The Dark Tower (2017) Movie Review: A Disappointing Adaptation of a Rich Universe
Overview
Directed by Nikolaj Arcel and based on Stephen King’s epic series of the same name, “The Dark Tower” (2017) attempts to condense the sprawling narrative of King’s novels into a 95-minute film. Starring Idris Elba as Roland Deschain, the Gunslinger, and Matthew McConaughey as Walter Padick, the Man in Black, the film struggles to capture the depth and complexity of its source material. Despite strong performances from its leads, “The Dark Tower” ultimately falls short due to a rushed and disjointed narrative.
Plot Summary
The story centers around Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor), a young boy from New York who experiences vivid dreams of a parallel world where a dark tower stands at the center of the universe, protecting it from evil. Jake’s dreams lead him to discover a portal to Mid-World, where he meets Roland Deschain (Idris Elba), the last Gunslinger. Roland is on a quest to find and protect the Dark Tower from Walter Padick (Matthew McConaughey), a sorcerer who seeks to destroy it and unleash chaos across the multiverse.
As Roland and Jake journey through Mid-World, they face various challenges and form a bond. Roland, driven by a personal vendetta against Walter for killing his father, initially seeks revenge but soon realizes the broader implications of his quest. The duo must stop Walter’s plans and save both their worlds from destruction.
Performance and Direction
Idris Elba delivers a compelling performance as Roland Deschain, embodying the character’s stoicism, determination, and inner turmoil. Elba’s portrayal brings a gravitas to the role that helps anchor the film, despite its narrative shortcomings. Matthew McConaughey, as the Man in Black, brings a charismatic and sinister presence to the screen. His portrayal of Walter Padick is both menacing and enigmatic, providing a strong counterpoint to Elba’s Gunslinger.
Tom Taylor, as Jake Chambers, provides a solid performance, capturing the character’s innocence, bravery, and curiosity. The dynamic between Jake and Roland is one of the film’s highlights, adding an emotional depth to the otherwise action-driven plot.
Nikolaj Arcel’s direction, however, struggles to balance the various elements of the story. The pacing is uneven, with the film often feeling rushed and disjointed. Arcel’s attempt to condense King’s complex and layered narrative into a concise film results in a loss of the story’s richness and depth. Key plot points and character developments are glossed over, making it difficult for viewers unfamiliar with the books to fully grasp the stakes and motivations.
Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography by Rasmus Videbæk effectively captures the contrasting worlds of New York and Mid-World. The visual effects and set designs are impressive, particularly in depicting the desolate landscapes of Mid-World and the ominous presence of the Dark Tower. The action sequences are well-choreographed and visually engaging, showcasing Roland’s skill as a Gunslinger.
However, the film’s visual style, while polished, does little to elevate the narrative. The special effects and CGI, though competent, cannot compensate for the lack of depth in the storytelling. The film’s visual appeal is overshadowed by its narrative flaws, leaving viewers with a sense of untapped potential.
Themes and Relevance
“The Dark Tower” explores themes of good versus evil, the power of belief, and the importance of protecting the balance between worlds. The film touches on the idea of redemption, as Roland’s journey evolves from a personal quest for vengeance to a mission to save the multiverse.
However, the film’s thematic exploration is superficial, lacking the nuance and complexity of King’s novels. The rich mythology and philosophical undertones of the source material are largely absent, leaving the film feeling like a generic fantasy action-adventure rather than a faithful adaptation.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “The Dark Tower” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other streaming services. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“The Dark Tower” (2017) is a disappointing adaptation that fails to capture the essence of Stephen King’s beloved series. Despite strong performances from Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey, the film’s rushed and disjointed narrative undermines its potential. The visually impressive action sequences and set designs are not enough to compensate for the lack of depth and coherence in the storytelling.
Fans of the book series and newcomers alike may find “The Dark Tower” lacking in substance and coherence. While it offers moments of excitement and strong character portrayals, the film ultimately falls short of delivering a satisfying and immersive experience. The rich universe of “The Dark Tower” deserved a more thoughtful and faithful adaptation, making this film a missed opportunity.
