Nick Groff Investigates… The Horror of Stephen King!

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Nick Groff is one of the most respected names in television and beyond when it comes to the paranormal. He has had incredible experiences in some of the most haunted locations in the world. As a friend to Arrow in the Head, we’ve shared some very exciting experiences with Nick including a couple of wild and spooky moments that we’ve managed to capture on camera. Thus, we’ve decided to work with the television host and producer extraordinaire so he can share his knowledge and insight on all things that go bump in the night. With this bi-monthly column, we plan to delve into everything from urban legends to ghostly apparitions, to his take on some of the coolest genre flicks ever. This is Nick Groff Investigates…!

THE HORROR OF STEPHEN KING

One of the very first names that horror fans are familiar with is Stephen King. The legendary author has conjured many nightmarish images with terrifying tales that have filled readers minds with some of the most creative, and horrific characters ever put to page. Whether they are supernatural beasts or men with evil in their hearts, he has mastered creating fear and dread in a satisfyingly scary way. For me personally, I’ve always found his exploration of youth to be the most fascinating. Whether it is a mother and her young son fighting off a rabid dog in “Cujo,” or an evil clown named Pennywise that preys on children, the celebrated writer has found a way to bring terror into the hearts of the young and the old. It is an impressive balance, and one that has brought his work to a massive audience.

When it comes to horror films, some of the most successful genre flicks ever made have been translated from his novels. Whether you are talking about THE SHINING, MISERY or CARRIE, many of these characters have been brought to life brilliantly on the silver screen. In fact, much like his books, some of these films and performances have became damn near as legendary as the man himself. And since the recent IT captured film goers attention in a big way, we are once again seeing a number of films based on some of his classic tales. There is the upcoming remake of PET SEMATARY that hits theatres this April. We'll witness the continued adventures of Pennywise with IT: CHAPTER 2. As well, we are getting a big screen adaptation of King’s Shining sequel, DOCTOR SLEEP.

Recently, Nick and I had a discussion on King’s work, and the influence it has had on his own career and love of genre. It was a terrific conversation, one that reminded me of many moments in cinema that would have never happened without the writer. This brought up an interesting idea for the two of us. Instead of talking about a scary asylum or a creepy abandoned hotel, Nick wanted to share some of his own stories about what King’s work means to him. So this week on Nick Groff Investigates… we thought we’d bring you something a little different. Which of the writer’s works resonated with Nick? What are his favorite films based on the books? And what are his expectations of the updated version of a spooky place to bury your deceased pets? This is what Nick had to say about the indelible impression of the great Stephen King. 

"At a young age I discovered the King! I have watched every adapted King book made into a movie or for TV. Some of the best are The Shining, The Shawshank Redemption, Pet Sematary, Children of the Corn, IT, The Green Mile, MISERY, Stand By Me, The Mist, Cujo, Thinner, Carrie, The Dead Zone, Salem's Lot, Sleepwalkers, Firestarter, Cat's Eye, The Running Man, Dolores Claiborne, Lawnmower Man, The Dark Half, The Mangler, Graveyard Shift…and the list goes on. These are books, stories, and films that have stuck with me for a lifetime. They just never get old in my mind and have impacted me in some way or form to keep me thinking. 

Stephen King has definitely influenced and inspired me as a filmmaker. I would say totally f*cked with my head a little bit, but in a way that pushed my own limits in thinking outside the box to create and express through writing and filmmaking. I have been inspired by all his work and accomplishments he has conquered in his life. Being a New Englander I can also connect with the symbolism revolving a lot around that area embedded into his stories. 

I can't say I have a favorite, because each new King story offers something different and new to embrace. I do have to mention that Children of the Corn scared me to death in concept that these cornfields could somehow keep me captive. I felt anxiety after watching that film to the point where cornfields would freak me out. IT was another film that scared me, because of the creature that dwells beneath the surface of the real world. Another film I loved was The Night Flier! A lot of people did not like this adaptation, but I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. The ending is crazy! Well done and a different take on this weird abstract creature/vampire flick. I also really enjoyed Needful Things, however, I don’t think a lot of people liked the adapted movie. I feel sometimes we get caught up in comparing the books to the adapted films, especially when nothing really beats one's own imagination.   

Remakes, however, are a different story. I am typically against remakes. Sometimes they can be fun to watch, but I like new or different takes on films. For example, Pet Sematary was an amazing film. I am curious to see what direction the remake takes. I am not sure how I will feel about it. We shall see if it hits on the positive for myself and fans of the book/film.

The bottom line is there are a lot of great writers, but there are not a lot of great storytellers. King, thank you for the nightmares and amazing stories to make me think outside the world we already live. We live in a weird world to begin with so he just brings some of these weird happenings to life in his stories. One of the greatest writers and story tellers to grace us with his presence. King's stories will forever live on in this realm."