Apt Pupil

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. (24/05/2016)

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%. (07/05/2007)

I didn't believe it, the psychological foundation of the characters was not strong enough in the context of their development, as well as in the construction and flow of the story. I didn't believe Ian McKellen as a war criminal (even though his march was impressive), I didn't believe Brad Renfro's transformation from a top student to a twisted and vulgar teenager, and the initially suggestive and captivating narration about the gas chambers didn't affect me significantly. Bryan Singer doesn't know how to work with emotions, that's a fact that bothers me in his films, and I don't remember any of his creations enriching me in this regard. Maybe I'm mistaken and I'm just not tuned into his wavelength. Very interesting material, a shocking scene with a veteran in the hospital, and that's about it. (10/02/2007)

Apt Pupil is one of the most attractive subjects that Stephen King has delved into. However, the study of children's fascination with Nazism and evil in individuals is truly on the edge. King focuses on credibility, using the backdrop of American suburbia as always, methodically following the story of a regular boy turning into a monster over the course of several years. The book takes place in the 70s when it was still possible to find a former Nazi incognito and in good health, any further advancement in the film towards the present is definitely not a plus. I would consider this the first problem of the adaptation. The second problem of the film is shortening the main plot from several years to less than a year because, in the book, the difference in fascination with Nazism before Todd's puberty and during it is understandably described. Primarily, what is missing in the film is the transformation of a bored boy into a boy interested in anything, unfortunately for him, his fascination with the details of the Holocaust becomes fatal. Certainly, it is possible to admire the acting performance of Ian McKellen, and the participation of Jan Tríska in a small role, but we should not be content with the fact that Todd was simply an evil boy at the beginning and remained an evil boy at the end of the film. (05/03/2024)

A perfect movie, which unfortunately lacks the quality of the novella by Stephen King. Thanks to Singer’s precise directing and the excellent acting in the first part of the movie this doesn’t present a problem, but unfortunately it does in the second part. The atmosphere (the absolute peak of which is the chilling scene with forced marching in the living room) of an unorthodox relationship of a pupil and a teacher is spoiled by the classic thriller plot, which we’ve seen hundred times before and will see many more times again. (18/11/2004)