Misery (1990)

MISERY is another in a handful of excellent movie adaptations of Stephen King novels. This film's actually preferable to the original book, as good as it is, because Rob Reiner's direction is outstanding and heavily influenced by Hitchcock. Essentially this film is a two-hander between two great performers at the top of their game. Kathy Bates deservedly got an Oscar for her role as the seemingly mild-mannered Annie Wilkes while James Caan is equally good, one of those tough guy actors completely convincing as a vulnerable, crippled figure. This single location thriller is miles and miles ahead of King's second attempt at the genre, GERALD'S GAME, which was also turned into a poor film. It's slowly paced but absolutely riveting, making you really feel for and care about the protagonist as if you're there in the room with him. The changes from the book are for once superior, toning down the needless gore and saving most of the violence for two crucial scenes which have more impact as a result. The comedy relief between the sheriff and his wife turns out to be the icing on an already-fine cake.

It's funny but this SK work reminds me of one of my greatest scary movie when I was a kid: it's a old (1975) french movie titled La Cage featuring Lino Ventura (as athletic as Caan) who is trapped in the basement by his crazy ex wife (is this pain a women trademark?). Anyway this kind of story terrorizes me because it's dear home becoming a cruel enemy and being still is a terrible nightmare! So that's why this work has always resonates with me. If the novel (among the last good ones SK wrote) had boring stuff (this goddess thing), the movie was attacked for the foot affair and the exterior scenes: I don't really mind because it features the excellent and future David Lynch old hero from Straight Story! I hoped that the audio commentary from the screenwriter would be interesting but his memory fails about this long past and he doesn't speaks much. Maybe Bates won the Oscar for it but I prefer her as Dolores Claiborne. I never liked much Caan (except in Rollerball) so maybe he is good here because for one time, he is less bragging… Anyway I found his room and the cottage very cozy in a beautiful setting so the movie is enjoyable if you look to be stressed without bloody gore...

Misery is without a doubt one of the finest movies of the 90's and one of the best movies in the thriller genre. In my opinion Misery is one of the better adaptations of Stephen King's works and truly a movie that cannot be missed!Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is the author of a successful series of romance novels about a character called Misery, who decides to take a more serious approach regarding his future novels. On his way to publish his new manuscript, Paul drives from his hotel in Silver Creek to New York. Due to the extreme weather conditions, he has an accident that leaves him severely injured and hopeless. A local nurse named Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) finds Paul and brings him to her remote home in order to help him recover. Claiming to be his number one fan, Annie discovers that in his last Misery novel her favorite character dies and then her obsession about him takes a dark and twisted turn as a long story of captivity and abuse begins.The direction by Rob Reiner is phenomenal and on a hitchcockian level as the film has a plethora of perfectly crafted suspenseful moments that have the audience on the edge of their seats from the beginning till the amazing climax. The editing of the movie is also flawless, as the shots are specifically designed to induce tension in any moment they can. The cinematographer and Reiner both ace the perilous atmosphere of the picture, using close up shots of the moonfaced Wilkes both in her fits of rage and kindness which magnifies the polar extremes that Wilkes is prone to unexpectedly visit. What is also triumphed is the slow convergence of the audience and Paul Sheldon.The movie received a lot of critical acclaim, especially due to Kathy Bates' chilling and memorable performance as Anny Wilkes that earned her the 1990's leading actress Oscar award, which remains the only Oscar ever given to a Stephen King film adaptation. No matter how great Kathy Bates' Oscar-winning performance is, James Caan's cannot go unnoticed as it definitely qualifies as one of the best performances in his extensive career, despite how demanding and challenging his role as Paul Sheldon was.In conclusion, Misery is a dark and tense masterpiece which succeeds into creating the feeling of captivity and helplessness that the thriller genre was purposefully built for, and that makes it one of the best movies of the 90's and one absolute classic in its genre.

Misery is an exceptional and thrilling film, one that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Author Stephen King said this was probably his favorite adaptation of one of his novels. The beauty of this film is it starts off quite innocuous and gradually builds into a life threatening and uncomfortable situation. A fan rescues a famous author and nourishes him back to health but after being possessive and showing fits of rage we wonder if he was better off dead. Kathy Bates does an exceptional job as playing the fan from hell. James Caan also does a praiseworthy job as the author who is injured and in fear of his life. Bates who plays his number one fan torments her captor who is injured. Her insanity worsens as the film goes on and it gradually builds into an explosive finale. This was a simple yet remarkable film, it revolved mainly around two characters and didn't need any additions or unneeded complexities. It's strength lies in the integrity and performances of the characters in a single setting. This would be a great addition to one's bucket list, I am pleased to have watched it and recommend it. 8.5/10