If someone were to ask me which of Stephen King's books scared me the most, Misery would win hands down. Back in the day, I remember reading the paperback sitting in the car at my daughter's soccer practice. I could only read it during the day, because at night I saw Annie Wilkes standing over my bed with a sledge hammer.
The character of Annie Wilkes that Stephen King painted was horrifying. She had slits for eyes. A huge, round, pasty face. Strong as an ox. Thick. Tall. A monster with wet lips and large man-like hands. This is someone you would not want to meet in a dark alley ... or anywhere else for that matter.
As a writer, I could relate to Paul Sheldon's predicament. Being held captive by a raging psychopath would be my worst nightmare.Not to mention being forced to write a novel. On an antique typewriter. With a defective "e" key. Sheesh!
This story takes the word "deadline" to a whole other level.
ANNIE: And don't even think about anybody coming for you. Not the doctors, not your agent, not your family. 'Cause I never called them. Nobody knows you're here. And you better hope nothing happens to me. Because if I die... you die.
The book is chilling. When a writer exorcises a demon like fear of a crazed fan you get a crazy good book. The same is true for Pet Semetary - aka fear of your child dying. Misery is also a terrific movies. Kathy Bates is spellbinding. James Caan is good if a tiny bit miscast. But both book and movie are corkers!
ReplyDeleteCraig: Kathy Bates was amazing as was James Caan. Kudos to Rob Reiner for creative filmmaking. He definitely worked his magic in that little room. Loved to see Lauren Bacall as the agent. She is stunning!
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