When we think of Stephen King adaptations, and there are a lot of them, a great many winners and duds come to mind. Misery, I would imagine, was kind of a surprise hit seeing as how nearly the entire film takes place in one house.

I actually read this book a bit before the film was made. I blame this on the fact that my parents would take us (force us) to spend a few days a week in the library (thanks for that mom and dad, even though I didn't appreciate it at the time.) Misery was a gripping novel, and a terrifying movie.

The story is about a famous romance author named Paul Sheldon (James Caan) who after a car accident ends up in the care of Annie Wilks (Kathy Bates) who happens to be a local nurse. One other side-effect of her finding him is that she also happens to be a massive fan of his series of books, but she doesn't realize that he actually intends to transition to more serious writing and has the manuscript of his latest book in the car with him.

Upon reading the draft, Annie becomes enraged that Paul Sheldon is killing off her favorite character named Misery Chastain in the book that is yet to be published. She tells Paul that no one knows where he is, forces him to burn the manuscript, and get working on another one where her favorite character doesn't die.

Like most of my write-ups, I am not doing a great job of making this movie sound captivating. Well, it is and you should definitely see it. It is very highly regarded in the horror genre and despite the fact that Stephen King is responsible for both The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, this is the only Academy Award that has ever been given to any King film. Kathy Bates received the Best Actress award in 1990 for her chilling portrayal of Annie Wilkes.

I am not going to spoil anything, but for those of you out there that have already seen the film, the "Hobbling" scene is currently ranked as the 12th most terrifying moment in horror films, ever.

Overall I would say that this movie does take a bit of patience, because it takes about 30 minutes for any action to take place in the movie. However, like most things in life that are nice, it is worth waiting for. They somehow managed to spend $20 million making this, presumably on salaries for the most part. They ended up tripling their money at the box office.

7 / 10

Name: Misery (film): The only Oscar-winning King film
Item: Misery
Rating: 70
Author: @gooddream

Comments · 8

@martinmcfly(60)· 2857d

Definitely a classic, and the best King movie for me. Annie must be one of the best villains in movie history. It is one of my favorite movies in this genre, and it is one of the best adaptations that have been made. I also read the book, but in my case, it was after watching the movie.

@praditya(67)· 2859d

If you tell that the movie has won Oscars, then obviously the expectations(for who haven't watched) becomes high! but if you are giving a rating of 7 that would be an average movie for sure. I liked the thorough review. keep up with good content.

@nuthman(74)· 2859d

"Oh, you bought the wrong paper, Annie, I can't write on this paper, Annie!" Well, I'll get your stupid paper but you just better start showing me a little appreciation around here, Mr. MAN!

I don't know why King movies are always so terrible when the stories are so great; but Misery was definitely the exception! That gave me some serious nightmares.

@earthfacts(25)· 2859d

Is this movie dubbed in hindi or subtittle then i watch,i am from india.

@sunsethunter(73)· 2859d

Great review dude, I’m a huge Stephen king fan - personally I preferred the book to the film but I will always watch a King film. The recent one of Gerald’s game was real good. Christine probably my favourite, along with Carrie. Again, I though the book IT was better than the film, did you?

I’m hoping a remake of pet cemetery or Salem’s lot comes out in near future 😀

I may add Annie wilks character does get crazy and what a performance

@angelica7(76)· 2859d

This film I remember that when I saw it, at first I could not understand it, but then the tension was rising, I liked its suspense and not knowing what would happen, also made me feel stomach pain, because the main actress is excellent and could transmit anguish, I felt anguish and discomfort at the same time, it was very intense. For those who like mystery movies, this one is very good. Thank you for reminding me @gooddream I leave you my greetings and good wishes. Happy start to the week. Good vibe.

@criptoreview(56)· 2859d

Annie Wilkes is one of those characters that you really hate, believe me when I saw the movie I was waiting for the moment that Paul gave to her what she really deserved. hehehe

@viraldrome(67)· 2859d

Ms Bates really steals the show in this, shes awesome.

I totally would have thought shawshank redemption would have won oscar but nope you are right.