The Dead Zone is based on a novel by Stephen King, directed by David Cronenberg (Scanners, The Fly) and produced by Debra Hill (Halloween, The Fog). Such a trio of horror vets would be expected to come up with an evening of shocks and gore, but The Dead Zone is a surprise. While it has great atmospheric eeriness and undeniably scary moments, The Dead Zone is at heart a sensitive and thoughtful portrayal of main character Johnny Smith's dilemma. Christopher Walken, king of the vaguely creepy, plays Smith, a man who awakens from a five-year coma with the very mixed blessing of second sight. At the mere touch of a hand, Smith is unwillingly launched into scenes of past and future terror. (Director Cronenberg is said to have fired blanks from a .357 Magnum just out of camera range to keep Walken's flinching spontaneous.) The Dead Zone wisely takes its time telling the story, and thus allows for some great performances. Walken gives a rich portrayal of the conflicted Smith, and Colleen Dewhurst and Tom Skerritt both do welcome turns in smaller roles. The most fun of all, though, is clearly being had by Martin Sheen, who gives a spirited performance as a complete sleazebag.
Directed by: David Cronenberg Written by: Jeffrey Boam Produced by: Jeffrey Chernov, Debra Hill, and Dino De Laurentiis Original music by: Michael Kamen
Cast: Christopher Walken .... Johnny Smith Brooke Adams .... Sarah Hazlett Bracknell Tom Skerritt .... Sherriff George Bannerman Herbert Lom .... Dr. Sam Weizak Anthony Zerbe .... Roger Stuart Colleen Dewhurst .... Henrietta Dodd Martin Sheen .... Greg Stillson Nicholas Campbell .... Frank Dodd/The Castle Rock Slasher Sean Sullivan .... Herb Smith Jackie Burroughs .... Vera Smith Géza Kovács .... Sonny Elliman Roberta Weiss .... Alma Frechette Simon Craig .... Chris Stuart Peter Dvorsky .... Dardis Julie-Ann Heathwood .... Amy Barry Flatman .... Walt Bracknell Raffi Tchalikian .... Denny #1 Ken Pogue .... Vice President Gordon Jocelyn .... Five-Star General Bill Copeland .... Secretary of State Jack Messinger .... Therapist Chapelle Jaffe .... Nurse Cindy Hines .... Natalie Helene Udy .... Weizak's Mother Ramon Estevez .... Teenage Boy with Camera Joseph Domenchini .... Young Weizak Roger Dunn.... Reporter Wally Bondarenko .... Reporter Claude Rae .... Reporter John Koensgen .... T.V. Anchorman Leslie Carlson .... Brenner (as Les Carlson) James Bearden .... Deputy #1 Hardee T. Lineham .... Deputy #2 William B. Davis .... Ambulance Driver (as William Davis) Seirge LeBlanc .... Denny #2 Vera Winiauski .... Polish Peasant Joe Kapnaiko .... Polish Peasant David Rigby .... Truck Driver (as Dave Rigby)
