Stephen King “hated” Denzel Washington’s famous film

Stephen King is perhaps best known for his gruesome tales of monsters and murder, but it also often deals with headier, more mature themes alcoholism and domestic violence. The former King can speak from experience battling drug addiction during the 1980s. As for the former, he thankfully hasn’t experienced it firsthand, but he is drawn to stories of children who are victimized by their supposed guardians. This was certainly the case with his summer epic It, in which the children’s family turmoil was paralleled by a supernatural monster stalking them.

As such, King is sensitive to stories that mishandle violent themes. There’s a certain kind of Hollywood melodrama that explores the psychological trauma experienced by victims of abuse, but wraps up their stories with a neat bow, declaring that abuse can simply be “overcome” with a few trips to the psychiatrist and some corny reconciliation.

This, of course, is why King was hated Denzel Washington’s directorial debut in 2002, Antwan Fisher. Based on the true autobiography of Antwon Fisher, this film was the survival story of a young man raised in an abusive foster home who was sexually molested by his foster family’s adult niece. He lived on the streets for several years, making his way as a criminal. Antwone is plagued with guilt after witnessing the death of a friend in a botched robbery. He grew up angry, only finding solace in the US Navy. It was there that he was offered treatment by Naval Psychiatrist Dr. Davenport (Washington), who gently helped him through his anger and trauma.

“Antwone Fisher” has been fairly well received, scoring a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 148 reviews). It was also a modest success, making $23 million on a $12 million budget.

It was also a film that Stephen King described as “sentimental angst.” a 2007 article he wrote for EW.

The 2007 article in question was King’s very first piece for EW, and it more or less laid out a broad editorial about the current state of entertainment. He stated that he likes Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines by Jonathan Mostow, and slightly less fond of Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later. Notably, however, he hated Antwon Fisher, as well as the sensational death penalty drama The Life of David Gale. King wrote the following about these films:

“Hated ‘Antwone Fisher’; ditto Life of David Gale. Don’t tell me the former is better than the latter, and don’t throw a bunch of sentimental angst at me or call it social commentary, which is particularly annoying in that regard, a $9 Hallmark card that is.” Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Life difficult, But you will survive.” I already knew that, thank you, now go.”

Despite generally positive reviews of “Antwone Fisher,” at least some critics sided with King. Review by Nev Pearce for the BBC was, in fact, even harsher than King, saying that “There is not a single shocking, surprising, or even mildly distracting moment in this predictable, cliché-ridden, bland, self-consciously dignified waste of time.” He said the story was more suited to a TV movie of the week and that Derek Luke’s portrayal of Fisher was horribly one-dimensional. Indeed, most of the negative reviews of “Antwone Fisher” had similar complaints, calling the drama angry or secretive and finding Fisher a bland protagonist.

King, however, found plenty of company in his hatred of Alan Parker’s The Life of David Gale. This film has a mere 19% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and inspired Roger Ebert to write review without stars. Few will jump to the defense of this film.