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.
The film moves with a brisk, taut pace thanks to director Rob Reiner, who helmed another excellent Stephen King film, Stand By Me. Tension is kept mostly throughout (there are some predictable moments...but who cares?) And the performances are also a major plus. James Caan is very easy to empathize with, and he manages to keep his cynical sense of humor. Richard Farnsworth, as a grizzled sheriff was a nice addition to the film since his character didn't exist in the book. He also has a nice sense of humor, and he's the kind of guy who you want to root for. But the most amazing performance is from Kathy Bates, who treads a fine line alternating between sweet and lovable to amazingly evil. She won an Oscar for this movie, and whole-heartedly deserved it.
Side note: This is one of the few films which took an Oscar, that you can actually say the Academy had the guts to give out. Can anyone name another horror film which won such a notable prize?
ANyway...by the end, the novelist and the viewer or put through some torturous activity. We sometimes feel his pain, and it is so much fun to hate this woman................the book is excellent.....the movie is just as good in about 1/6th of the time it would take to read. Either way, enjoy!
- goodfellamf
- Jul 4, 2002
- Permalink
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