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One of the most basic problems in translating a book into a movie arises from the opposing philosphies surrounding the introduction of characters. Basically, in a novel, characters may be introduced at the whim of the writer (the God in the Machine) and may be withheld until practically the end of the story. In film, all characters are expected to be introduced near the beginning - it's just basic film philosophy.
And that's the problem with a lot of Stephen King stories. Many of his plotlines are dependent on characters that are introduced late and movies just aren't made that way.
We have a literary book club here on the campus where I teach. When I first joined the faculty, I was enthusiastically invited to join. But then they asked me my favorite author. When I replied, "Stephen King," they kind of sneered and said, "Oh. Him." I never got invited back.
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