Stephen King’s Dark Tower series is a complex and ambitious endeavor that weaves together his extensive body of work. The 2017 film adaptation, starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey, attempted to capture the essence of the novels while still exploring new terrain. Director Nikolaj Arcel confirmed that the film was a continuation of the novels, allowing for an exploration of Roland Deschain’s emotional arc and staying true to the canon. This ambitious pursuit of unity, however, fell short, earning a critical and commercial disappointment.
The Dark Tower serves as a nexus of all reality, with Roland Deschain, the last of the “Gunslingers,” searching for Walter O’Dim, also known as the Man in Black, a mysterious sorcerer who has been influencing his life. The film’s plot revolves around Roland’s quest to retrieve the Horn of Eld, a crucial object in the final book. According to King himself, the film was indeed a continuation of the novels, as evidenced by a tweet with the caption “Last Time Around.”
Matthew McConaughey’s portrayal of the Man in Black connects The Dark Tower to all of Stephen King’s work, particularly his appearance as Randall Flagg in other novels. Flagg’s multiple identities, immense power, and tormented victims reflect the multiversal connections within King’s fictional universe. McConaughey’s villainous performance provided the perfect contrast to Elba’s stoic gunslinger. However, despite its promise, the film’s changes failed to impress, including a short running time and a lack of exploration into Roland’s final journey.
Stephen King’s Dark Tower (Via Stephen King/Twitter)
This missed opportunity to delve deeper into the character and his emotional arc resulted in a run-of-the-mill fantasy/Western. The film’s shortcomings were a disappointment, especially given the star power and King’s involvement. However, the potential for a new adaptation remains, with Mike Flanagan set to adapt The Dark Tower for television. Having received King’s approval and helmed previous King adaptations, Flanagan may be able to reinvigorate the series by making necessary changes while staying true to the source material.
The Dark Tower is available to rent or buy on Apple TV+, offering a chance to experience the film’s mixed bag of storytelling and themes. Despite its flaws, the film remains an intriguing exploration of Stephen King’s vast universe, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of his fictional world.
