The Year of Cemetery Dance 2018

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Tery

Say hello to my fishy buddy
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Apr 12, 2006
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lol I appreciate that Mr. King advised us all to watch the story and not linger on the easter eggs, but then they got worked into the dialogue. How do you ignore that? lol

I'm enjoying this show.

So are we! And I'm with you on the obvious Easter Egg in episode 5. I mean, come on... Jack/Jackie? The "attempted to axe murder his wife and kid" was a dead giveaway. We also expected her to be split open and scattered all over the second floor. Glad she wasn't. Did anyone else answer The Boy's "you don't know what's going on, do you?" with NO! Clue me in wouldja?

I keep listening for names and, now and then, one will ring a bell but that's all. I've got a list of Castle Rock books/stories and might skim them.
 

preciousroy

Well-Known Member
Apr 4, 2018
175
661
So are we! And I'm with you on the obvious Easter Egg in episode 5. I mean, come on... Jack/Jackie? The "attempted to axe murder his wife and kid" was a dead giveaway. We also expected her to be split open and scattered all over the second floor. Glad she wasn't. Did anyone else answer The Boy's "you don't know what's going on, do you?" with NO! Clue me in wouldja?

I keep listening for names and, now and then, one will ring a bell but that's all. I've got a list of Castle Rock books/stories and might skim them.


I heard Cujo in there, too. Twice, I think.
My response to the question was "Why should he know?" I'm looking forward to finding out.
 

AnnaMarie

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Feb 16, 2012
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Other
So are we! And I'm with you on the obvious Easter Egg in episode 5. I mean, come on... Jack/Jackie? The "attempted to axe murder his wife and kid" was a dead giveaway. We also expected her to be split open and scattered all over the second floor. Glad she wasn't. Did anyone else answer The Boy's "you don't know what's going on, do you?" with NO! Clue me in wouldja?

I keep listening for names and, now and then, one will ring a bell but that's all. I've got a list of Castle Rock books/stories and might skim them.

Didn’t Ruth say something about Cujo? Not sure she named him.
 

preciousroy

Well-Known Member
Apr 4, 2018
175
661
Can someone give me a none spoilery plot synopsis, I don't have Hulu and want to know what it's about.

This thread was created to keep the spoilers out of the original thread. But without spoiling I would say it's about a man who, as a child, disappeared in the cold mysteriously before being found days later. 30 years later he's returned to where it happened. Strangely enough, other weird things are happening there, too. lol
 

Alexandra M

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Mar 12, 2015
3,678
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Kelowna, B. C., Canada
Didn’t Ruth say something about Cujo? Not sure she named him.
This thread was created to keep the spoilers out of the original thread. But without spoiling I would say it's about a man who, as a child, disappeared in the cold mysteriously before being found days later. 30 years later he's returned to where it happened. Strangely enough, other weird things are happening there, too. lol

I heard it too AnnaMarie
 

Wayoftheredpanda

Flaming Wonder Telepath
May 15, 2018
4,907
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20
This thread was created to keep the spoilers out of the original thread. But without spoiling I would say it's about a man who, as a child, disappeared in the cold mysteriously before being found days later. 30 years later he's returned to where it happened. Strangely enough, other weird things are happening there, too. lol
Thanks
 

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
Moderator
Apr 11, 2006
53,634
236,697
The High Seas
48. The Century's Best Horror -- Volume 1

edited by John Pelan

About the Books:

Cemetery Dance Publications commissioned a spectacular two-volume anthology project under the editorship of noted author and historian of the horror genre, John Pelan.

John selected one story published during each year of the 20th Century (1901-2000) as the most notable story of that year — all 100 stories were then collected in this amazing two volume set to be published as The Century's Best Horror Fiction.

The ground rules were simple: Only one selection per author. Only one selection per year.

Two huge volumes, one hundred authors, one hundred classic stories, more than 700,000 words of fiction — history in the making!

pelan01-01_2_375x540.jpg


My Thoughts:

Alan M. Clark produced this wonderfully intricate cover art. I see details and little things hiding every time I look at it. Not only intended things, but I'm probably forming images that weren't intended. Not there. Pareidolia alive and well.

I have to give great respect to John Pelan. The massive amount of time and work that went into this volume (and there is a Volume 2) is beyond dedication and commitment. It shows passion. To be honest, I enjoyed Mr. Pelan's comments prior to each story just as much as the stories themselves. There were years that Mr. Pelan had many authors in the running for that years' best story, and my TBR pile grew with their names.

I applaud the tough decisions that were made. As stated above in Cemetery Dance's press release, each author could only be in the two volume set once. A great idea! While some stories weren't new to me, It made me read them again with new appreciation. I was delighted with each new author and/or story I had never read before.

