Review of Misery (1990) by Kaitlyn J — 12 Aug 2015

Rob Reiner's singularly engaging psychological horror film which based upon Stephen King best selling novel. It concerns a successful romance novelist named Paul Sheldon, marvelously played by James Caan, in one of his finest performances.

One winter day on his way home from his writing retreat where he has just completed his latest novel, a blizzard suddenly appears sending his car spinning out of control and off the road crashing down a hill.

Severely injured he is rescued by Annie Wilkes, played remarkably by Kathy Bates, in an electrifying breakout performance that earned her the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, as his "number one fan" who turns out to be a murderous psychotic ex-nurse.

She fixes his severely broken legs and holds him incommunicado, she is hell-bent on keeping her favorite writer as her personal prisoner for as long as he lives. Masterful direction by Reiner, with brilliant supporting performances from a fine cast that includes the late Robert Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen and the late great Lauren Becall.

But it's Kathy Bates' unforgettable, show-stopping performance that steals the entire motion picture hands down. Striking cinematography by Barry Sonnenfled, William Goldman screenplay is absolutely brilliant.

An impressive horror film of unusual intelligence and wit that is immensely entertaining. Highly Recommended.