After much anticipation, the trailer for "The Dark Tower" movie was finally released. This shocked some readers, as it probably should have been released on the 19th to play into the supernatural re-appearance of the number 19, but most fans are just glad to finally see it. The trailer that was leaked back in October 2016 had some rough edges, and left many unanswered questions. It was neat to see some of the more polished footage from the film.
'The Dark Tower' series
The basis for the film is the seven-Book Series written by Stephen King; eight if you include "Wind Through the Key Hole." It was an epic that some people had to wait for, book by book, as King took his time releasing the last three volumes.
It follows Roland through the desert, on an adventure to save the beams and ascend the tower. This tower, The Dark Tower, is the central nexus of the universe, and the beams are what hold it up. On the way to the tower, Roland is joined by several interesting characters, and his remarkable nature is revealed through many adventures. You are taken for a ride as Roland visits several different New York cities, sees the ancient remains of a once great civilization, and finds a plot to unravel the entire universe. It is a well told story, and is well worth the marathon read.
Where 'The Dark Tower' movie picks up
The neat part of the trip to the Dark Tower is that it makes an (almost) complete circle; King hints that some changes can happen to the timeline.
It is a path that Roland has made many times before. How many? Delah. More than we can know. In the movie, we join Roland at the beginning of another loop through. We are picked up and dropped off right at the seam. Most readers of Stephen King will recognize the iconic lines that start the trailer.
This time, things are supposed to be different.
This is not just a retelling of the story King originally wrote; it is the continuation. This avoids some of the awkward problems that come from making a film adaptation of a book. Events will be expected to not follow the book exactly, which lets perfectionists relax a little. The movie has much more freedom to explore the story, while still keeping the interest and intrigue from the world King created.
We, the constant reader, may actually find out what becomes of Roland -- whether he is doomed to repeat his mistakes, or if he finally finds salvation from his relentless goal. Many readers expected the answer to come from the end of the seventh book, but we have patiently waited for any indication of what becomes of the Gunslinger. The desire for closure on Roland's world has made this one of the most anticipated movies this year.