In the foreword of the book, One Hundred Years of Horror, Mr. Pelan makes the comment, "As of this writing. I have not seen the final book, so I can only imagine that the finished volumes will be larger than the telephone directories of many cities (though in a much more readable font and aesthetically pleasing design.)

Yes, it is another big-boned book; it is a very aesthetically pleasing design; and the font is typical and readable if you have the eyesight of an owl.
It's the SIZE of the font that matters. Doesn't it always?

This book comes in at 706 pages of a font size that is not the norm. What size it is and what size the norm is -- I guess that depends on lots of factors. Everyone's definition of "normal" might differ, but for me, this font was smaller than most books I read. Yes, I could read it just wearing my glasses. But, I took this book everywhere with me. I was reading it in all sorts of lighting conditions and I had to do something I have never done ever -- I bought a magnifying sheet. Talk about my failing body betraying me! But I understand the necessity for smaller type -- otherwise this book would have had to come with its own oaken stand. Made by the Amish. From a haunted stand of trees down by the river. Next to a van that has been parked there for years.

The stories themselves were enthralling, but the language of the times, while charming and sophisticated, is a challenge to read. I love a good snooty gothic, but was happy to see (and a little sad too) the language changing.

Starting in 1901 and moving to 1950, I watched the evolution of language. The beginning authors used beautiful language that was formal and flowery and romantic -- and I have a hard time working up any sense of urgency in the creep-factor department given the ornate word choices strung together in sentences.

Don't get me wrong, these author's ideas are the forerunners of today's scares, and I see the influences from the past in what I read and watch today. Clearly.

This book should be read by anyone wanting to be a writer, in any genre. There are lessons to be learned here from these authors, from these stories. And as the stories moved through the years, my reading pace quickened as did my anxiety level.

Not only is the evolution of language documented, but the evolution of story telling and human development are here.

Great stories, great authors and again, the roots of our love of horror celebrated in this gorgeous book.

Bravo!
 
Last edited:

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
358,754
62
Cambridge, Ohio
48. The Century's Best Horror -- Volume 1

edited by John Pelan

About the Books:

Cemetery Dance Publications commissioned a spectacular two-volume anthology project under the editorship of noted author and historian of the horror genre, John Pelan.

John selected one story published during each year of the 20th Century (1901-2000) as the most notable story of that year — all 100 stories were then collected in this amazing two volume set to be published as The Century's Best Horror Fiction.

The ground rules were simple: Only one selection per author. Only one selection per year.

Two huge volumes, one hundred authors, one hundred classic stories, more than 700,000 words of fiction — history in the making!

pelan01-01_2_375x540.jpg


My Thoughts:

Alan M. Clark produced this wonderfully intricate cover art. I see details and little things hiding every time I look at it. Not only intended things, but I'm probably forming images that weren't intended. Not there. Pareidolia alive and well.

I have to give great respect to John Pelan. The massive amount of time and work that went into this volume (and there is a Volume 2) is beyond dedication and commitment. It shows passion. To be honest, I enjoyed Mr. Pelan's comments prior to each story just as much as the stories themselves. There were years that Mr. Pelan had many authors in the running for that years' best story, and my TBR pile grew with their names.

I applaud the tough decisions that were made. As stated above in Cemetery Dance's press release, each author could only be in the two volume set once. A great idea! While some stories weren't new to me, It made me read them again with new appreciation. I was delighted with each new author and/or story I had never read before.

In the foreword of the book, One Hundred Years of Horror, Mr. Pelan makes the comment, "As of this writing. I have not seen the final book, so I can only imagine that the finished volumes will be larger than the telephone directories of many cities (though in a much more readable font and aesthetically pleasing design.)

Yes, it is another big-boned book; it is a very aesthetically pleasing design; and the font is typical and readable if you have the eyesight of an owl.
It's the SIZE of the font that matters. Doesn't it always?

This book comes in at 706 pages of a font size that is not the norm. What size it is and what size the norm is I guess that depends on lots of factors. Everyone's definition of "normal" might differ, but for me, this font was smaller than most books I read. Yes, I could read it just wearing my glasses. But, I took this book everywhere with me. I was reading it in all sorts of lighting conditions and I had to do something I have never done ever -- I bought a magnifying sheet. Talk about my failing body betraying me! But I understand the necessity for smaller type -- otherwise this book would have had to come with its own oaken stand. Made by the Amish. From a haunted stand of trees down by the river. Next to a van that has been parked there for years.

The stories themselves were enthralling, but the language of the times, while charming and sophisticated, is a challenge to read. I love a good snooty gothic, but was happy to see (and a little sad too) the language changing.

Starting in 1901 and moving to 1950, I watched the evolution of language. The beginning authors used beautiful language that was formal and flowery and romantic -- and I have a hard time working up any sense of urgency in the creep-factor department given the ornate word choices.

