I just got done watching a movie adaptation of a book penned by Steven King. If you are Stephen King buff, chills are probably making their way down your spine. The name of this movie is “Storm of the Century” and it made me alternately sad and pissed. I’ll try to express my thoughts on the movie without thoroughly spoiling the movie. For me, this movie was about Christianity and what it means to be a true christian. I’ll emphasize the ‘true’ part because things somehow fly out of the window when you are facing a test of fire. Which is what the people of Little Tall Island were facing. As you can probably guess, the folk of Little Tall Island were effectively cut off from civilization by a freak storm that had the energy to even destroy their lighthouse. The movie begins with a scene where a wizened old lady answers her doorbell to face her death at the hand on a man called Andre Linoge. He is eventually apprehended by the local constable but he leaves a message that serves as his mantra throughout the movie: “Give me what I want, and I’ll go away.” *breathe*
He kills Island folk and each time, leaves his calling sign “Give me what I want, and I’ll go away.” Each time, a death is discovered, a little piece of the puzzle falls into place about discovering what kind of a being Mr. Linoge is. After at least 4 deaths, he eventually tells them what he wants. It’s an unconscionable request and one that made me see red. The saddest part of the movie was that the townsfolk were willing to go ahead because they were frightened. They claimed that they didn’t have any choice, but in fact, there were two other choices that we, as humans, are unwilling to face i.e. death for principle. I would have cried if I wasn’t so angry at myself and the human race for being so weak. Okay, I’ll go ahead and say what he wanted. He wanted one of the townsfolk 8 children to raise as his own i.e. teach his devilish tricks. No pun intended. The town constable sees Mr. Linoge for what he is i.e. a lying murderer who is not of this world. However, he tries in vain to convince the townsfolk that they shouldn’t give up a children to this beast. Nevertheless, you can guess what they did: save their lives and gave up one child. And guess whose child got picked? Isn’t fate a bitch sometimes?
In the end, none of the townsfolk live happily ever after. Like my mom has always said to me, the devil never gives anything freely. He gives greek gifts and that’s what they didn’t realize. Remember how he said he would “go away”? Well, the point of the movie was that he never did go away. He still haunted them. In my opinion, they should have died with their children. That was another option they refused to consider because Humans are afraid of death! What is so scary about that prospect? If you are an atheist, you think your body returns to mother earth. If you are a christian, you know you will end up in either heaven or hell. Simple, no? Granted, if you know that you didn’t live a good life on earth, hell’s gotta be beckoning. Then, this situation should have made them think about returning back to God in truth and spirit. This movie made me wish for half of Mike Anderson’s courage because he had the guts to die for his principle. He was a sinner also but he didn’t let Mr. Linoge get to him via that path (i.e. cheated on one exam in college because he was in danger of flunking out). Not one of the Island folk even brought up the thought of prayer. I’m not surprised because their parson (who is supposed to be on point about stuff like this!) turned out to be a pedophile. Till now, I haven’t spoken about Mr. Linoge’s ability to unearth the dirty pasts about people. Yeah, remember that little exam you cheated on, count on Mr. Linoge to know about that. In any case, his ability to do things like that only solidified the thought that the devil has many tricks up his sleeve. Like I told Paul (my landlord and movie-watching buddy), the townsfolk could have countered this kind of attack if they had truly made peace with their past sins. That’s why God sent his only begotten son to die for us and in essence, wipe the slate clean! it’s easy for me to say although I know that I might have behaved like the townsfolk. Lest I forget, another option that popped into my mind in response to Mr. Linoge’s request just surfaced. His ultimatum was: give me a child or I kill all the children (and/or you all for refusing me). My response to those ultimatums: let us all die rather than give you a child or if he wasn’t going to kill them but just the children, well their parents were young and would still be able to procreate! It seems harsh but they needed to think and none of them were! Grrrh. Please go see this movie and post your thoughts.
I’ve seen this movie before, and it’s on right now. I get furious with their cowardice as well. And Ralphie’s stupid mother not only failed to stand by her husband, but willing to give up someone ELSE’s child. But when her own was chosen “Oh please Mike, stop him!” What did she THINK was going to happen?!?!?!”
I get that it’s about Christianity. I have my own issues with the church, and have not lived a pristine life myself. But in that sense I think the theme was more about dirty little secrets than about past sins. Plus Steven King stories are full of corrupt clergy, which probably says something about Steven’s own experiences in the church.
My natural instinct was to stand against Linoge, even if it meant the entire population of the island died. Maybe that’s the influence of my Baptist upbringing shining through. At first I doubted myself and even asked my wife, “Am I wrong to think that way?” She affirmed that it would be wrong to give a child to this beast.
But there’s another part–Linoge is responsible for the murders of at least four townspeople just in this episode. How many others throughout his existence? And if they give a child to become in essence a new Linoge, how many murders will that one perpetrate?
I would end that, even if it meant all the townspeople or at least all eight children die, and even if my own five year-old son were one of those eight. I could never life with myself otherwise.
You are right on target. I was disgusted at her hypocrisy and I truly felt sad because I suspect (God I hope I’m wrong) that that is probably humans today would react! It scared me so much and I hope that I never forget this movie. Thanks for your very thoughtful and insightful comment.