RensDad666’s review published on Letterboxd:
Stephen King adaptations can be so hit or miss depending on source material, acting and direction. There have been roughly 13 miniseries created off of King IP, all covering a wide spectrum of quality. Luckily, in Hooptober’s namesake, Tobe Hooper’s hands, Salem’s Lot plays closer to a cohesive film than perhaps any other episodic King retelling I’ve come across. That being said, there’s a bit of a pacing imbalance as a result of what are clear TV commercial cuts that can abruptly halt narrative momentum. But, once you settle in, it all falls together like a 70’s jigsaw puzzle, stylistically blending Hooper’s grounded, grittier edge with the accessibility of a PG-13 made-for-TV picture.
The casting in the 1979 Salem’s Lot is just… so spot on. David Soul is steady, magnetic, and goddamn 70’s gorgeous in the lead role (Starsky & Hutch baby!). And holy cow, Fred Willard what are you doing here? Known far more comedically in today’s climate, he actually delivers a straightforward, professional performance within a very human side plot I didn’t expect.
In small doses, there are some top notch horror images to admire as well. Those classic, bedroom scenes draped in velvety darkness, and floating vamp-children are still visually stunning today, and I’m in love with the way countless shots are staged throughout. Hooper’s take on Salem’s Lot plays as one of the more unique and engaging settings I’ve come across in my limited, but expanding vampire viewing. Because of its length and ability to be shown in multiple parts upon its release however, in a single watch, it carries just a bit of bloat in regard to storytelling, and borderline unnecessary character development. Still such a fun Halloween season ride though.
Happy to see only my fourth Tobe Hooper “film” as a result of Hooptober XII.
🧛🏻♂️⚰️🏚️📖⌨️🧛🏻🏘️
