Paul Sheldon used to write for a living. Now, he’s writing to stay alive.|Nov. 30, 1990|United States|107 Min.|R
Genre: Crime;Drama;Thriller
Description: Misery (1990) is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the harrowing ordeal of Paul Sheldon, a celebrated author known for his series of Victorian romance novels featuring the character Misery Chastain. Eager to break away from the series and explore more serious themes, Paul writes a new manuscript to redefine his career. While driving from Silver Creek, Colorado, to his home in New York City, he is caught in a severe blizzard, leading to a car accident that leaves him unconscious.
Paul is rescued by Annie Wilkes, a nurse who identifies herself as his biggest fan. She takes him to her secluded home, where he regains consciousness only to find himself immobilized with broken legs and a dislocated shoulder. Initially grateful, Paul allows Annie to read his latest manuscript. However, her reaction turns hostile when she discovers the profanity in his new work. Her rage escalates further upon reading the final installment of the Misery series, where the beloved character dies.
Annie reveals that no one knows Paul’s whereabouts and locks him in his room, demanding he burn his new manuscript. As he recovers, she forces him to write a new novel titled *Misery’s Return*, in which he must revive the character. Fearing for his life, Paul complies while secretly attempting to escape. He tries poisoning Annie with crushed painkillers, but his plan fails when she accidentally spills her wine.
Paul uncovers Annie’s dark past through a scrapbook of newspaper clippings, learning she was once tried for the deaths of several infants but was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. When Annie discovers Paul’s attempt to escape, she brutally breaks his ankles with a sledgehammer to prevent further attempts.
Meanwhile, the local sheriff, Buster, investigates Paul’s disappearance. A lead emerges when a shopkeeper reports selling Annie large quantities of typing paper. Buster visits Annie’s home and finds Paul in the basement, but before he can act, Annie fatally shoots him. She declares that she and Paul must die together, but he convinces her to let him finish the novel, claiming it is his duty to “give Misery back to the world.” Paul hides a can of lighter fluid in his pocket, preparing for one final act of defiance.
Cast director: Rob Reiner
Cast actor: James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen, Lauren Bacall, Graham Jarvis, Rob Reiner, J.T. Walsh, Jerry Potter, Archie Hahn
Original name: Misery