The Monkey’s Dark Descent: How Stand by Me’s Ending Surpasses Stephen King’s Original Short Story
Stephen King’s short story "The Body" (1982) is a nostalgic and haunting tale of young friendship, loss, and the struggles of growing up. The story follows a group of four young friends, including Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern, as they embark on a journey to find the body of a missing boy, Ray Brower, in the woods near their hometown of Castle Rock, Maine. The story is a classic coming-of-age tale that explores themes of childhood innocence, mortality, and the enduring power of friendship.
In 1986, King’s short story was adapted into the film "Stand by Me", directed by Rob Reiner and starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell. While the film remained largely faithful to the original narrative, it took some creative liberties with the ending. The movie’s conclusion, in particular, diverges from the tone and direction of King’s original story, resulting in a darker and more unsettling conclusion.
A Different Ending, a Darker Tone
In the original short story, the four friends find the decaying body of Ray Brower, and the group is left to process their emotions and the harsh reality of death. The story concludes with a sense of introspection and wisdom, as the characters come to terms with their own mortality and the fragility of life.
In contrast, the film’s ending takes a more somber and ominous turn. As the friends approach the spot where Ray’s body lies, they are confronted with an unsettling and disturbing sight. The camera pans out to reveal the body is not just of Ray, but of many other young boys, all decapitated and mutilated. The sheer horror of this discovery is made all the more chilling by the eerie, synthesizer-heavy score that accompanies it.
This jarring and unsettling conclusion is a deliberate choice by the filmmakers, intended to leave the audience with a lasting impact. The inclusion of the decapitated bodies serves as a visceral reminder of the cruel and senseless nature of death, and the fragility of childhood innocence. This darker ending is a reflection of the harsh realities of the world and serves as a poignant commentary on the vulnerabilities of youth.
A More Misguided Approach
While King’s original story is a powerful exploration of the human experience, the film’s addition of decapitated bodies is a bold, if misguided, move. Some critics argue that this jarring ending undermines the tone and message of the story, detracting from the film’s overall impact. Others see it as a necessary departure from the original, a way to emphasize the darker aspects of mortality and the horrors that lie just beneath the surface of small-town America.
Regardless of interpretation, the film’s conclusion remains a departure from King’s original vision, a decision that sets the stage for a more somber and haunting conclusion. While both the story and film are unforgettable, the film’s darker ending is sure to leave a lasting impression, one that lingers long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Stephen King’s "The Body" is a timeless tale of adolescence and mortality, the film "Stand by Me" takes the story in a darker, more ominous direction. The addition of decapitated bodies in the film’s conclusion is a deliberate choice, intended to leave a lasting impact on the audience. While some may view it as a bold move, others see it as a misguided approach, detracting from the tone and message of the story. Ultimately, the film’s ending remains a testament to the power of cinema to surprise and unsettle, even in the most unexpected ways.
