Review of Misery (1990) by Deb S — 20 Apr 2010
Paul Sheldon: Annie, what's the matter?
Annie Wilkes: What's the matter? WHAT'S THE MATTER? I will tell you "What's the matter!" I go out of my way for you! I do everything to try and make you happy. I feed you, I clean you, I dress you, and what thanks do I get? "Oh, you bought the wrong paper, Anne, I can't write on this paper, Anne!" Well, I'll get your stupid paper but you just better start showing me a little appreciation around here, Mr. MAN!
Misery is a classic portrayal of top notch tension, that genuinely grabs you by the jugular and don't let go. A famous author Paul Sheldon (James Caan) crashes his car (breaking his legs in the process) near the home of his "number one fan." Rescued by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), who won an Academy award for this part, she tends to him while the snowdrifts cut them off from civilization. All goes well until the demented Annie realizes her favorite author has decided to kill off his long-standing character, Misery. She pretty much freaks out then decides to keep him hostage until he re-writes his latest book, bringing Misery back to life. Kathy Bates is absolutely chilling as the psychotic antagonist and James Caan's portrayal really makes you empathize with his fearful and helpless character. The only person keeping him alive, is a sick, twisted, f***, to use Paul's words. Annie Wilkes reminds me of a kid that likes to tear the wings off butterflies. By always telling Paul she loves him, and it's for his own good. The scenes where she dishes out punishment to Paul are some of the most tense scenes I've seen.
Annie Wilkes: [Right after smashing Paul's ankles with a sledgehammer] God I love you!
This review of Misery (1990) was written by Deb S on 20 Apr 2010.
Misery has generally received very positive reviews.
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