Analysis of Stephen King's The Dead Zone

The Dead Zone is a novel by Stephen King, and was released in the year 1979. It tells the story of Johnny Smith, who can see the past and future of people or objects by touching them. Due to its popularity, this book was made in to not just a movie, but a TV show as well.

Some people have a problem with the main character's name, and the producer of the television series didn't even want to use the name Johnny Smith. However, the name does not matter too much compared to the intrigue of the character. Smith proves himself to be a compassionate man who struggles to understand what has happened to him.

It takes a four-and-a-half year coma to finally release all of Johnny's abilities, as he is unfortunately in a car accident with a truck. After waking up, Johnny discovers he has lost his former life and love, Sarah Bracknell, but he has also gained a power that he sees more as a curse.

Whenever Johnny touches an object or person, he receives a vision related to that object or person. For example, his first true experience comes when he touches his physical therapist, and has a vision of her house burning down. He warns her about it, and she calls the fire department and they save her home. Despite this display, many people still have a hard time believing Johnnys powers are real.

Johnny makes use of his abilities when he is called upon Sheriff Bannerman of Castle Rock to stop a serial killer. He also utilizes them to save lives of people he encounters. Most importantly, he discovers a terrible threat that threatens all of humanity.

Greg Stillson is a politician who aspires to be President of the United States, although he is extremely unstable and angry. When Johnny touches him at a promotional rally, he gets a vision of a nuclear holocaust perpetrated by Stillson. After seeing this, he decides he must do something to stop Stillson.

The easiest way for Johnny to succeed is to assassinate Stillson, and his plan ultimately works in an unexpected way. While all of the novel is interesting, the ending is simply amazing and one of King's best. Any fan of Stephen King will greatly appreciate the intricacy and greatness of The Dead Zone.

Christopher Walken plays Johnny in the movie adaptation, while Anthony Michael Hall is the actor on the TV program. The Dead Zone is King's first introduction of the town of Castle Rock, although it was mentioned briefly in short stories. In addition, The Dead Zone has been made fun of on programs like Mad TV and South Park.