Misery

Already while reading the novel I kept telling myself how cool it would be to have a huge bedroom in my house (aka writing factory) where a dozen of my favorite writers would serve me a fresh work of art every day. Enough dreaming and let’s get on with cruel film reality. First I need to say that even though I spend my time here criticizing, I recommend Misery. Particularly because of dear old Kathy Bates in a role of a good soul capable of seeing the good in others. But avoiding getting to the bottom of things unlike in the book turns out to be a little counterproductive. The result is that it makes Reiner’s movie too slick. The fact that the motion sister of the original lacks the impact of the novel is due to the nonexistence of the parallel story of Misery Chastain’s resurrection novel. I understand that it wouldn’t work in the movie (even though with a good director, who knows?) and it’s only logical that this storyline was the first to go, but without it Misery is but a mere eunuch. Although exceptionally well made, for a King adaptation. (30/03/2008)

I really like the book by King and even though the movie doesn’t stick completely to it, it works much better than I expected. The stifling atmosphere and Annie’s high-strung “fits" sent shivers down the spine. This is mainly thanks to the great James Caan and Kathy Bates (unforgettable oink, oink, oink), who was awarded an Oscar for her role. An excellent thriller that is undoubtedly one of the best adaptations of King’s works. (06/07/2007)

Excellent psychothriller, probably the 4th best in the countless array of film adaptations of Stephen King's literary works (after The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Shining). A relatively underrated film in our conditions, which simply slipped through theaters. Yet, such carefully constructed atmosphere is rarely seen. A career-defining role for Kathy Bates. The sentence, "I'm your biggest fan," has stuck in my memory for a long time... Overall impression: 90%. (07/05/2007)

First of all, Rob Reiner’s direction is brilliant. He skillfully leads the actors and brilliantly depicts a depressive and suggestive atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and apprehension. Moreover, almost all the film takes place in one room, or rather in one house, and it doesn't even detract from its impact. The pace and tension masterfully escalate until the devilish finale. (23/05/2005)

After a fresh experience from Studio DVA, where Zlata Adamovská is irresistible in Misery, I had to check out the film. Kathy Bates, of course, is awesome. I've been hooked on her acting in American Horror Story for years, and Misery was her ticket into that world. Now I just have to compare the fact that in King's dramatization for the theater, there is more room for the absurd world of romantic fiction, while the film is more restrained in this respect. The theater also works better with the time of revelation. However, it's a wonderful topic anyway and I'm looking forward to the book all the more. (18/03/2019)