The Dark Half (1993)

Director:

George A. Romero

Writers (WGA):

Stephen King (novel)
George A. Romero (screenplay)

Release Date:

23 April 1993 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Mystery

Tagline:

Serious writer or serial killer? George is in two minds.

Plot:

A writer's fictional alter-ego wants to take over his life...at any price.

Plot Keywords:

Alter Ego | Murder | Sparrow | Surgery | Author

Awards:

3 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Timothy Hutton	...	Thad Beaumont / George Stark
Amy Madigan	...	Liz Beaumont
Michael Rooker	...	Sheriff Alan Pangborn
Julie Harris	...	Reggie Delesseps
Robert Joy	...	Fred Clawson
Kent Broadhurst	...	Mike Donaldson
Beth Grant	...	Shayla Beaumont
Rutanya Alda	...	Miriam Cowley
Tom Mardirosian	...	Rick Cowley
Larry John Meyers	...	Dr. Pritchard
Patrick Brannan	...	Young Thad Beaumont
Royal Dano	...	Digger Holt
Glenn Colerider	...	Homer Gamache
Sarah Parker	...	Wendy & William Beaumont
Elizabeth Parker	...	Wendy & William Beaumont

Runtime:

122 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Singapore:M18 | South Korea:18 | Philippines:R-18 | Sweden:15 | Ireland:18 | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Finland:K-16 | France:-16 | Germany:18 | Norway:18 | Spain:18 | UK:18 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Trivia:

When he is confronted by a class member to sign the book written by his pen-name, he declines, and claims it's not his book. The photo on the back of the book is, in fact, Stephen King himself.

Goofs:

Factual errors: The Toronado, a luxury car, was never offered with a 4-speed manual.

Quotes:

Thad Beaumont: Sounds like the police have been in touch.
Reggie Delesseps: They wanted me to confirm that you were a man of good character. I lied and told them that you were.

Movie Connections:

References Duck Soup (1933)

Soundtrack:

Are You Lonesome To-night?

Good adaptation from a great book.

I saw this movie after i read the book and i have to say pretty much of the book was also in the film, although not all. Some parts with the sparrows for instance weren't in the film, probably because the budget wouldn't allow special effects that elaborate. And the murders, although violent enough in the movie, were particularly more gruesome in the book.

Ultimate conclusion: great acting from top notch actors/actresses who usually are nowhere to be found in horror (if you discount Michael Rooker's performance in "Henry"), pretty good special f/x and direction from a director who has made his mark in horror.