Stephen King is an excellent author, and he has terrified millions of readers worldwide, but his finest work is done when he leaves the horror behind and focuses on character dramas. This is never clearer than in his stories "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" and "The Body," which were turned into the magnificent films "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Stand By Me."
A couple of years ago, King wrote another brilliant book of stories called "Hearts in Atlantis." Most of it focuses on coming of age tales and is among the most moving work the author has done.
The book's first story, "Low Men in Yellow Coats," is now a feature film entitled "Hearts in Atlantis." It is written by William Goldman ("The Princess Bride"), directed by Scott Hicks ("Shine") and stars Anthony Hopkins ("Hannibal").
Set in a small town circa the 1950s, it is a story of the end of childhood and the loss of innocence.
Hopkins stars as Ted Brautigan, a strange old man who moves into the upstairs of a house occupied by Elizabeth Garfield (Hope Davis) and her 11-year-old son Bobby (Anton Yelchin).
Bobby's life has not been as easy one. His father died when he was young and his mother has nothing nice to say about him. She is also selfish and cruel, spending all of her money on herself and getting Bobby a library card (which is free) for his birthday when all he wants is a new bike. That's hard on a kid.
As soon as Ted moves in, things are different. It is obvious that he is a wise and well-traveled man. He also treats Bobby like an adult and not a kid, proving to be equal parts friend and father figure.
Ted spends a lot of time counseling Bobby in matters of the heart. Bobby's best friend is the beautiful and lively Carol Gerber (Mika Boorem), and what's clear to Ted isn't yet clear to young Bobby. He tells Bobby that someday soon he will kiss her, and it is "the kiss by which all others will be judged."
But "Hearts in Atlantis" is far from a sentimental tale of growing up. There are bullies, Bobby's bitter and unaffectionate mother and Ted, who harbors a secret and may be being stalked by men in dark clothes who want to exploit his "gift."
Its dark edges aside, "Hearts in Atlantis" is ultimately the year's most uplifting and moving film. King has given Goldman superb source material, and the latter has crafted fully developed and memorable characters the audience cares about so much, it's almost as if they are beloved family members.
The pains and joys of adolescence and impending adulthood are perfectly captured. The relationship between Bobby and Carol rings true throughout and brings back memories of first loves and first kisses. This movie is wrapped in nostalgia.
The ideal setting and mood are created with assistance from the late Piotr Sobocinski's simple yet stunning cinematography, Mychael Danna's beautiful score and detailed production design by Barbara Ling. This is truly a team effort.
By now, audiences have come to expect great work from Hopkins, and here he doesn't disappoint. It's hard to believe the same man is Hannibal Lecter. His performance is relaxed, quiet and patient. The child actors are equally good. Yelchin and Boorem are fantastic.
"Hearts in Atlantis" isn't perfect, but it comes close. It gets off to a slow start, and the bookend narration by a grown up Bobby (David Morse) isn't entirely successful and tends to feel like it belongs in a different movie.
But in a movie this good, minor flaws are exactly that, and you won't remember them. What you will remember is the way "Hearts in Atlantis" makes you feel. It will take you to places you probably haven't been in a long time. You'll be glad you made the trip.
Grade: A-
"Hearts in Atlantis" opens nationwide on Fri., Sept. 28. Click here for showtimes
