Misery (1990)

Misery (1990), directed by Rob Reiner and based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, is one of the most gripping psychological thrillers ever made. With powerhouse performances from James Caan and Kathy Bates, the film explores obsession, isolation, and the terrifying relationship between a writer and his “number one fan.”

Detailed Summary

Paul Sheldon’s Routine

Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is a successful novelist, famous for his romantic series featuring a heroine named Misery Chastain. Wanting to move on from this franchise, he finishes a new manuscript in his secluded Colorado lodge. After typing “The End,” Paul celebrates with champagne, but while driving away during a snowstorm, he crashes his car.

Annie Wilkes to the Rescue

Paul is rescued by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), a seemingly kind woman who claims to be his “number one fan.” She takes him to her remote home to recover from his severe injuries, including broken legs. At first, Annie appears nurturing and devoted.

From Caretaker to Captor

Annie’s kindness quickly reveals darker undertones. When she discovers that Paul has killed off Misery in his latest manuscript, she becomes enraged. Annie forces Paul to burn his new book and demands that he write a new novel resurrecting Misery. Paul realizes he is effectively her prisoner.

Escalating Abuse

As Paul resists, Annie’s behavior grows more violent. In one of the film’s most infamous moments, Annie “hobbles” Paul by smashing his ankles with a sledgehammer to ensure he cannot escape. This horrifying act cements her control over him and remains one of the most iconic scenes in horror-thriller cinema.

Sheriff Buster’s Investigation

Meanwhile, Sheriff Buster (Richard Farnsworth) investigates Paul’s disappearance. His search leads him to Annie’s home, but when he discovers Paul, Annie kills him with a shotgun. This crushing moment leaves Paul truly alone in his fight for survival.

Paul’s Counterattack

Using his wits, Paul plays along, writing a new Misery novel under Annie’s constant watch. Secretly, he stockpiles painkillers and prepares for a desperate escape plan.

Movie Ending

The climax unfolds when Paul completes the new manuscript, “Misery’s Return.” Annie is ecstatic, but Paul tricks her into allowing a celebratory ritual: he sets the manuscript on fire right in front of her. Furious, Annie attacks him, and they engage in a brutal struggle.

The fight is violent, with Paul using his typewriter and even the burning manuscript as weapons. Finally, Paul kills Annie by bashing her head with the typewriter and ensuring she cannot rise again.

The film then cuts to months later, showing Paul in a New York City restaurant. He is still physically scarred and psychologically haunted by his ordeal. A waitress approaches, saying she’s his “number one fan.” Though she’s harmless, Paul sees a hallucination of Annie for a brief moment, showing that he may never truly escape her shadow.

This ending underlines the long-term trauma of his captivity and highlights King’s recurring theme: evil doesn’t just vanish, it lingers.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Misery does not have any post-credits scenes. The story concludes definitively with Paul’s haunting vision, reinforcing closure while leaving a chilling aftertaste.

Type of Movie

Misery is a psychological thriller with strong elements of horror and suspense. Unlike supernatural horror, its terror lies in human obsession and cruelty, which makes it all the more unsettling.

Cast

• James Caan as Paul Sheldon
• Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes
• Richard Farnsworth as Sheriff Buster
• Frances Sternhagen as Virginia Buster
• Lauren Bacall as Marcia Sindell

Film Music and Composer

The haunting score was composed by Marc Shaiman. His music enhances the tension and psychological dread, building suspense without relying on loud jump-scares.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed in Genoa, Nevada and California. The snowy exteriors were crucial for creating the sense of isolation, while Annie’s farmhouse became one of cinema’s most claustrophobic settings.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Award: Kathy Bates won Best Actress (1991).
• Golden Globe: Kathy Bates won Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
• Nominations: BAFTA and other critics’ associations recognized her performance.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Kathy Bates’ performance terrified audiences, but she also terrified James Caan during filming with her intensity.
• The infamous “hobbling scene” was toned down from the book, where Annie amputates Paul’s foot with an axe. Reiner believed it would be too gruesome for film.
• Caan later admitted the role was physically exhausting because he had to act while immobilized for most of the shoot.
• Stephen King has said Annie Wilkes is one of his favorite creations, inspired partly by his own fears of fan obsession.

Inspirations and References

The movie is based on Stephen King’s 1987 novel Misery. King was inspired by his struggles with fame and fear of being typecast as just a horror writer. Annie Wilkes symbolized his fear of being trapped by fans’ expectations.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While no radically different endings were filmed, some drafts considered keeping Annie alive longer to tease a possible sequel. Ultimately, Reiner chose a definitive ending to give closure.

Book Adaptations and Differences

• Book: Annie amputates Paul’s foot and thumb.
• Movie: Annie “hobbles” Paul with a sledgehammer.
• Book: The violence is far more graphic, showing Paul’s prolonged suffering.
• Movie: Streamlined for pacing and to avoid an NC-17 rating.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Paul’s car crash in the snowstorm.
• Annie’s cheerful revelation: “I’m your number one fan.”
• The hobbling scene.
• Sheriff Buster’s shocking death.
• The final manuscript burning and fight.

Iconic Quotes

• Annie Wilkes: “I’m your number one fan.”
• Annie Wilkes: “He didn’t get out of the cockadoodie car!”
• Paul Sheldon: “God, I love you.” (said before setting the manuscript on fire)

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Annie’s scrapbook reveals her past crimes and hints at her history as a nurse and serial killer.
• The name “Misery” doubles as a metaphor for both Paul’s character and his real suffering.
• The typewriter’s missing “N” key is a direct callback to King’s personal writing habits.

Trivia

• Bette Midler turned down the role of Annie Wilkes, later regretting it.
• James Caan was not the first choice; Jack Nicholson declined, fearing it was too similar to The Shining.
• Kathy Bates’ win was historic: she was one of the first women in a horror film to win an Oscar.

Why Watch?

If you want a masterclass in psychological tension, Misery is essential viewing. It’s not about monsters or ghosts—it’s about obsession, control, and survival against someone terrifyingly human. Kathy Bates delivers one of cinema’s greatest villain performances.

Director’s Other Movies (Rob Reiner)

• Stand by Me (1986)
• The Princess Bride (1987)
• When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
• A Few Good Men (1992)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Shining (1980)
• Dolores Claiborne (1995)
• Gerald’s Game (2017)
• Cape Fear (1991)
• Se7en (1995)