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Maximum Overdrive: Why It's Essential Now
16 May
Summary
- Stephen King directed only one film, 'Maximum Overdrive' in 1986.
- The film was made while King was reportedly using cocaine.
- Cinematographer lost an eye during 'Maximum Overdrive' filming.
Stephen King's only feature film as director, "Maximum Overdrive," released 40 years ago in the summer of 1986, is now considered essential viewing. The film, based on his short story "Trucks," depicts machines coming to life and becoming homicidal after a comet passes Earth.
Despite King himself calling it a "moron movie" and admitting he was heavily under the influence during production, "Maximum Overdrive" possesses a unique, unpolished energy. The film's cinematographer, Armando Nannuzzi, lost an eye during a mishap with a lawnmower on set, though he completed the film.
"Maximum Overdrive" is lauded for its bizarre ideas and raw, inhabited quality, which contrasts with modern, polished filmmaking. There is ongoing interest, with King's son Joe Hill expressing a desire to remake the film, though the original's chaotic charm is hard to replicate.
