In this review, we’ll delve into the thrilling world of “The Running Man” as both a book and a movie adaptation. With heart-pounding action and a dystopian backdrop, we’ll explore how each medium brings Stephen King’s suspenseful tale to life in its own unique way.
Retro Book/Movie Comparison
The Running Man by Richard Bachman (aka Stephen King)
By: Andy Carroll
Synopsis of Running Man
“The Running Man” is a dystopian novel by Stephen King under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, first published in 1982.
Set in a bleak and oppressive future, the story follows the life of Ben Richards, a desperate man who enters a deadly game show to provide for his family and defy a tyrannical government.
In the Beginning
In 2025, the United States is controlled by a totalitarian regime that uses violent and manipulative tactics to maintain power. The economy is in shambles, and the government controls the media to keep the population docile.
The most popular television show is “The Running Man,” where contestants are selected to be hunted down by professional killers while the entire nation watches.
The Running Man
Ben Richards, struggling to provide for his wife and sick daughter, decides to participate in “The Running Man” as a last-ditch effort to pay for medical bills and a chance at survival.
The rules of the game are simple: Richards is given a head start and must evade capture for 30 days. He will win a substantial cash prize if he manages to evade the hunters for that period. But the money goes to his pursuers if he is caught or killed!
As Richards becomes a fugitive, he encounters various challenges and obstacles. He also gains support from some segments of the population sympathetic to his plight.
Throughout his journey, he uncovers the extent of the government’s manipulation and control over the media and the dire conditions many citizens face.
A Struggle for Survival
The novel follows Richards’ struggle for survival as he navigates a dangerous and hostile environment while trying to outwit the professional killers and expose the oppressive regime’s lies to the public.
The story is a tense and action-packed thriller that also delves into themes of media manipulation, government control, and the lengths a person will go to protect their loved ones.
Thoughts On The Running Man Novel
“The Running Man” explores the dehumanizing effects of a society where entertainment is built on the suffering of its citizens and where individuals are pushed to extreme measures to survive. It’s a dark and gripping tale that showcases Stephen King’s ability to create intense suspense and thought-provoking scenarios.
This novel was a fascinating read, to say the least. I don’t think regular King fans would be very interested in The Running Man. I think it has its own feel and doesn’t resonate as “Classic King.” If you are looking for a great horror novel by King, this isn’t for you.
Slow Burn That Explodes Quickly
I loved the entire book very much. It’s slow-paced, but only for a short time. It’s not a substantial slow burn like many of King’s works. The story has a lot going on and a lot of undertones that I believe could be dissected. I will not cover all the topics I felt were prevalent throughout the novel.
Still, I thought it captured the horrors humanity can, and currently, displays. I also believe it captures how rare and precious humane acts of kindness are in society.
“The Running Man” by Richard Bachman revolves around a man named Ben Richards. He is out of a job, has an ill daughter, and a wife who sells her body to put food on the table.
Ben is disgusted with how he is failing to provide and is so hard to come by, so he makes a very radical decision that could improve his and his family’s lives, but at a high cost.
Dystopian Sci-Fi
The year that this dystopian/Sci-Fi drama takes place is roughly the present day we live in. The available jobs have significant health risks, and the workers cannot afford proper health care. Pollution is so terrible that it tears people apart—their lives and bodies.
The ruler of this world in “The Running Man” is the media and entertainment Vee provides to every home, but not healthcare. Free Vee is the nation’s vice, along with other general addictions.
Ben decides to enter for a chance to win some money at the broadcasting company. All of the games have strict rules and qualifications. However, Ben just wants to see his daughter survive. He will pay the ultimate price if that’s what it takes.
Tests and Trials
Ben undergoes many tests and trials before being placed in a spot. He fortunately makes the cut, but unfortunately, it is the most dangerous game… The Running Man.
Ben doesn’t know how long he will last, but his only wish is to make enough money so that his daughter receives proper medical attention.
Killian is the man who rules the roost. He explains how The Running Man works and how Ben can make money, lose money, or make extra. He also explains that everyone will be out to get him; not just the police.
Ben faces danger at every turn, and a reward will be given to anyone who turns him in.
As Ben hits the street and his time begins, he starts to think quickly on his toes. He has a head start, but not much. He becomes very resourceful, and a long game of cat and mouse ensues.
