Misery

If ever a movie has made me feel as trapped as its antagonist does, Misery stands right up there. I must admit that I have never read King's novel on which this film was based, but it didn't stop the movie from chilling my bones. It was an effort just to sit through it; it's that intense. James Caan and especially Kathy Bates deliver truly spectacular performances as popular (and, to his grudge, commercialised) writer Paul Sheldon and his psychotic "number one fan" Annie Wilkes. The movie has a justified reputation as a two-actor film, as the twisted relationship the characters share is what makes the movie so memorable.

Bed-ridden after being saved from a car crash in the midst of a blizzard in the Rocky Mountains, Paul Sheldon finds himself at the mercy of Annie Wilkes, a deceptively kind recluse who lives for his novels about female romance hero "Misery". Paul soon finds out that Annie's seemingly positive attitude is completely deceptive, as she is not at all intent on letting her hero escape her grasp, or kill off her favourite character of his. She forces him to revive Misery, and even when having hoped to drop his character, Paul learns that Annie is not so easy to please, or forgiving about it.

Bates deservedly won an Oscar for her portrayal as the unhinged Annie, who appears on the surface to be the epitome of kindness but is really a ticking time bomb that'll go off, messily, at the least effort. James Caan's performance is wonderful as well as the trapped writer trying his utmost to escape. The movie is chock-full of suspense as Sheldon puts his cunning mind to use in how to escape from Annie. However, she proves to be equally cunning. As such, the film has a definite 'cat-mouse' atmosphere to it - and we do fear for Sheldon, as Annie is the sort of character whose boundaries of mercy are vague to say the least. Most of the terror found in the film is psychological, but it does reach out into direct physical pain on occasion - one scene in particular is bound to haunt the viewer for a long time after viewing; it has something to do with diamond mines.

What's probably the most frightening of all is how the character of Annie Wilkes shifts from psychotically raged to sweet and giggling, from her loving mother attitude to the devil in a woman's guise. Make no mistake, Misery is a psychological drama of the best degree. It's excellently written and acted, and it'll keep your heart racing to the finish. An excellent adaptation - even from one who's never read the novel.

This is one of best movies made from a Stephen King book. Katy Bates is great (also is great in Deloris Clabourne)and so is James Caan. Where are all disappointed when a long running series is over, but this is taking it to a whole new level.

Excellent movie and another example that wearing a cross on your neck doesn't make you a good person...you can see that on Law & Order a lot, too many freaks out there whose faith clouded up their minds. I guess like they say - "Everything in moderation"

This movie is so incredible!! A great thriller!! This is definately Kathy Bates' best movie EVER!! James Caan is excellent in it as well. Must have movie!!

I saw this movie on TV one night. It had already started, about halfway in, maybe less. I decided to watch a little bit of it, then go to bed. I ended up watching the entire thing and staying awake thinking about it for an hour! I understood the story line and what was happening real quick and found the film (in every aspect) wonderful. The part that really got me was when Annie noticed paul had been getting out of his room, and to keep him from escaping put a block of wood between his ankles and broke his feet with a sledge hammer! It looked so real, and was somehow even grosser than seeing someone get eaten by zombies or ripped up by a predator or alien or dinosaur of whatever. anyway, check out the other reviews, find out what it's all about and, if you think you can manage, watch the movie!