Apt Pupil

I haven't read the book by Stephen King, but I'm seriously considering it after that near-perfect two hours. An impressively made psychological thriller about a twisted fascination with the Third Reich that eventually escalates into a real crime. The atmosphere is really thick in places (the shower scene) and that Jan Tříska – he's just a cherry on top. 4.5 stars (12/07/2009)

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)

Singer is the devil! Sensitive themes (homosexuality, neo/Nazism) seem believable and natural when presented by him, meaning that there are no cheap poses of wannabe profound commentary on the subject matter, but rather an absolutely brilliantly crafted story that grabs you and only lets you go when the closing credits roll. Formally, it's incredibly sophisticated (for example, the staircase to the basement of Dussender's house with its red backlighting looks like a descent into hell) and the acting is riveting. Brad Renfro as the inquisitive teenager is great, but Ian McKellen is a demon who is unmatched far and wide. It all culminates in a great ending that will emotionally wring you to the last drop... and you don't even have to cry during it. (24/11/2006)

How to adapt a book where the most thrilling moments are connected to the main character's thoughts? I have King's perfect novel deeply ingrained in my mind, which is why I admire Boyce's screenplay for showing me a different way into Todd's head. However, what I value the most is that the deadly weight and psychological urgency are present in almost every second. (20/04/2008)

The novella “Apt Pupil" from the compendium “Different Seasons" (which also contains “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption") describes the story of a twisted high school kid interested in the things that went on in Nazi torture rooms during the Second World War. It’s his greatest hobby. One day he comes across Kurt Dussander, who used to be head of a concentration camp in Patin. The kid starts to blackmail him and demands that Kurt tells him stories of those days, in exchange for his silence. Stories of torture and killing Jewish prisoners... It’s very clear that Bryan Singer has great respect for Stephen King. He faithfully transferred the atmosphere from the book to the movie and adapted the story pretty damn well. I was little disappointed with the ending which is more hinted at and more “happy-ending" like, while in King’s version it is tougher and overall comes across better and more realistic. If I hadn’t read the book before seeing the movie, I would have been happier with it. But I was pleased to see Jan Tříska who gave an excellent performance in his small role and also David Schwimmer in a rather unusual role of Ed French aka Rubber Ed. :) (29/06/2006)