Characterizaion and Cujo

[Oss]

I loved reading the book, Cujo and I loved the movie. I can't say that I enjoyed it; however, it kept me enthralled throughout. One reason is, Mr. King's unique knowledge and compassion for his characters is especially evident in this story. I found myself weeping for the inner torment of the dog, as well as my constant hope for the boy and his mother. The ending, brought me great satisfaction, because of the mother's victory; however, I was very sad for Cujo and very sad for the mother's suffering. But the ending satisfied.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

Yes indeed, that's why I hated that they changed it for the movie.

'Cujo always tried to be a good dog' - GREAT line IMO.

Long days and pleasant nights

[GNTLGNT]

...and the genius is when he can make you feel compassion for a dog that's become crazier than a sh**house mouse...

[doowopgirl]

Sks sympathy and understanding for all his characters are what maked his books such good reads and always keep me coming back for more.

[DeathStalker]

The book was able to make you feel sympathy for the dog, Cujo, he was a good dog, it wasn't his fault about getting rabies. The movie couldn't relay that to the viewer. And what would have been wrong with ending the movie like the book? That was a twist you didn't expect when reading it for the first time. The movie had to go for the "Happy Ending", but how happy could they really be when she had cheated on her husband, he'll always be looking for that next time.

[Seb Shaw]

...and the genius is when he can make you feel compassion for a dog that's become crazier than a sh**house mouse...

Hi,

Yes indeed, that's why I hated that they changed it for the movie.

'Cujo always tried to be a good dog' - GREAT line IMO.

Long days and pleasant nights

I agree.

The movie went for the let's make this dog repulsive and let it not have any redeaming features at all approach. Which is a shame, but I suppose they tend to go with what the majority want...

[Evil Queen]

The book was able to make you feel sympathy for the dog, Cujo, he was a good dog, it wasn't his fault about getting rabies. The movie couldn't relay that to the viewer. And what would have been wrong with ending the movie like the book? That was a twist you didn't expect when reading it for the first time. The movie had to go for the "Happy Ending", but how happy could they really be when she had cheated on her husband, he'll always be looking for that next time.

I agree w/you, DeathStalker. I liked this movie but then I didn't like this movie because it made me angry that all you saw was an angry, sick dog trying to kill people. In the book, you able to know what the dog was feeling & thinking & you knew he didn't mean to kill anyone on purpose, it was the disease making him crazy. & Of course, the movie couldn't convey that message. The book made me so sad I cried for the dog & the boy. The movie made me angry because I felt Cujo was only portrayed as a killer dog & the mother was portrayed as a hero.

[Gabriel J.M.]

I like the characterization of Cujo. I liked that he got bitten by a bat. I like how Cujo became evil and got rid of most of his family. This story could happen out there in the real world. I think the connection of fiction to the real world is what makes a good read. I have read that book about 5 times. I love it. I have read On Writing 10 times. I love it too.

I have writen a story called "Pepe's Pit" because Cujo has inspired me so much. Of course mine deals with an American Pit Bull... and just imagine the rest.

[Pucker]

The movie made me angry because I felt Cujo was only portrayed as a killer dog & the mother was portrayed as a hero.

This is an understandable reaction. I've always felt the story was as much about Donna's (near) redemption in the face of the randomness of fate as much as it was about bad things happening to good dogs.

As for the film, audiences of today may or may not be perceived differently by whomever is running Hollywood this week, but back in the sweet old '80s, you didn't keep the crowds coming back for more by killing off the cute kid.

[drkstar8]

Exactly! What I thought was so cool is that some of the story was actually written from Cujo's point of view. That's what gives you the feelings for Cujo!!!