Rating of
4/4
Kathy Bates... And sleep I will no more.
memento_mori - wrote on 08/15/13
I can't believe I've never talked about Misery.
Misery is a movie that fascinated me from a young age, when I was twelve, specifically.
I instantaneously fell in love with it. The claustrophobic atmosphere, the desolate characters, the slow and haunting script, and who isn't fascinated by Annie Wilkes? 'He didn't get out of the cock-a-doody car!'
I read the book right after I watched the movie, and while I prefer the book to the film, I love the atmospheric nature of Rob Reiner's version.
James Caan is not groundbreaking as writer Paul Sheldon, but he makes do with what he's got. Plus, everyone looks like Keanu Reeves standing next to Kathy Bates.
Kathy Bates deservedly won the Oscar for Annie Wilkes, because she is the only real character from the book where I could say: Yes, they nailed that character. THAT is Annie Wilkes.
Of course, she is frightening whenever she has her random outbursts and fits of rage when reminded of something. It's just so creepy to watch her smile fade away and anticipate the next outburst.
I actually think she's more creepy when she isn't being mean. She's a very friendly woman on the outside. It just proves to show how looks can deceive so easily.
The way Rob Reiner directed it, made me feel a little underwhelmed. He couldn't keep the extreme moments of tension going, like Stephen King could. He just showed us the scares instead of preparing them.
I guess my opinion is altered, because I read the book. Nevertheless, Misery is entertaining as hell for anyone who is willing to watch something disturbing.
