Horror Metal Flashbacks, Episode 3: Stephen King and AC DC - the connection to Maximum Overdrive

So who made who? That is a good question to ask regarding the subtext behind the 1986 horror movie Maximum Overdrive. The film directed by horror author Stephen King was the only film he ever directed and is widely disowned by the author. The movie contained elements of black humour and exhibited a campy tone throughout, but contrasts well with King's sombre subject matter found in his writing.

The author's first short story collection entitled Night Shift was published in 1978 and it featured a story called "Trucks". The idea for Maximum Overdrive was loosely based on this story which follows an uprising of all machines; including trucks, radios, arcade games, vending machines, etc, after a comet passes over the Earth. The concept of machines becoming sentient and going on a killing spree against humans is a frightening reality.

King wrote the screenplay, adapting his short story, and had worked out a three picture deal with De Laurentis beforehand. Maximum Overdrive was to be his directorial debut, but he didn't know what he was doing and struggled throughout filming. One on set translator noted that Stephen King was using cocaine, but also recalled him drinking heavily from early in the morning and onwards throughout the day.

The author also clashed with De Laurentis over the decision to cast Bruce Springsteen in the lead role of Bill Robinson. It's believed De Laurentis insisted on Emilo Estevez and King heavily objected. It was at this point, King became disillusioned with the production. Soon afterwards, the situation came to a boiling point after many wardrobe and special effects choices were made by De Laurentis personally.

The best aspect of the film will certainly excite fans of AC/DC. It's no secret this Australian rock band was King's favourite, so he invited the boys to entirely compose the music. Having a mid 1980's hard rock soundtrack greatly benefited the film. The album "Who Made Who" was released as the Maximum Overdrive soundtrack. It includes the best-selling singles "Who Made Who", "You Shook Me All Night Long" and "Hells Bells".

As we have stated previously in Episodes 1 and 2, horror films and heavy metal go hand in hand. Maximum Overdrive is one of the better examples of hard rockin' music set to explosive scenes of trucks being demolished and an exploding Ice Cream truck to cap off the violent fun at the end of the film. "Who Made Who" brought AC/DC back to the top 20 on the singles charts and they have Stephen King to thank for that.

Critical reception for the film was largely negative, and it would seem many people failed to see the point behind machines becoming all-encompassing malevolent aggressors. However, some critics felt the film did have flaws, but there are several scenes of well composed visual nastiness, proving that Stephen King wasn't all that bad as a director.

Maximum Overdrive will no doubt be remembered for one hell of a soundtrack. So... Who Made Who?

Kenneth Gallant, HMS

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