The Dead Zone (1982)

Forget about what I said in my review of “Cujo”, in which I stated that film was the best screen adaptation of a Stephen King novel. That honor now belongs to “The Dead Zone”, a terrific screen version of the novel from the same name. After a horrible automobile accident (are there ever any good ones?), English teacher John Smith is thrown into a coma for 5 years. Upon awakening he realizes that his fiancé’ has married a new guy, his job is gone, his legs are practically useless, and one other small thing…he now has the ability to see the future. Actor Christopher Walken does a damn fine job in his portrayal of John Smith, who despite his psychic gift leads a cursed existence because of it. Things come to a head when John shakes hands with an up and coming politician, whom John sees in a vision of sending the world into nuclear war. The question now is should he assassinate the guy, or leave things as is…pretty heavy stuff. Very fine filmmaking from director David Cronenberg.