Misery

A famous novelist is “rescued” from a car crash by an obsessed fan.

• Director: Rob Reiner
• Genre:Drama / Horror / Thriller
• Runtime:103 minutes

Cast

James Caan : Paul Sheldon
Kathy Bates : Annie Wilkes
Richard Farnsworth : Buster
Frances Sternhagen : Virginia
Lauren Bacall : Marcia Sindell

Famed novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is the author of romance novels involving the character Misery Chastaine. After finishing his latest novel, he departs from Silver Creek, Colorado to New York; he drives in the middle of a blizzard and his car goes off the road. He is rescued by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) and brought to her home.

Annie claims she is his number one fan, and goes on and on about how she cherishes Paul and his novels. Annie initially seems to be a kind nurse with a happy-go-lucky attitude, but it becomes clear that she is psychotic. He lets her read his novel and she says she disagrees with profanity; while she is feeding him, she loses control, spilling some soup on him, but regains control and apologizes calmly.

Annie then gets a copy of Paul’s latest book, Misery’s Child, the last Misery novel, as Paul has decided to write other stories, including the one he has already finished. After he has “killed” Misery in this story, Annie goes into a rage, almost killing Paul. She claims that she never contacted the hospital, or anyone Paul knows. Annie leaves and Paul decides to escape his room, but she has locked the door. The next morning, Annie makes Paul burn his latest novel. He initially refuses, but then Annie starts pouring gas onto the bedspread, making it clear that she will set the bed on fire if he doesn’t comply.

Paul stashes some Novril pills, planning to drug Annie at some point. She makes him write a Misery novel entitled Misery’s Return in which he brings the character back to life. As Annie is setting up a typewriter, Paul spots a hairpin on the floor, planning to use it to unlock his door. He sends Annie into town to get him typewriter paper. While she is away, Paul unlocks his door, but learns both doors out of the house are locked tight. He tries calling the police but discovers Annie’s telephone is fake. Read more

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