Another one where I really enjoyed the book and the movie, saw the movie first then read the book. Classic horror at its best – those were the days.
Overview
Christine is a supernatural horror novel by Stephen King, first published in 1983. The story centers around a 1958 Plymouth Fury with a deadly personality and its obsessive owner, Arnie Cunningham.
The movie, directed by John Carpenter, was also released in 1983, just months after the book’s publication. The film brought King’s haunted car to life with atmospheric horror and practical effects.
Book Summary (Spoilers)
Stephen King’s novel explores the psychological transformation of Arnie Cunningham, a socially awkward teenager who purchases a dilapidated car, Christine, from an old man named Roland LeBay.
The car begins to repair itself supernaturally, and Arnie’s personality shifts into something colder and more aggressive.
Through alternating perspectives—including Arnie’s best friend Dennis and Arnie himself—the novel delves into the corrupting nature of obsession and possession, with Christine revealed to be haunted by the spirit of LeBay.
The book is rich in character development, internal monologue, and a slow-building suspense that intensifies as Christine exacts revenge on anyone who threatens Arnie.
Themes of teen angst, insecurity, bullying, and the supernatural are woven into a story about a young man losing control to a force he doesn’t fully understand.
Movie Summary (Spoilers)
The 1983 film adaptation, directed by John Carpenter, takes a more visual and streamlined approach. It follows Arnie’s transformation after buying Christine and portrays the car’s supernatural ability to self-repair and commit murder in cinematic set-pieces.
Keith Gordon stars as Arnie, with John Stockwell as Dennis and Alexandra Paul as Leigh.
Carpenter emphasizes the horror through practical effects, eerie lighting, and a chilling score. The film omits some subplots and background details to focus on Christine’s direct threat and Arnie’s deterioration.
While still character-driven, the film trades deep psychological insight for a leaner, faster-paced horror experience.
Major Differences
- Perspective: The book uses multiple first-person narratives, especially Dennis’s, while the film keeps a third-person cinematic viewpoint.
- LeBay’s Role: Roland LeBay is a ghostly influence in the book; he’s barely present in the film, which portrays Christine as inherently evil.
- Christine’s Origin: The book gives more background about Christine’s sinister history. The movie omits much of this lore.
- Ending: The book and movie differ in how Christine is destroyed and the fate of Arnie.
- Character Arcs: The film simplifies Arnie’s descent into darkness; the book spends much more time exploring his psychological changes.
What the Movie Got Right
John Carpenter successfully created a haunting atmosphere through tension, practical effects, and musical cues. Christine’s regeneration scenes are iconic and innovative.
The casting of Keith Gordon adds depth to Arnie’s transformation, and Carpenter’s pacing ensures a gripping horror experience without too much exposition. The film captures the central themes of obsession and destruction effectively for a cinematic audience.
What the Book Does Better
King’s novel dives deeply into Arnie’s psyche, making his corruption by Christine more tragic and layered. The detailed backstory of LeBay and Christine adds nuance and a creeping sense of doom.
The book’s slower pace allows for stronger character development, especially Dennis and Leigh, and heightens the suspense around Christine’s escalating violence.
Quotes
- Book: “She was a bad car. She was born bad.”
- Book: “It’s the strangest damned thing… but I feel better when I’m driving her.”
- Movie: “Okay. Show me.”
- Movie: “You better watch what you say about my car. She’s real sensitive.”
- Book: “The only real enemy to have ever existed is the enemy within.”
Facts
- The movie was released just months after the novel, making it one of the quickest book-to-film adaptations of King’s work.
- John Carpenter directed Christine after the box office failure of The Thing.
- Over 20 1958 Plymouth Furys were used during filming.
- The self-repair scenes were done using hydraulics and footage played in reverse.
- Christine’s red color and aggressive personality were not originally in King’s mind; the Fury model was chosen for its relative obscurity.
Fan Reception
The film has gained cult status over time, praised for its tension and craftsmanship despite mixed initial reviews. Fans of the book often admire its depth and consider it a mid-tier King novel.
Critics generally agree that the movie is one of the better Stephen King adaptations, even if it lacks the psychological complexity of the novel. It was not a box office smash but has maintained popularity through home release and horror fandoms.
Final Verdict
Readers who enjoy psychological depth, internal monologue, and backstory will find the book more rewarding. Fans of practical horror, tight pacing, and visual storytelling may prefer the movie.
Both mediums offer unique takes on the same creepy concept, and it’s well worth experiencing both to fully appreciate the tale of Christine and her terrifying power.
Products
Once again you can either read the book, buy a dvd or watch this classic online from here