The Dark Tower (2017) is a science fantasy film directed by Nikolaj Arcel, adapted loosely from Stephen King’s epic novel series of the same name. Despite being based on one of King’s most ambitious works, the film takes a more streamlined, action-oriented approach, condensing key elements from multiple books into a 95-minute movie.
Detailed Summary
Introduction: The Gunslinger and the Man in Black
The film opens with a brief explanation of two opposing forces: Roland Deschain (Idris Elba), the last Gunslinger sworn to protect the Dark Tower—the mystical structure that holds all universes together—and Walter O’Dim (Matthew McConaughey), the sinister sorcerer known as the Man in Black, who seeks to destroy it.
Meanwhile, in modern-day New York, we meet Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor), a troubled boy haunted by strange visions of another world—a place filled with monsters, wastelands, and the Dark Tower itself. Everyone around him believes he’s imagining things, but Jake knows the visions are real.
Jake’s Journey to Mid-World
After following clues from his drawings and dreams, Jake discovers a portal in an abandoned house that transports him to Mid-World, a parallel dimension ravaged by decay and magic. There, he meets Roland, who is hunting Walter, driven by vengeance for the murder of his father and the destruction of his order.
Roland initially dismisses Jake’s claims about his visions, but when he realizes that Jake possesses powerful psychic abilities—known as “the Shine”—he understands Jake is crucial to protecting the Tower. Walter, on the other hand, intends to use Jake’s psychic energy to destroy it.
Walter’s Plan Unfolds
Walter’s base of operations lies in his high-tech facility, where he captures children with the Shine to power his weapon—a massive beam aimed directly at the Dark Tower. However, Jake’s psychic strength surpasses any other, making him the ultimate target.
Walter sends his minions to capture Jake, leading to a series of confrontations in both Mid-World and Earth. Roland, though weary and skeptical, gradually forms a bond with the boy, reminiscent of the father-son dynamic that King’s novels often explore.
The Conflict on Earth
Jake and Roland travel through another portal to Earth, where they track Walter’s agents and uncover his plan. Walter follows them, murdering anyone who gets in his way with his chilling command: “Stop breathing.” The final showdown between the Gunslinger and the Man in Black begins to take shape.
Before the climactic battle, Roland introduces Jake to the Gunslinger’s Creed—a mantra that reflects his stoic honor and resolve:
“I do not aim with my hand; he who aims with his hand has forgotten the face of his father. I aim with my eye.”
Movie Ending
The final act takes place in New York, where Walter captures Jake and begins using his psychic power to fire the beam that will destroy the Tower. Jake resists, sending mental messages to Roland, who storms Walter’s base in a fast-paced gunfight.
The Gunslinger and the Man in Black finally face each other in a long-awaited duel. Walter uses his sorcery—catching bullets mid-air, throwing debris, and controlling fire—but Roland’s skill and focus overcome the magic. In a fittingly Western climax, Roland recites the Gunslinger’s Creed, fires a bullet that ricochets off multiple surfaces, and kills Walter with poetic precision.
After Walter’s death, Roland destroys the machine targeting the Dark Tower, saving all worlds from collapse. Jake, now an orphan after his mother’s death earlier in the film, decides to stay in Mid-World. Roland invites him to join as his apprentice, offering him a new purpose and home.
The movie ends with Roland and Jake walking off toward the horizon, hinting at future adventures and leaving open the possibility of rebuilding the Gunslinger order.
No sequel has yet materialized, but the ending clearly sets up a larger journey.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Dark Tower does not have any post-credits scenes. The film concludes with the walking-into-the-sunset sequence, serving as a symbolic “beginning” for Roland and Jake’s ongoing quest.
Type of Movie
This film is a dark fantasy, sci-fi Western, blending action, dystopian adventure, and supernatural mythology. It attempts to merge Stephen King’s sprawling multiverse into a single cinematic story.
Cast
- Idris Elba as Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger
- Matthew McConaughey as Walter O’Dim / The Man in Black
- Tom Taylor as Jake Chambers
- Claudia Kim as Arra Champignon
- Fran Kranz as Pimli, Walter’s assistant
- Jackie Earle Haley as Sayre
- Dennis Haysbert as Steven Deschain, Roland’s father
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL), known for his work on Mad Max: Fury Road and Deadpool. The soundtrack blends dark, atmospheric tones with rhythmic, Western-inspired motifs that emphasize Roland’s gunslinger heritage.
Filming Locations
The movie was primarily shot in South Africa (Cape Town and surrounding regions) and New York City. The South African landscapes provided the desolate, rugged aesthetic of Mid-World, while New York grounded the story in a modern, relatable environment.
Awards and Nominations
The Dark Tower received no major awards and only a few minor nominations, mostly in technical categories. Despite strong performances, the film’s mixed reception prevented it from gaining significant recognition.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film went through years of development hell, with directors like J.J. Abrams and Ron Howard previously attached.
- Idris Elba trained extensively in firearms handling to embody Roland’s sharpshooting style.
- Matthew McConaughey described Walter as “a devil who walks the Earth like a man in designer boots.”
- Stephen King approved of the casting choices but noted that the movie felt like a “sequel” to the books rather than a direct adaptation.
- The script combined elements from several novels, notably The Gunslinger, The Waste Lands, and The Dark Tower VII.
Inspirations and References
The film draws from the “Dark Tower” series by Stephen King, which spans eight novels. The story is heavily influenced by Western classics, Arthurian legend, and post-apocalyptic literature. King has stated that the series is his personal “magnum opus,” tying together many of his other works, such as It, The Stand, and The Shining.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Early drafts reportedly included an alternate ending showing Roland and Jake reaching another portal that hinted at future worlds. A few dialogue scenes between Jake and his mother were also cut for pacing. No alternate ending was officially released.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film takes significant liberties with the source material:
- It acts more like a continuation or reimagining of the books rather than a direct adaptation.
- Key characters from the novels, such as Eddie Dean and Susannah Walker, do not appear.
- Roland’s quest in the books is deeply existential and cyclical, while the movie simplifies it into a revenge story.
- The mystical and philosophical tone of the novels is replaced by a faster, action-driven narrative.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Jake discovering the interdimensional portal in the abandoned house.
- Roland’s first fight sequence, where he reloads mid-spin in a breathtaking display of skill.
- The final showdown between Roland and Walter.
Iconic Quotes
- Roland: “I do not aim with my hand; he who aims with his hand has forgotten the face of his father.”
- Walter: “Death always wins. You might as well get used to it.”
- Jake: “I have the Shine. I see things others can’t.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The number 19, significant in the Dark Tower novels, appears throughout the movie (e.g., building numbers, clocks).
- A destroyed theme park sign reading “Pennywise” references It.
- The phrase “All hail the Crimson King” appears in graffiti—a nod to the series’ ultimate villain.
Trivia
- The movie was released on August 4, 2017, after more than a decade of stalled development.
- The runtime—only 95 minutes—was unusually short for such a vast story.
- King described the movie as being “sort of a sequel” to the final book rather than a retelling.
- Idris Elba’s portrayal of Roland sparked discussion because the book character is originally described as white; King publicly defended the casting.
Why Watch?
Watch The Dark Tower for its performances, especially Idris Elba’s stoic, magnetic take on Roland, and McConaughey’s chillingly smooth villain. It’s also worth seeing for fans of Stephen King’s multiverse, as it offers glimpses into how his interconnected stories might coexist on screen.
Director’s Other Movies
- A Royal Affair (2012)
- Truth About Men (2010)
- King’s Game (2004)
