Misery (1990)

After a famous author is rescued from a car crash by a fan of his novels, he comes to realize that the care he is receiving is only the beginning of a nightmare of captivity and abuse.

Director:

Rob Reiner

Writers:

Stephen King (novel), William Goldman (screenplay)

Stars:

James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth

Won 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
James Caan	...	Paul Sheldon
Kathy Bates	...	Annie Wilkes
Richard Farnsworth	...	Buster
Frances Sternhagen	...	Virginia
Lauren Bacall	...	Marcia Sindell
Graham Jarvis	...	Libby
Jerry Potter	...	Pete
Thomas Brunelle	...	Anchorman (as Tom Brunelle)
June Christopher	...	Anchorwoman
Julie Payne	...	Reporter #1
Archie Hahn	...	Reporter #2 (as Archie Hahn III)
Gregory Snegoff	...	Reporter #3
Wendy Bowers	...	Waitress
Misery the Pig	...	Herself

Storyline

Best-selling novelist Paul Sheldon is on his way home from his Colorado hideaway after completing his latest book, when he crashes his car in a freak blizzard. Paul is critically injured, but is rescued by former nurse Annie Wilkes, Paul's "number one fan", who takes Paul back to her remote house in the mountains (without bothering to tell anybody). Unfortunately for Paul, Annie is also a headcase. When she discovers that Paul has killed off the heroine in her favorite novels, her reaction leaves Paul shattered (literally)...

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Plot Keywords:

obsessed fan | female psychopath | broken leg | brutality | small town | 

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Taglines:

This Christmas there will be... Misery.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 November 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Miseria

Filming Locations:

Truckee, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,076,834, 2 December 1990, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$61,276,872

Company Credits

Production Co:

Castle Rock Entertainment,Nelson Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dustin Hoffman turned down the role of Paul Sheldon, due to his dislike of violent films.

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Goofs

Even as the car is completing its violent, tumbling crash and coming to a full stop, its body and wheels are completely covered with a thin, uniform, undisturbed layer of snow.

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Quotes

Paul Sheldon: [Paul is trying to use his "key" to unlock the door of his room] Come on, you've written about this. Now, do it.
Paul Sheldon: [the "key" unlocks the door and he opens it] What do you know? It actually works.

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Crazy Credits

Misery the Pig - Herself

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Connections

Featured in Misery Loves Company (2002)

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Soundtracks

I'LL BE SEEING YOU
Performed by Liberace
Courtesy of CBS Records, Music Licensing Department
Written by Irving Kahal and Sammy Fain
Published by Williamson Music Company and Bienstock Publishing Company, on behalf of Redwood Music Limited

User Reviews

Stephen King was the author, Paul Sheldon was the hostage, Anne Wilkes was the psycho

Misery is my favorite Stephen King thriller. Misery displays a writer held hostage by his #1 fan. Misery is a spectacular movie because it keeps you wondering what will happen next. Kathy Bates' performance was the best and I'm glad she won an Oscar. Misery is one of King's real-life situation novels. I think that's what he's nest at, writing about real things. Yet, his horror books are still pretty scary and wild. Reiner impressed me with his direction in this film. Highly recommended, if you have any comments for me, please e-mail me at [e-mail].