a great time for fans of horror.
The 2004 miniseries is available to rent on Prime Video, and its impact can be seen in the upcoming feature film adaptation, which is set to be released on Max in 2024. With Stephen King’s blessing, the new film promises to correct some of the plot errors that plagued the previous adaptation. While it’s hard to imagine a better Richard Straker than Donald Sutherland, the upcoming film will undoubtedly bring a fresh take to the story, exploring the horrors that lurk in the shadows of Salem’s Lot.
