Some adaptations of Stephen King books into movies work better than others. The Rob Reiner directed treatment of Misery (1990) starring James Caan and Kathy Bates provides valuable entertainment that I recommend to all, whether readers of books like Misery in the King canon or not.
The story of Misery begins with the notion of Paul Sheldon looking to finish what he hopes to be the last novel in a timeline involving fictional character Misery Chastain. Sheldon, as portrayed by James Caan, discloses this to his literary agent Marcia Sindell, indicating that he intends to have Chastain die in the book Sheldon is about to complete. Lauren Bacall portrayed Marcia Sindell.
The routine Sheldon has is to complete his book at the same hotel in the mountains of Colorado, free from distractions, news or any outside distractions. We learn of this routine, including the satisfaction at a job well done. That things seem to take at interesting turn at this point allows the storytelling underpinning the story offered by Stephen King and the movie offered by Rob Reiner to take flight. Graham Jarvis portrayed Libby, the innkeeper at the hotel where Paul Sheldon completed his book.
When an inability to contact Sheldon is noticed by literary agent Marcia Sindell, inquiries are made to the local authorities and hotel where Sheldon completes his work to determine what might have become of Sheldon. The audience has a line on that, yet local sheriff Buster and his wife, Virginia, do not have that insight. The introduction to the relationship of Buster and Virginia, as portrayed by Richard Farnsworth and Frances Sternhagen, add a homey feeling to what is an essentially small town community.
The audience sees another sense of a small town, homey feel with the introduction of Annie Wilkes and her pet, Misery the Pig. Kathy Bates portrayed Annie Wilkes as Misery the Pig portrayed Misery the Pig. The story of Annie Wilkes and Paul Sheldon, and the layers of meaning given to the word misery, really shines in the details.
The movie Misery, starring James Caan and Kathy Bates, is worth your movie watching investment. The characters and acting are spot on with the vision of the story underneath the covers making for an entertaining journey. Do yourself the favor and watch this movie. I give Misery as directed by Rob Reiner 4.25-stars on a scale of 1-to-5.
Matt – Saturday, March 20, 2021
Matt Lynn Digital 
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