Apt Pupil

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)

I haven't read the book by Stephen King, but I'm seriously considering it after that near-perfect two hours. An impressively made psychological thriller about a twisted fascination with the Third Reich that eventually escalates into a real crime. The atmosphere is really thick in places (the shower scene) and that Jan Tříska – he's just a cherry on top. 4.5 stars (07/12/2009)

At the beginning of his career, Bryan Singer demonstrated an interest in the topic of Nazism and dedicated a significant part of his body of work to it in various modifications, whether through subtle references in "X-Men" or the film "Valkyrie". Stephen King's story has been adapted in a way that suits him, mainly thanks to the two actors in the lead roles. (05/24/2016)

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)

The novella “Apt Pupil" from the compendium “Different Seasons" (which also contains “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption") describes the story of a twisted high school kid interested in the things that went on in Nazi torture rooms during the Second World War. It’s his greatest hobby. One day he comes across Kurt Dussander, who used to be head of a concentration camp in Patin. The kid starts to blackmail him and demands that Kurt tells him stories of those days, in exchange for his silence. Stories of torture and killing Jewish prisoners... It’s very clear that Bryan Singer has great respect for Stephen King. He faithfully transferred the atmosphere from the book to the movie and adapted the story pretty damn well. I was little disappointed with the ending which is more hinted at and more “happy-ending" like, while in King’s version it is tougher and overall comes across better and more realistic. If I hadn’t read the book before seeing the movie, I would have been happier with it. But I was pleased to see Jan Tříska who gave an excellent performance in his small role and also David Schwimmer in a rather unusual role of Ed French aka Rubber Ed. :) (06/29/2006)