Rent Misery (1990)

Bates creates one of cinema's most memorable villains in a chilling & gripping thriller - Misery review by Timmy B

I knew almost nothing about Misery, aside from it's infamy due to the hobbling scene which was occasionally referenced in other media. But it was often mentioned as one of the classic films with an incredible central performance which was Oscar-winning (and deservedly so.) What interested me most was the fact that it has remained so iconic decades later, losing none of the power that turned it's Angel of Death from a beloved literary character to one of cinema's most demonic villains.

Paul Sheldon (Cann) is a successful & famous author who created the romance novels about Misery Chastain, a young Victorian woman & her adventures in love. Although the series has brought him wealth & fame, Sheldon hates that this is what he is known for, instead of serious stories/writing. When we first meet him completing his new novel at his getaway in the mountains, he reveals that he has killed off the Misery character, to free himself creatively. After a catastrophic accident in a snowstorm, he is rescued by Annie Wilkes, a seemingly kindly & highly eccentric nurse, who takes him back to her house to convalesce. Whilst initially in awe of her patient & declaring herself his "number one fan," she reveals herself as a psychopath when she discovers Sheldon has killed off her favourite character. A shocking battle of wills emerges, as Paul fights to escape the clutches of his demonic jailor.

Like with so many of these types of films, as much as everyone (both in front & behind the camera) brings their A-Game, the only thing you will remember is Bates and her portrayal of Wilkes. From the opening shots of her, beaming with joy at the fact her hero is in her house and totally reliant on her to heal, through to her volcanic & shocking tantrums/violence, Bates is magnetic. And this performance is made all the more incredible when you find out this was her 1st film role (she was already an acclaimed stage actress.)

But what is also extremely unusual about the film, considering the time it was made, is how nuanced the creation & portrayal of Wilkes is. It is very clear that she has profound & severe mental illnesses, which the filmmakers summarised were due to an abusive childhood. However, unlike many of the media around mental illness at that time, Wilkes is never ridiculed or mocked. Yes, absolutely she is demonic and scary, but is also a fully 3-dimensional character. And she is shown in her lowest moments as an extremely vulnerable & broken person, as much as there is also significant rage never more than a second away.

The battle of wills between her and Sheldon is totally gripping, alongside the comedic elements of the film. Caan, despite being confined to a bed for 95% of the time, gets some great lines as well as a chance to create a litany of horrified expressions as he reacts to the pressure-cooker atmosphere he has found himself in, being physically and psychologically tortured by a woman who will declare her love for him one second, then maim him the next.

Misery is without a doubt a great adaptation. And this is due to Reiner's great direction, a brilliant script, quality production values and really sucking the audience in to this horrible world that only Stephen King could dream up. But this is and always will be Kathy Bates's film. She took the words on the page and created one of the most iconic & scary characters imaginable. And in a neat bit of symmetry, Bates was presented her Oscar by Daniel Day-Lewis, who did exactly the same thing years later with Bill the Butcher in Gangs of New York...