Unlocking the Mysteries of The Dark Tower: Mid-World, Keystone Earth, and the Crimson King
The 2017 film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower may have left audiences with unanswered questions, but a deeper dive into the world of Mid-World and Keystone Earth can help clarify some of the complexities. Mid-World is the world of Roland of Gilead, a gunslinger who is searching for the Dark Tower, a mysterious edifice that holds together the multiverse. Keystone Earth, on the other hand, is the "real" world, our world, which is seen as a source of life and energy.
The movie’s protagonist, Jake Chambers, is a special child with psychic abilities known as "the Shine" in the film, but it’s actually referred to as "the Touch" in the books. Jake’s abilities are a crucial part of the story, as he has the power to see visions of the future and past and can telepathically communicate with others.
The main antagonist, Walter Padick, also known as the Man in Black, is an agent of chaos who seeks to destroy the Dark Tower and unleash the darkness beyond its protection. However, it’s revealed that he is ultimately serving a higher master, the Crimson King, an evil cosmic entity who has existed since before time.
The Crimson King is the embodiment of evil and chaos in King’s multiverse, and his goal is to destroy the Tower and return the multiverse to its primordial state. He is opposed by Gan, the equivalent of God or the Creator in King’s universe, who represents creation and light.
The movie also introduces a visual effect that is not present in the books: Roland’s eyes glowing an electric blue before he shoots. This is a made-up effect that serves to highlight Roland’s superhuman physical feats and his uncanny sharpshooter abilities as a gunslinger.
Ultimately, the movie is more of a superhero story than a sprawling, dark fantasy-sci-fi Western, with Roland’s powers and abilities taking center stage. While it may have been a flawed adaptation, it’s a testament to the complexity and depth of King’s original work, which continues to captivate audiences to this day.