Surviving 30 Days
The kicker is, Ben has to survive 30 days without being killed, and no one has ever made it! He must also send in two video tapes via mail daily unless he wants to default on his money.
He looks for help in the most unlikely places and finds that some people are still humane and provide hope.
Ben is running all over the East Coast. Many people aid him and, in doing so, risk their necks. However, with all of the greed, corruption, dishonesty, and mistreatment of the lower classes (not to mention exploitation), they feel that aiding Ben is worth the risk.
Will Ben be able to last? How will his family be taken care of? Will his run make a change and send a message to the broken world? This very bleak yet robust piece of literature is up in the air.
The Running Man Book’s Star Rating
I give The Running Man by Richard Bachman (Stephen King) 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. This novel was poignant and thought-provoking.
I only deducted 1/2 a star due to some outdated technology that could have been a little more creative and some racial slurs (but there was a point to them).
With that said, even though more imagination could have been put into how recordings were taken, sent, and phones; especially one part of a Telex, were used, there were some neat aspects that we still do not have today.
Give this book a whirl – It’s a quick read; if you don’t enjoy it, put it away. However, it doesn’t have the feel of many King novels.
Thoughts On The Running Man Film
If you want an action blockbuster, The Running Man film is a fun slice of 80’s greatness! You will be sorely disappointed if you want a movie faithful to the novel.
I would have to say I preferred the book much more than the movie, but I still enjoy the 80s campiness and nostalgia. Not to mention a fantastic cast featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jesse Ventura, Yaphet Kotto, Mick Fleetwood, and Richard Dawson, to name a few.
In the movie, Ben is an ex-policeman who escapes prison; he has no wife or daughter. His motive is to find his brother and blend back into society. This doesn’t go as planned.
Ben is quickly captured and forced to decide whether he will participate in The Running Man.
Ultimately, he gives in after threatening to put his fellow escapees on the show.
The show is much more over-the-top than in the novel. There are “stalkers,” outrageous characters who are out to kill the contestants. They also tried to turn up the futuristic factor, but it comes across as cheezy (but fun).
Action Packed
Arnold says a lot of classic one-liners, and there’s a lot of brawling and carnage. Action-packed to the max for an 80’s movie. This contrasts drastically with the novel, which I found to be more of a bleak drama. The novel is much more ducking and hiding compared to Ben, a killing machine in the movie.
Of course, the characters are drastically skewed in the book. Arnold is not even close to the physical description that Ben is supposed to have in the novel. This made the story more suspenseful because Ben was a lanky, run-of-the-mill man.
Also, being both the boss and the host, Killian is a downer, considering they are two different characters in the book—one in charge, one a face for the show.
Running Man Movie Star Rating
Overall, I give the movie The Running Man 3 stars out of 5 stars. I loved the cast, the fun, and the action. However, it isn’t true in the book. It’s also a pity because I feel the novel being adequately translated to the screen would be amazing! Nonetheless, the movie is still fun but not as thought-provoking.
Overall, the novel and the film are both excellent in their own rights. Of course, the novel was superior to the film, but that is my humble opinion. They are really like comparing apples and oranges. They are two different things with a few commonalities.
Suggestions For Running Man
I suggest the novel to any avid readers out there! I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would!
A fair warning, it is a bleak story, so if you don’t want a gloomy tale, it isn’t going to be your cup of tea.
I still highly suggest the novel for all those who are casual readers, but if you want a lot of action, stick to the movie. Hollywood took a lot of liberties in turning a bleak dystopian, sci-fi, or suspense drama into an action blockbuster.
I’m not one to judge, though. Just look at the films they were pumping out at the time! Arnold, Sly, Dolf, and Jean Claude were hot commodities then! Action blockbusters were booming!
Hollywood was right in their approach to The Running Man at the time. However, a reimagining more faithful to the novel would go over well today! As bleak as it may be, this would be great to see happen. Although, I sadly think it will not occur.
Where To Find The Running Man
Get the book here:
Get the movie here:
I honestly feel The Running Man could make a great suspense drama with the proper cast, director, and producers. That is just my two cents. Check them out for yourself.
I would love to hear some more opinions and discussions.
Until next time, my friends!
