MORAL OF THE MOVIE

Blind fanaticism and full-blown idolization of celebrities and people in general can be just as bad as being a psychopath. Alright, maybe not quite as bad but you get the point. In short, having these perfect, idealized versions of people in your mind tends to be delusional and out of touch with reality. It’s best to manage expectations and see people for what they are: humans with strengths and flaws. Also, this is a critique of consumerism and doing things to please the consumers’ every need. Instead, you should do what’s best for you and then, hopefully that works for everybody else as well (if not, that’s okay too).

WHO I THINK WOULD MOST ENJOY THIS MOVIE

This is a film cut from the same cloth as Get Out (2016), Hush (2016), The Gift (2015), and any other tension-building thrillers. So if you love the thrill of suspenseful situations with unpredictable antagonists, then you’ll be sure to enjoy Misery.

ADDITIONAL NOTES/COMMENTARY

This is a movie based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. It’s more than likely that you’ve heard of the name Stephen King if you are a fan of the horror/thriller genre. Stephen King has written some of the most renowned novels of the horror genre (It, The Shining, etc.), so whenever you see that there’s a film adaptation of one of his books, then you’ll at least be guaranteed a great premise. Misery is no exception. Stephen King has even gone to say that Misery is one of his favorite film adaptations of his books. King actually strongly disapproves of Kubrick’s world-renowned adaption of The Shining, so it’s a big statement on his part that this one got his seal of approval. Misery went on to mark history as the only film based on one of King’s novels to garner an Academy Award (of Best Actress for Kathy Bates’ incredible performance). Kathy Bates deservedly got the Oscar because, in my opinion, she is the source of what makes this movie so good. Her unpredictability fuels the film’s incredibly effective suspense that makes you truly fear for James Caan’s character. The rest of the performances are great as well but they are most definitely overshadowed by Bates’ performance. If any of the other characters/actors showed her up, then the tension building around her character (and entire film as a result) would simply fall apart, so it makes sense that the movie is the way it is. Now, regarding the film’s plot, I picked up on some more commentary in addition to the Moral of the Movie that I highlighted in the caption. The premise revolves around a famous writer who is “rescued” by his “number one fan” and is then stuck with her in her house while he heals. What happens later on, I’ll leave for you to find out for yourself when you watch the movie, but this premise is a very strong metaphor for consumerist culture. Like the writer’s “number one fan”, mass audiences for any sort of product (films, books, art, etc.) can be bipolar in how they love or hate what you make. You’re almost held hostage by them and if you don’t fully satisfy their expectations, then that can result in incredible amounts of pain (whether it be financial, emotional, or in this case, physical pain). Therein, Director Rob Reiner is showcasing the unpredictable nature of the consumer through the character of Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) and the artist’s desperate need to please the consumer in Paul Sheldon (James Caan). Overall, Misery is a very effective thriller (with some deep commentary on idolization and consumerism) that had me watching some of the scenes through my fingers because of Kathy Bates’ bone-chilling performance as Annie Wilkes.