Apt Pupil

Bryan Singer proved early in his career that he was interested in the subject of Nazism and has been dealing with it in some variation throughout his career, whether it be subtle references in X-Men or Valkyrie. Stephen King's story has been adapted into a form that suits him, thanks mainly to the two actors in the lead roles. (2016-05-24)

I didn't believe it, the psychological foundation of the characters was not strong enough in the context of their development, as well as in the construction and flow of the story. I didn't believe Ian McKellen as a war criminal (even though his march was impressive), I didn't believe Brad Renfro's transformation from a top student to a twisted and vulgar teenager, and the initially suggestive and captivating narration about the gas chambers didn't affect me significantly. Bryan Singer doesn't know how to work with emotions, that's a fact that bothers me in his films, and I don't remember any of his creations enriching me in this regard. Maybe I'm mistaken and I'm just not tuned into his wavelength. Very interesting material, a shocking scene with a veteran in the hospital, and that's about it. (2007-02-10)

A perfect movie, which unfortunately lacks the quality of the novella by Stephen King. Thanks to Singer’s precise directing and the excellent acting in the first part of the movie this doesn’t present a problem, but unfortunately it does in the second part. The atmosphere (the absolute peak of which is the chilling scene with forced marching in the living room) of an unorthodox relationship of a pupil and a teacher is spoiled by the classic thriller plot, which we’ve seen hundred times before and will see many more times again. (2004-11-18)

Singer is the devil! Sensitive themes (homosexuality, neo/Nazism) seem believable and natural when presented by him, meaning that there are no cheap poses of wannabe profound commentary on the subject matter, but rather an absolutely brilliantly crafted story that grabs you and only lets you go when the closing credits roll. Formally, it's incredibly sophisticated (for example, the staircase to the basement of Dussender's house with its red backlighting looks like a descent into hell) and the acting is riveting. Brad Renfro as the inquisitive teenager is great, but Ian McKellen is a demon who is unmatched far and wide. It all culminates in a great ending that will emotionally wring you to the last drop... and you don't even have to cry during it. (2006-11-24)

The novella “Apt Pupil" from the compendium “Different Seasons" (which also contains “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption") describes the story of a twisted high school kid interested in the things that went on in Nazi torture rooms during the Second World War. It’s his greatest hobby. One day he comes across Kurt Dussander, who used to be head of a concentration camp in Patin. The kid starts to blackmail him and demands that Kurt tells him stories of those days, in exchange for his silence. Stories of torture and killing Jewish prisoners... It’s very clear that Bryan Singer has great respect for Stephen King. He faithfully transferred the atmosphere from the book to the movie and adapted the story pretty damn well. I was little disappointed with the ending which is more hinted at and more “happy-ending" like, while in King’s version it is tougher and overall comes across better and more realistic. If I hadn’t read the book before seeing the movie, I would have been happier with it. But I was pleased to see Jan Tříska who gave an excellent performance in his small role and also David Schwimmer in a rather unusual role of Ed French aka Rubber Ed. :) (2006-06-29)