"Storm of the Century" is Stephen King's perverse twist on the importance of a community working together in times of crisis. In brief, Little Tall Island off the coast of Maine (yes, it's Dolores Claiborne's old haunt) pop. 400 is besieged by the worst winter storm on record. It is also besieged by the arrival of the strange Mr. Linoge and a string of violent murders/suicides. Linoge's mantra is "Give me what I want and I'll go away." When the townfolk finally find out what Linoge wants they surprisingly do not even hesitate to give him what he wants. And it is a pretty major thing that he wants. Only one man dares to speak differently, to be the voice of reason in a crowd of madness.
What is most surprising about this movie is the climax. It is quite unpredictable (hint: the power of love is not stronger than the power of evil). In the end the townfolk may end up saving themselves but their souls are as cold and desolate as a coastal Maine winter. Only one man is able to leave the town and recapture at least part of of his soul but he too will be forever haunted by memory of the winter storm of 1989.
Tim Daly gives his best performance to date and Debarah Farentino is quite good as his wife. Jeffrey DeMumm, Jeremy Jordan, Kathleen Chalfant, Myra Carter, Becky Ann Baker stand out in the large supporting cast. But the actor you will most remember is Colm Feore as Linoge. He doesn't say a lot in the script but then he doesn't need to. This actor works theatrical magic with his use of body language (his eyes, his lips, his hands, even his breathing). Nothing short of brilliant.
You might be troubled by the ending but this is still Stephen King's best television adaptation to date.
What is most surprising about this movie is the climax. It is quite unpredictable (hint: the power of love is not stronger than the power of evil). In the end the townfolk may end up saving themselves but their souls are as cold and desolate as a coastal Maine winter. Only one man is able to leave the town and recapture at least part of of his soul but he too will be forever haunted by memory of the winter storm of 1989.
Tim Daly gives his best performance to date and Debarah Farentino is quite good as his wife. Jeffrey DeMumm, Jeremy Jordan, Kathleen Chalfant, Myra Carter, Becky Ann Baker stand out in the large supporting cast. But the actor you will most remember is Colm Feore as Linoge. He doesn't say a lot in the script but then he doesn't need to. This actor works theatrical magic with his use of body language (his eyes, his lips, his hands, even his breathing). Nothing short of brilliant.
You might be troubled by the ending but this is still Stephen King's best television adaptation to date.