Misery (1990) is a psychological thriller directed by Rob Reiner and based on Stephen King’s 1987 novel of the same name. The film stars James Caan as Paul Sheldon, a famous novelist, and Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes, his obsessed fan.
The story begins when Paul Sheldon, after finishing a manuscript for his popular romance novel series, has a car accident in a remote area. He is rescued by Annie Wilkes, who turns out to be a huge fan of his work. She takes him to her isolated home to recover. However, Paul soon discovers that Annie is not only an obsessive fan but also dangerously unhinged. When she learns that Paul intends to kill off her favorite character in his next book, she becomes enraged and holds him captive, forcing him to write a new novel that brings the character back to life.
Kathy Bates’ performance as Annie Wilkes was highly acclaimed and won her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film itself was praised for its intense suspense, strong performances, and psychological depth. James Caan’s portrayal of Paul Sheldon was also well-received, contributing to the film’s overall tension and drama.
Misery is often regarded as one of the best adaptations of Stephen King’s work, noted for its gripping narrative and the chilling portrayal of obsession and captivity. The film’s screenplay was adapted by William Goldman, who won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay Based on Other Material for his work on the film.