When it comes to horror movies, few can match the cult classic "Christine." Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, the film tells the story of a 1958 Plymouth Fury possessed by an evil spirit. But what car was used in the movie Christine? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the making of Christine, including the inspiration behind the story, the process of bringing the car to life on screen, and the legacy of the iconic Fury.
The Making of Christine
"Christine" was released in 1983 and directed by John Carpenter, who had previously made horror classics like "Halloween" and "The Fog." The film stars Keith Gordon as Arnie Cunningham, a high school student who becomes obsessed with restoring a 1958 Plymouth Fury he names Christine. As Arnie becomes more and more attached to the car, he begins to realize that it has a mind of its own and a deadly agenda.
Stephen King’s Inspiration
The idea for "Christine" came to Stephen King when he was working as a high school English teacher in the early 1970s. King had a run-down Plymouth Fury that he used to drive to work, and he began to imagine what it would be like if the car had a malevolent spirit inside. The novel was published in 1983, and the movie adaptation followed later that year.
Bringing the Car to Life
One of the biggest challenges of making "Christine" was bringing the car to life on screen. After all, the car is essentially a main character in the movie. To achieve this, the filmmakers used a combination of practical effects and camera tricks. For example, they built multiple versions of the car, including some that could be crushed and destroyed during filming.
The Search for the Perfect Model
Finding the right car to play Christine was a difficult task. The production team searched all over the country for a 1958 Plymouth Fury in good condition, but most of the cars they found were in poor shape or had been heavily modified. Eventually, they were able to locate two Furies that fit the bill, one of which was used for close-up shots and the other for stunts.
The Iconic 1958 Plymouth Fury
The 1958 Plymouth Fury was a sleek and stylish car that was popular in its day. It had a distinctive tailfin design and was available in a range of colors. However, the car used in "Christine" was painted a bright red to give it a more menacing look. This color became so closely associated with the character that it is now known as "Christine red."
Restoring and Modifying the Fury
Once the production team had found the two Furies they needed, they set to work restoring and modifying them for use in the film. This included adding new engines, suspensions, and brakes to make the cars more durable for filming. They also made cosmetic changes to the cars, such as removing the emblems and trim, to give them a more sinister appearance.
Christine’s Role in the Movie
Throughout "Christine," the car becomes more and more malevolent as it takes control of Arnie’s life. It is responsible for a number of murders and has a supernatural ability to repair itself after being damaged. The car’s transformation is both terrifying and fascinating to watch, and it remains one of the most memorable horror movie villains of all time.
The Legacy of the Fury
Even after all these years, the 1958 Plymouth Fury remains one of the most iconic cars in movie history. Its association with "Christine" has made it a favorite of horror fans and car enthusiasts alike. In fact, there are still clubs and events dedicated to the car, with fans from all over the world coming together to share their love of this classic automobile.
From its origins as a Stephen King novel to its status as a cult classic, "Christine" is a movie that has truly stood the test of time. And while the story and characters are certainly memorable, it is the car that steals the show. The 1958 Plymouth Fury is a true icon of horror cinema, and its place in movie history is well-deserved. Whether you’re a fan of King’s writing, Carpenter’s directing, or just classic cars in general, "Christine" is a movie that you won’t want to miss.