Don't get me wrong, these author's ideas are the forerunners of today's scares, and I see the influences from the past in what I read and watch today. Clearly.

This book should be read by anyone wanting to be a writer, in any genre. There are lessons to be learned here from these authors, from these stories. And as the stories moved through the years, my reading pace quickened as did my anxiety level.

Not only is the evolution of language documented, but the evolution of story telling and human development are here.

Great stories, great authors and again, the roots of our love of horror celebrated in this gorgeous book.

Bravo!
....well, that splains the thick neck now don't it?...havin' to graze across all them pages......
 

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
Moderator
Apr 11, 2006
53,634
236,697
The High Seas
49. Taxi Driver

By Paul Schrader


About the Book:

Published 2018

"Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of this game changing and iconic film, this definitive printing of Paul Schrader’s legendary screenplay features an interview between Schrader and director Martin Scorsese, plus a brand-new interview with star Robert De Niro. "

The book is edited by Mike Watt."

Taxi-FinalCover.jpg


My thoughts:

Harry O. Morris gives us the cover for this book, perfect. Steve Shapiro has photographs throughout the book -- the endpapers of Travis Bickle are brilliant. Thank you for including those Mr. Shapiro. At the end are a handful of pencil story board drawings and how they translated to the movie stills of the same scene. I wish those photos would've been a bit clearer and larger. Details were hard to see.

I have this curiosity about professional writers. They are these creative creatures that intrigue me and I want to see their process. Something about that sneak peek into their world is like looking at a specimen floating in a jar. Fascinating, mysterious, a bit freakish and ripe. How do they do what they do?

Taxi Driver is a movie that I saw long ago as a kid that scared me. So many aspects of the story were so far from my reality that it was frightening that this environment existed. People like this populated the world. I left the theater feeling a bit unsettled and icky.

The chance to see the screenplay was something I couldn't pass up. Screenplays aren't like books. They give the story and they give details here and there, suggestions almost, but the translation we see on the screen is a team of creative people seeing the potential in the author's words and bringing them life. I was mesmerized. Seeing what Mr. Schrader wrote, and remembering what the creative team did with his vision was a great gift.

The Scorsese and de Niro interviews were interesting, but teasers. There just wasn't enough there. I wish we would've gotten more with those.

The chapter written by Mike Watt was filled with fun facts. The little bit of Jodie Foster information was great. It made me want to actually read a biography about her. A child in this mad world of Travis Bickle and movie making.

If anything about Taxi Driver interests you, from the writing to the people involved in any aspect along the way to movie magic, this is a nice little book to get a small taste of it all. Enjoyed it very much.
 
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Coolallosaurus

Well-Known Member
May 20, 2018
252
1,666
i was just wondering what people thought of my kind of theroy about the kid. I am wondering if he is not somehow connected to Jhonny smith some how, but not shure at all how he whould be connetcted? any thoughts

I am glad we all had a similar response to Jackie meeting The Kid. I expected the same outcome. I like your point about John Smith. His connection to Castle Rock in The Dead Zone further supports your reading. Here's my theory based on episodes 1-5; guaranteed to change when I watch 6
The Kid is being set up too neatly to be Pure Evil. I think the fact that the scene with Jackie was set up to lead the audience to jump to one conclusion (only to have a different, benign outcome) is significant. It's almost as if the show is asking us to question our own judgements (much like Lacey questioned whether he made the right decision with The Kid).
Clearly there's a deeper connection between The Kid and Henry, especially given Henry's recent recurrence of tinnitus and Molly's realization that The Kid seems to have all of the voices of suffering on his "channel." I wonder if either 1) Lacey took the wrong child and created the evil that The Kid will unleash (i.e. the misunderstood monster theory) or 2) Henry and The Kid are cut from the same cloth (some deeper connection) and while Henry has been able to live some semblance of a normal life, The Kid has gone to the dark side?
I could see a connection between Johnny and The Kid coming up, possibly, in how they use their powers. I'm thinking specifically about the way Johnny is described when he has his visions (and the earlier mask symbolism). Maybe there's some deeper duality to The Kid (i.e. not pure evil?) and he has to make a difficult choice about his powers (or some deeper knowledge), like Johnny?
 

Tery

Say hello to my fishy buddy
Moderator
Apr 12, 2006
15,304
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Bremerton, Washington, United States
Henry and The Kid are cut from the same cloth (some deeper connection) and while Henry has been able to live some semblance of a normal life, The Kid has gone to the dark side?

I see a lot of white/red symbolism. As we know, that is SK's demarcation of good and evil. And we know that Alan Pangborn has shown that the White can work through him (he's a Gunslinger, IMO). Should be interesting......