Misery

There are quite a few good Stephen King adaptations, but this one is one of the best. The atmosphere is thick throughout, with a tension that escalates incredibly by the end, and with Kathy Bates creating one of the most terrifying psychopaths in cinema history. 90% (25.08.2007)

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)

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)

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)

Nach einer neuen Erfahrung im Studio DVA, wo Zlata Adamovská in Misery unwiderstehlich ist, musste ich zu dem Film greifen. Und Kathy Bates ist natürlich großartig. Ich bin seit Jahren süchtig nach ihrer Rolle in American Horror Story, und Misery war ihre Eintrittskarte in diese Welt. Jetzt muss ich nur noch vergleichen, dass in Kings Dramatisierung für das Theater mehr Raum für die absurde Welt der romantischen Fiktion bleibt, während der Film in dieser Hinsicht zurückhaltender ist. Das Theater arbeitet auch besser mit der Zeit der Enthüllung. Aber es ist trotzdem ein wunderbares Thema, und ich freue mich umso mehr auf das Buch. (18.03.2019)

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)

A great book turned into an excellent script. I enjoyed the film all the way through. Both the atmosphere and tension escalate really well. It is basically a two-hander between Kathy Bates and James Caan, who were both chosen perfectly. I consider the scene with the hammer and the cracked ankles to be one of the scariest things ever. I usually have a lot of reservations about a film if I have read the book before watching it, but not in this case. I couldn’t be happier. (06.08.2016)

One of the best adapted works based on Stephen King. Some passages are "softer" compared to the book, which I appreciated, oddly enough, because when I read it some 10 years ago, it made my gorge rise quite a bit at times. Kathy Bates as the most ardent fan of a successful writer is absolutely second to none, and James Caan is absolutely divine with his rational approach full of desperation. Scary, shocking, intense, and suspenseful all the way to the rooftop (or should I say basement...). [85%] (21.08.2022)