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.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.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.
- Won 1 Oscar
- 6 wins & 10 nominations total
- Anchorman
- (as Tom Brunelle)
- Reporter #2
- (as Archie Hahn III)
- Restaurant Patron
- (uncredited)
- Helicopter Pilot
- (uncredited)
- State Trooper Sherman Douglas
- (uncredited)
- News Photographer
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaStephen King was quite impressed with Kathy Bates' performance in this film, so much so that he later wrote two more roles for her. The title role in his novel "Dolores Claiborne" was written with Bates in mind, and Bates later starred in the film adaption of Dolores Claiborne (1995). King also wrote the script for the TV mini-series The Stand (1994). His original novel featured a (male) character named Ray Flowers; upon hearing that Bates wanted to be involved in the miniseries, King re-wrote the part as a woman (Rae Flowers) just so Bates could play the part (uncredited).
- GoofsWhen Paul takes the knife out of his arm sling there is the sound of the knife brushing against metal.
- Quotes
Annie Wilkes: I know I left my scrapbook out. I can imagine what you might be thinking of me. But you see, Paul, it's all okay. Last night it came so clear. I realized you just need more time. Eventually, you'll come to accept the idea of being here. Paul, do you know about the early days at the Kimberly diamond mines? Do you know what they did to the Native workers who stole diamonds? Don't worry, they didn't kill them. That would be like junking your Mercedes just because it had a broken spring. No, if they caught them, they had to make sure they could go on working, but they also had to make sure they could never run away. The operation was called hobbling.
[Annie places a piece of wood between Paul's ankles]
Paul Sheldon: Annie, whatever you're thinking about doing, please don't do it.
[Annie picks up a sledgehammer]
Paul Sheldon: Annie, for God's...
Annie Wilkes: Shh darling, trust me.
Paul Sheldon: God's sake...
Annie Wilkes: It's for the best.
Paul Sheldon: Annie, please!
[Annie swings the sledgehammer at Paul's left ankle, breaking it; Paul screams in agonizing pain]
Annie Wilkes: Almost done. Just one more.
[Annie swings the sledgehammer at Paul's right ankle, breaking it; Paul again screams]
Annie Wilkes: God, I love you.
- Crazy creditsMisery the Pig - Herself
- Alternate versionsThe France / United Kingdom Region 2 DVD and Region 4 Australia / New Zealand DVD is is missing the line "You crazy bitch!"
- SoundtracksShotgun
Performed by Jr. Walker and the All Stars (as Junior Walker & The Allstars)
Courtesy of Motown Record Company, L.P.
Written by Junior Walker (as Autry DeWalt)
Published by Stone Agate Music
A division of Jobete Music Co., Inc.
Writer Paul Sheldon (James Caan) gets in a car accident. He is helped by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) who claims she is his number one fan. In his latest novel Sheldon has killed the favorite character of Annie making her a little mad. She keeps Sheldon in her home; he has to bring the character back to life in his next novel.
Bates, who won an Oscar, is terrific as Annie, one of her finest performances. James Caan who is in bed or a wheelchair most of the film is very convincing. The room he is living in is one of those spaces in the movies you will not forget very soon. Directed by Rob Reiner this is a great film, although it could be a bit slow for some from time to time.
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $20,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $61,276,872
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $10,076,834
- Dec 2, 1990
- Gross worldwide
- $61,277,597
- Runtime1 hour 47 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1