# Misery

> 1990 film directed by Rob Reiner

**Wikidata**: [Q725552](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q725552)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misery_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/misery

## Summary
Misery is a 1990 psychological thriller film directed by Rob Reiner, based on Stephen King's 1987 novel of the same name. The film stars Kathy Bates, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Annie Wilkes, a deranged fan who holds a novelist captive. Produced by Castle Rock Entertainment and Columbia Pictures, it is celebrated for its tense storytelling and iconic performances.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: November 30, 1990 (U.S.), April 25, 1991 (UK)
- **Director**: Rob Reiner
- **Based on**: Stephen King's 1987 novel *Misery*
- **Production Companies**: Castle Rock Entertainment, Columbia Pictures
- **Cast**: James Caan (Paul Sheldon), Kathy Bates (Annie Wilkes), Frances Sternhagen (Buster)
- **Budget**: $20 million
- **Box Office**: $61.3 million
- **Runtime**: 103 minutes
- **Genres**: Psychological thriller, horror, film adaptation
- **Awards**: Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress (1991)
- **Writers**: Stephen King (novel), William Goldman (screenplay, uncredited)
- **Music**: Marc Shaiman
- **Cinematography**: Chris Menges
- **Studio**: Columbia Pictures
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Language**: English
- **Rating**: R (for violence and language)

## FAQs
**Who directed *Misery*?**  
*Misery* was directed by Rob Reiner, a versatile filmmaker known for iconic films like *The Princess Bride* and *When Harry Met Sally*.  

**What is *Misery* based on?**  
The film is an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1987 novel *Misery*, part of his "Bachman Books" series.  

**Who stars in *Misery*?**  
The film features Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes and James Caan as novelist Paul Sheldon. Bates’ performance earned her an Academy Award.  

**How was *Misery* received?**  
*Misery* was a critical and commercial success, grossing $61.3 million worldwide and receiving praise for its suspenseful direction and Bates’ iconic portrayal of Annie Wilkes.  

**What awards did *Misery* win?**  
Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1991 for her role. The film also received nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay (William Goldman, uncredited) and Best Makeup.  

**What production companies were involved?**  
*Misery* was produced by Castle Rock Entertainment (co-founded by Rob Reiner) and distributed by Columbia Pictures.  

## Why It Matters
*Misery* is a landmark thriller that cemented Kathy Bates’ status as a leading actress and showcased Rob Reiner’s versatility beyond comedy. Its exploration of obsession, captivity, and survival resonated with audiences, and it remains one of the most acclaimed Stephen King adaptations. The film’s influence extends to popular culture, with Annie Wilkes becoming a symbol of unhinged fandom. *Misery* also demonstrated Reiner’s ability to craft tension, diverging from his earlier comedic works and solidifying his reputation as a master of multiple genres.

## Notable For
- Kathy Bates’ Academy Award-winning performance as Annie Wilkes.
- Rob Reiner’s successful venture into the horror/thriller genre after directing comedies and dramas.
- Faithful yet cinematic adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, praised for its suspenseful pacing.
- Iconic scenes, including the "sledgehammer" sequence and Annie’s volatile outbursts.
- Critical and commercial success, grossing over three times its budget.
- Cultural impact as a reference point for portrayals of obsession and captivity in media.

## Body

### Production Background
*Misery* was directed by Rob Reiner and produced by Castle Rock Entertainment, a company he co-founded in 1985. The film was released in the U.S. on November 30, 1990, and in the UK on April 25, 1991, distributed by Columbia Pictures. With a budget of $20 million, it grossed $61.3 million worldwide, affirming its commercial viability.

### Plot Overview
The story follows novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who is rescued from a car crash by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), his "number one fan." Annie’s admiration turns violent when she discovers Paul plans to kill off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. She holds him captive, forcing him to write a new novel featuring Misery’s resurrection, escalating her instability as Paul attempts to escape.

### Cast and Crew
- **Director**: Rob Reiner, known for balancing genres and eliciting strong performances.
- **Lead Actors**: Kathy Bates (Annie Wilkes) and James Caan (Paul Sheldon), with Frances Sternhagen as Buster, the sheriff.
- **Screenplay**: William Goldman (uncredited) adapted Stephen King’s novel, streamlining the narrative for cinematic tension.
- **Cinematography**: Chris Menges’ work emphasized claustrophobia and isolation, heightening the film’s suspense.

### Release and Reception
*Misery* received widespread critical acclaim, with Kathy Bates’ performance hailed as "terrifying" and "riveting." Roger Ebert praised the film’s "brutal, shocking, and very entertaining" storytelling. Audiences responded to its blend of psychological horror and dark humor, contributing to its box office success.

### Awards and Legacy
Kathy Bates’ Oscar win marked a milestone in her career, while the film itself was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Makeup. *Misery* is frequently ranked among the best Stephen King adaptations and 1990s thrillers, with the American Film Institute recognizing it as one of the "10 Most Heart-Pounding Movies."

### Adaptation and Themes
The screenplay stayed largely faithful to King’s novel, though it omitted some subplots. Themes of obsession, addiction, and the commodification of art are central, with Annie symbolizing the dangers of unchecked fandom. The dynamic between Paul and Annie explores power struggles and survival, adding depth to the horror elements.

### Cultural Impact
*Misery* has permeated pop culture, with references in TV shows like *The Simpsons* and *Family Guy*. The character of Annie Wilkes has become synonymous with toxic fandom, and the film’s iconic scenes (e.g., the hobbling) are frequently parodied. Its influence can be seen in later thrillers like *Single White Female* and *Enough Said*.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100157/)
2. [Source](http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/misery-1970-2)
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6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100157/fullcredits)
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8. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1991)
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12. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100157/releaseinfo)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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