What motivated 2013 supernatural horror film Oculus by Mike Flanagan?

Director of Oculus Mike Flanagan has revealed that Stephen King's short tale "1408" greatly influenced his 2013 supernatural horror film. Flanagan intended to turn "1408" into a film but couldn't because another movie adaption was under development already. But he discovered that the tale of "1408" offered the ideal model for his own movie. Although Oculus has the same architecture and motifs as "1408," he says it substitutes a cursed mirror for the haunted hotel room. Both tales investigate the object's past and how it influences people who come into touch with it.

How did Flanagan's following work reflect "1408"?

The motivation from "1408" went beyond Oculus. Flanagan described his Netflix series, "The Haunting of Hill House," as a ten-hour adaptation of his 2013 feature and said that Oculus directly influenced it. This shows how profoundly "1408" influenced his work—even years later. This impact helps to clarify why Flanagan was trusted with "The Life of Chuck," why he has been so successful in adapting Stephen King's writings, including "Gerald's Game" and "Doctor Sleep."

Does Flanagan have any next projects inspired by "1408"?

Flanagan is now concentrating on adapting other Stephen King novels, but it's not unusual for bits from "1408" to resurface in his next effort. For him, "1408" has been a major source of inspiration; two of his most successful initiatives sprang from it. Seeing him return to this creative source in the future would not be shocking.

What main parallels exist between "1408" and Oculus?

Focus on the past and impact of the supernatural entity permeates both Oculus and "1408". Examining issues of psychological horror and the possibility for a malignant entity to control human conduct, both tales show how the object influences those who come into touch with it. Furthermore remarkably similar are the frameworks of both tales, in which the protagonist encounters the entity's past and then is left alone with it.

In what ways does Oculus vary from the film adaptation of "1408"?

Both movies have a similar overall framework, but their ends vary. While the movie version of "1408" ends differently than the short story's premise, Flanagan's Oculus centers on the protagonist's battle to overcome the entity's influence. Examining issues of childhood trauma and the long-lasting impacts of loss, Flanagan's Oculus is also more sophisticated and symbolic.

How does Flanagan's "1408" adaption expose his attitude toward horror?

Flanagan's want to turn "1408" into a movie exposes his great respect of Stephen King's work and awareness of the horror genre. He creates a gripping and terrible narrative by deftly fusing psychological terror with supernatural components. His method also highlights investigating the psychological and emotional effects of horror, so giving his work more complexity.