Stephen King’s novel Salem’s Lot is about a classical vampire in a small American town.
So why do the adaptations make the vampire Barlow into just a beast?
The elusive Mr. Barlow.
Even when Barlow finally introduces himself in the novel, he remains obscure.
The form shifted and came from the shadows.
In the faint light, Corey saw a middle-aged man with a black mustache and deep, bright eyes.
The idea of a real vampire appearing in the present drives the novelSalems Lot.
And yet, its an aspect missed by most adaptations, includingthe new movie version by Gary Dauberman.
Yet, so many adaptations ofSalems Lotignore this aspect of Kings story.
The latest adaptation fromwriter/director Gary Daubermanfollows suit.
When he finally appears in full, Daubermans Barlow is yet another Nosferatu in a black cloak.
Instead of lending some recognizable humanity to Barlow, the lines just make him seem more animal and distant.
Contrast that approach to the way that King portrays Barlows confrontation with Callahan in the novel.
Callahan has enough faith to initially drive Barlow into a corner with his cross.
Barlow seemed to grow taller.
His eyes glared out of their sockets like sly and sullen embers.
Come, false priest.
Learn of a true religion.
Take my communion, Barlow calls before corrupting Callahan by way of drinking his tainted blood.
Hauers Barlow has class and manners, even when going on the attack.
That 2004 adaptation understands the power of Kings book, as represented by the conflict between Callahan and Barlow.
Barlow isnt just a beast that Callahan wards away with whatever faith available to him.
The 2004 film has many other problems, but the actor giving Barlow gravitas is not one of them.
Like the residents of the Lot itself, the appeal of this novel remains lost and forgotten in shadow.
Salems Lot is streaming now on Max.
