Yesterday I was watching a very old show by today's standards: 3rd Rock from the Sun. There was one episode featuring Kathy Bates as the cheery yet sinister looking housewife who turns out to be a psychopath. And I was instantly reminded of Misery.
It's been at least 7 years since I last saw it and yet even after all these years it's still one of the best thrillers ever made.
The set is almost stage like, with only two characters for the most part and one location. The story of a popular writer (played by James Caan) who is "rescued" from a car crash by a deranged fan could have easily flopped. But Kathy Bates' performance as Annie is mesmerizing. Chilling and horrifying.
The atmosphere these two actors have created is astounding. As a viewer one can so easily associate with Paul and the desperate situation he's facing. And Annie, with her conservative demeanor and God fearing attitude, then suddenly snapping into a maniacal rage...brilliant.
A number of films have been made since misery trying to cash in on the winning combination of secluded surroundings, deranged maniacal killers and victims helplessly trapped. All duds in my opinion. Even after 20 years Misery remains one of the best films in the thriller genre.
Good choice! I read the book and that is even better than the film!
ReplyDeleteDeb x
Deb: Big fan of Stephen King. His books are really something else :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't watch horror, too upsetting. I recently read Stephen King's The Shining and it was WAY creepier than the movie.
ReplyDeleteSusan: Horror movies I can deal with, it's the apocalypse scenarios that rattle me.
ReplyDeleteTwice I have missed this film...3rd time lucky.
ReplyDeleteLast night watched the "Hurt Locker" about a team of bomb disposable unit,great acting,mouth in heart film.
Still thinking about it today.Ida
ida: I checked out the film you mentioned. It sounds really intense. And definitely not light. I'm considering renting it. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend :-)