Show Notes
Stephen King. Killer trucks. AC/DC. Cocaine. What could possibly go wrong? In this episode of 100 Things We Learned From Film, we're taking a look at one of the strangest cult horror films ever made: Maximum Overdrive (1986). It's the only feature film ever directed by Stephen King himself, based on his short story Trucks, and the result is unlike anything else in his filmography. From the iconic Green Goblin truck and AC/DC soundtrack to behind-the-scenes accidents, production chaos, and King's own brutal opinions of the finished movie, we're uncovering 30 fascinating facts about this unforgettable slice of 80s horror. Whether you think it's a disaster or a masterpiece, Maximum Overdrive has earned its place as one of the greatest cult films of its era. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a comment telling us your favourite Stephen King adaptation. Support the Show 🎬 Join our Patreon from just £1 a month for bonus episodes, early access and exclusive content: patreon.com/100thingsfilm 🌐 Visit our website: 100thingswelearnedfromfilm.co.uk --- Maximum Overdrive is a 1986 American science fiction action horror film written and directed by Stephen King in his only directorial effort.[5] The film stars Emilio Estevez, Pat Hingle, Laura Harrington, John Short, Yeardley Smith and Christopher Murney. The screenplay was inspired by and loosely based on King's short story "Trucks", which was included in the author's first collection of short stories, Night Shift, and follows the events after all machines (including trucks, radios, arcade games, vending machines, etc.) become automatic when Earth crosses the tail of a comet, initiating a worldwide killing spree.
The film is King's only directorial effort, though dozens of films have been based on his novels or short stories. It contained black humor elements and a generally campy tone, which contrasts with King's sombre subject matter in books. The film has a mid-1980s hard rock soundtrack composed entirely by the group AC/DC (King's favourite band), whose 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".
Maximum Overdrive was theatrically released on July 25, 1986 to a critical and commercial failure. The film was nominated for two Golden Raspberry Awards including Worst Director for King and Worst Actor for Estevez in 1987, but both lost to Prince for Under the Cherry Moon.[6] King disowned the film, describing it as a "moron movie", and considered the process a learning experience,[7] after which he intended never to direct again. Regardless of its initial failure, the film has developed a dedicated cult following over the decades with many calling it a "so bad it's good" horror classic.
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