The Dark Half (1993)

The Dark Half (1993) is a film based on Stephen King’s 1989 novel of the same name. It was both written and directed by George A. Romero. Thad Beaumont, a writer known for his acclaimed literary works, also has a successful career writing bestselling thrillers under the pseudonym ‘George Stark’. After deciding to retire his pen name, Beaumont symbolically buries ‘Stark’ in a fake grave. However, something strange happens – Stark takes on a physical form and begins terrorizing those close to Beaumont, starting with local photographer Homer Gamache. In order to escape, Stark murders Gamache and steals his truck. From there, Stark continues to wreak havoc by killing Thad’s editor, agent, and even the agent’s ex-wife.

He also takes the life of Fred Clawson, who had been blackmailing Thad for alleged fraud concerning his use of a pen name. Stark brutally takes the lives of a hotel desk clerk, several police officers, and a young woman who was involved in the Beaumont/Stark connection. In one instance, he uses a bomb to kill an officer and leave his partner deaf. When questioned about the cocaine-using woman’s death, Stark simply states that there are remnants of her on the floor and kitchen counter for the police to find. The method of her murder is too gruesome for the characters to speak of. As suspicion falls on Thad for Gamache’s murder, he tries to clear his name with Sheriff Alan Pangborn in Castle Rock, Maine. An all-points bulletin is put out for Clawson, who is believed to be responsible for Gamache’s death.