Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Lawrence Kasdan, a well-known film producer and screenwriter, who is discussing the work of Stephen King. The quote touches upon an interesting aspect of storytelling in movies and how it relates to the portrayal of mundane activities such as going to the bathroom. Lawrence Kasdan highlights the fact that in movies, characters rarely engage in activities such as using the bathroom, shaving, or brushing their teeth, despite these being common activities in real life. This observation leads into a discussion about how Stephen King, a prolific author known for his works in the horror genre, exploits this taboo in his storytelling.

Kasdan's reference to Stephen King's approach to the bathroom in movies seems to suggest that King takes these ordinary, everyday activities and turns them into something far more sinister and terrifying, effectively tapping into a universal fear or discomfort that many people have about such private and intimate spaces. By doing so, King is able to play on the audience's imagination and primal fears, turning something as mundane as a trip to the bathroom into a nightmarish scenario.

This quote sheds light on the power of storytelling and the way in which skilled writers and filmmakers can take seemingly mundane or overlooked aspects of life and transform them into powerful, evocative elements of a narrative. It also speaks to the idea that effective storytelling often involves tapping into universal human experiences and emotions, even those that may be deemed uncomfortable or taboo.

In the context of filmmaking, the absence of depictions of bathroom activities in movies can be seen as a reflection of societal norms and expectations. Traditionally, movies have shied away from portraying such private and personal moments, perhaps in part due to a sense of modesty or a desire to maintain a certain level of decorum on screen. However, as Kasdan's quote suggests, this avoidance can also create a sort of unspoken taboo around these activities, making them ripe for exploration in genres such as horror, where the subversion of the everyday can be used to great effect.

Stephen King's work often delves into the darker aspects of human experience, and his willingness to confront and subvert societal taboos is a hallmark of his storytelling. By taking something as commonplace as going to the bathroom and infusing it with horror and dread, King challenges the audience to confront their own fears and discomforts, using these everyday activities as a vehicle for exploring deeper psychological and emotional terrain.

In summary, Lawrence Kasdan's quote provides an insightful commentary on the intersection of storytelling, societal norms, and the portrayal of mundane activities in movies. It highlights the ways in which skilled creators like Stephen King can take seemingly ordinary aspects of life and turn them into powerful, evocative elements of storytelling, challenging audiences to confront their fears and discomforts in the process.