Apt Pupil

Apt Pupil is one of the most attractive subjects that Stephen King has delved into. However, the study of children's fascination with Nazism and evil in individuals is truly on the edge. King focuses on credibility, using the backdrop of American suburbia as always, methodically following the story of a regular boy turning into a monster over the course of several years. The book takes place in the 70s when it was still possible to find a former Nazi incognito and in good health, any further advancement in the film towards the present is definitely not a plus. I would consider this the first problem of the adaptation. The second problem of the film is shortening the main plot from several years to less than a year because, in the book, the difference in fascination with Nazism before Todd's puberty and during it is understandably described. Primarily, what is missing in the film is the transformation of a bored boy into a boy interested in anything, unfortunately for him, his fascination with the details of the Holocaust becomes fatal. Certainly, it is possible to admire the acting performance of Ian McKellen, and the participation of Jan Tríska in a small role, but we should not be content with the fact that Todd was simply an evil boy at the beginning and remained an evil boy at the end of the film. (03/05/2024)

Singer is the devil! Sensitive themes (homosexuality, neo/Nazism) seem believable and natural when presented by him, meaning that there are no cheap poses of wannabe profound commentary on the subject matter, but rather an absolutely brilliantly crafted story that grabs you and only lets you go when the closing credits roll. Formally, it's incredibly sophisticated (for example, the staircase to the basement of Dussender's house with its red backlighting looks like a descent into hell) and the acting is riveting. Brad Renfro as the inquisitive teenager is great, but Ian McKellen is a demon who is unmatched far and wide. It all culminates in a great ending that will emotionally wring you to the last drop... and you don't even have to cry during it. (11/24/2006)

I didn't believe it, the psychological foundation of the characters was not strong enough in the context of their development, as well as in the construction and flow of the story. I didn't believe Ian McKellen as a war criminal (even though his march was impressive), I didn't believe Brad Renfro's transformation from a top student to a twisted and vulgar teenager, and the initially suggestive and captivating narration about the gas chambers didn't affect me significantly. Bryan Singer doesn't know how to work with emotions, that's a fact that bothers me in his films, and I don't remember any of his creations enriching me in this regard. Maybe I'm mistaken and I'm just not tuned into his wavelength. Very interesting material, a shocking scene with a veteran in the hospital, and that's about it. (02/10/2007)

Film paradoxically liked me more than the original because it simplified the storyline and didn't "push so hard", so both anti-heroes are far more civilized and natural in their perversity. Ian McKellen brilliantly plays his fascist veteran character and Brad Renfro is a seriously talented student... The film follows a modest line, (almost) without affected scenes, the mutual probing of both opponents and accomplices is at the same time a gentle psychological game that culminates in the final scene of complete transformation. Overall impression 90%. (05/07/2007)

How to adapt a book where the most thrilling moments are connected to the main character's thoughts? I have King's perfect novel deeply ingrained in my mind, which is why I admire Boyce's screenplay for showing me a different way into Todd's head. However, what I value the most is that the deadly weight and psychological urgency are present in almost every second. (04/20/2008)