The Running Man

Ben Richards es un hombre que ama su familia, sin embargo la vida no le juega bonito y se ve envuelto en una serie de poblemas que lo llevan a jugarse la vida en un concurso donde su misión es no dejarse matar por los cazadores. Fue llevada al Cine con el nombre en ingles igual pero en español Sobreviviente con Mariá Conchita Alonzo y Arnold Swawzzeneger

I've been a fan of the movie for going on twenty years, probably saw it more than I have any other movie in history (except for maybe the Breakfast Club which I've probably seen close to thirty times--there's a day-waster!!!), and it still stands on the silver medal pedestal for favorite eighties movie of all time (behind the aforementioned brat packer gold medalist). And for as long as I knew it was based off a book, I've wanted to read it, to capture all the senses that the movie couldn't offer. But the years passed quickly and I figured a book written by a forgotten author (Richard Bachman) that's older than a forgotten movie (I didn't forget it, obviously, but it's not exactly the topic of social circles today) would be impossible to find. Then a few months ago, for old times' sake, I watched the movie again. And when the opening credits rolled, something finally clicked inside me: "Richard Bachman? Wasn't that the name of Stephen King's alter ego?" Sure enough, after a couple minutes of research, I discovered that Richard Bachman WAS Stephen King, and that THE RUNNING MAN had to still be in print. So I went to the bookstore, searched anything with King's or Bachman's name on it, and found it sandwiched between a crapload of other Steven King books. I bought it right away.

So that's my background story. Now for the book:

It's nothing like the movie. Or rather, the movie is nothing like the book. Yes, some tiny details translated from one medium to the other, but not enough to call them the same story. The main character has the same name, but that's as far as the similarities go. A couple other characters had their last names translate, but again the actual characters were completely different from their onscreen counterparts.

And you know what?

The book was still incredible. So much in fact that I want to see the movie remade, using the plotline and character established in the book (and I think Edward Norton should play it personally).

But it was also one of the darkest books I've read. Way darker than the movie. The difference is like comparing day-glo to a black light. A tack to a spike. The 1960's Joker to Heath Ledger's Joker. It's no wonder King calls Bachman "Not a nice guy." But that's okay. It's not a nice book. And it's not a nice society in which the book takes place. And it's not so far from what life could become if everyone continues to trust the media to a tee while casting morals aside. But it is a lot like the Bourne Identity.

The only other Stephen King book I've read was his ON WRITING, which I thought was great. THE RUNNING MAN makes him two-for-two in my book. I'm not a fan of horror, so I doubt I'll read everything of his, but this book has peeked my interest about some of his other titles ("some" being the operative word).

I'd actually describe what the story's about, as that sometimes plays a part in a good review, but I think I'd rather let the book speak for itself for anyone willing to give it a chance. It's an easy read, makes you think, and can mess with your head all at the same time. Awesome.

This will probably go into my top ten favorites behind SYRUP and A LONG WAY DOWN.

One of my favorite King books. (Dont let the movie turn you away from reading this...they are totally different stories...)

A great story. It was all about the power of the media and mob mentality. I liked it, especially the ending.

Great story. I always wished I would get to see a more accurate film version, but I don't see that happening in this post-9/11 world.

I had to have a classic be my first Stephen King book. By the terminology, I could sure tell when it was written.

great science fiction....I wish Stephen King would write more..(wasn't it penned under Richard Bachman).

The book was awesome... movie was crap... except that you have the Governator and The Body fighting in it! haha

Powerful novel, about the a man forced to do the only thing he can because of poverty. Not the conventional Stephen King fare, but a damn good change. Sick awesome conclusion as well. Narrating is direct and strong. Mostly unrelated to the film of the same name, the film is popcorn nonsense.

great book, very different from the movie but both are still good. I can see why they made drastic changes for the film, this book may not have held up on the silver screen.