On the 11th of April, a long-running film will open in Ukrainian cinemas – an adaptation of Stephen King's first novel, “Two Turns”. It is obvious that we knew
The novel “Dovga khod” was written by King even before the hour at the College of Vision in 1979 under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. This is a book about young men condemned to death, in which King reflected his protest against the war in Vietnam. Vaughn became the first bestseller in the sub-dystopian genre, paving the way for such works as the “Hunger Games” series. And Francis Lawrence himself, who screened all but the first part of “The Hungry Games”, becoming the director who was able to direct “The Long Run” on the screen. It is clear that this is a strong story and how it will lead to the great screen.
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What is the film about?
Pods are burning in an alternative world, where the United States has been transformed into a totalitarian power under the rule of the military. A short order selects 100 young men from all corners for a brutal test called “Dovga Move”: the participants, under the supervision of trained soldiers, grind and move without stopping, without reducing speed, route without finishing line. This game will have only one victory in the future, which will finally deny the great penny wine town and be a prize for the election of power. And the skin that is scratched and does not show will inevitably be shot.
Dovgyi way on the screen
They tried to screen “Dovgu Go” more than once, but it seemed to be in production. The film project was first announced about 30 years ago – back in 1988, with the master of horrors George A. Romero as director. However, nothing worked out. In 2007, the film rights were relinquished by Frank Darabont, one of King’s favorite directors, who directed “The Green Mile” and “Shawshank Redemption”, but was unable to realize the idea. And at the end of 2023, the Lionsgate studio announced a new test – this time with Francis Lawrence. And in a new way it turned out!
Under the watch of Stephen King
Stephen King is one of the writers whose works are most often filmed. However, there are a lot of old-fashioned flavors, and, unfortunately, there have been many recent adaptations of these dreary stories. To change the situation, Nina King has the right to praise the key decisions in any film adaptation: she especially appreciates the director, the actor's talent and other important details. King herself is the person who gives the final “go-ahead” to the project – and this is undoubtedly going to harm her.
The novel “Dovga Khoda” was adapted for film by screenwriter J. T. Mollner (“Peresliduvach”). Of course, King confirmed his work and completed it with just one edit. “Steven had one more note when we gave him the script to read,” says producer Roy Leigh. “He said, ‘How can you change 4 miles per hour to 3? The speed of the participants walked. He had mercy – and he himself told us: “There is no chance that you will be able to walk 4 miles per year for so long.” this is approximately 6.4 km/year, and 3 miles per year – 4.8 km/year, – Approx. ed.).
How the film was made
In addition to many films, which are taken as a surprise, “The Long Run” was filmed sequentially, following the plot from start to finish. This approach made it possible to record on the screen the correct appearance of the actors, which increased the reliability of the film presentation. “I want us to be truly tied to the boys, which means that we, a significant group, will always collapse from them at the rate of three miles per year,” says Francis Lawrence.
For this reason, the actors and a significant group traveled nearly 350 miles (563 km – Editor’s note). The stinks have traveled extensively along the highways and natural parks of the province of Manitoba (Canada), which has become the main significant location of the “Long Walk”, and even here there are wide, open roads and empty landscapes, so it’s good to approach for the tense and original atmosphere of the film.
The season began in the spring of 2024, and ended in the spring. Also, most of the film was filmed on the fly, which ensured that there was a three-year period of daylight – ideal for scenes where the characters spend hours walking under the scorching sun. The physical demands of the actors were no longer real, and their discomfort became an invisible part of the actors' game, adding to it an indetailed sense of truthfulness.
The legendary Luke Skywalker in one of the roles: about casting
“The most important thing about this film is the camaraderie, since it is the heart of the story,” says Francis Lawrence, emphasizing that, in contrast to “The Hunger Games,” here the film’s participants cannot beat one another. Meta skin youth – just keep going until you have the strength.
The story focuses on the emotional and physical pain experienced by the skin participant, trying to overcome the dangers and dangers of testing. But, of course, the plot cannot tell the story of everyone at once, so it concentrates on two characters: Rhea Garrat – perhaps not the strongest among the boys, but certainly the most generous, and Peter MacVries – an ugly and charismatic leader with a philosophical bent of mind. As Lawrence explains, the essence of the film lies in the connection that develops between the main characters during this terrible and hopeless journey.
The role of Ray is played by young actor Cooper Goffman, son of the legendary Philip Seymour Goffman. “Cooper Goffman was my first choice for this role. I learned from the film “Liquorice Bird” and knew that Garraty would be a miracle,” says the director. The role of David Johnson (“Alien: Romulus”), who played Peter, Francis Lawrence had never played before. “It’s true that I wasn’t even in my sight… At the auditions, having finished playing my first scene, I realized that this guy is McVries, and that there will be a whole film with him in it.” “practise,” Lawrence guesses.
Well, let’s face it, “Long Move” has another very important character – the Major, an evil and ruthless military man who controls the loss of power. І Francis Lawrence nominated an undiscovered candidate for this role, and himself – Mark Gemill, the legendary Luke Skywalker from “The Dawning Wars”. The idea of casting Gemill for this role seemed wonderful, but soon it became clear that the director was right. “Right away everyone was in shock: “Mark Gemill? Do you respect Luke Skywalker? How can you do this?!” Ale Francis simply cast Mark Gemill in this role, and Mark himself brought to the character a hoarseness, a frown, a sullen energy that has never been experienced before,” – like Roy Lee.
Now, after a decade of development and recent screening tests, “The Long Run” has appeared on the big screens thanks to a very hard-working creative team, which has done its best to bring in Stephen King’s work. And the result of this work was a story that seems hourly and surprisingly relevant and compelling to think about the vitriol, the connection between people and the cost of human life.
