Stephen King's classic horror novel "Pet Sematary" has been adapted into two feature films, one in 1989 and the other in 2019. Both films have attracted attention and acclaim from fans of the horror genre. The 1989 version was directed by Mary Lambert, while the 2019 remake was helmed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer.

Who Directed Pet Sematary?

Mary Lambert

Mary Lambert is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. She is best known for directing the 1989 adaptation of "Pet Sematary." Lambert also went on to direct the 1992 sequel, "Pet Sematary Two." Her other directorial credits include the films "Siesta" (1987), "Grand Isle" (1991), and "Urban Legend" (1998).

Lambert's adaptation of "Pet Sematary" was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its faithfulness to the source material and its effective scares. Lambert's direction was also lauded, with critics noting her ability to create a sense of atmosphere and suspense.

Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer

Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer are a German filmmaking duo who have collaborated on several films, including the 2019 remake of "Pet Sematary." The pair previously directed the critically acclaimed independent drama "Starry Eyes" (2014).

Kölsch and Widmyer's adaptation of "Pet Sematary" was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised the film for its strong performances and its effective scares, while others criticized it for being too similar to the original film. Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $113 million worldwide.

Comparison of the Two Films

The 1989 and 2019 adaptations of "Pet Sematary" have both been praised for their faithfulness to the source material. However, there are some key differences between the two films.

The 1989 film is more faithful to the novel's plot, while the 2019 film takes some liberties with the story. For example, in the 1989 film, Gage is killed by a car, while in the 2019 film, he is killed by a truck.

Another key difference between the two films is their tone. The 1989 film is more overtly horror, while the 2019 film is more of a psychological thriller. This difference in tone is reflected in the two films' respective cinematography and music.

Conclusion

The 1989 and 2019 adaptations of "Pet Sematary" are both solid horror films that offer fans of the genre plenty of scares. While the two films have their differences, they are both faithful to the source material and offer unique interpretations of King's classic tale.