Misery (Exclusive Series) (Special James Caan Slate)(Showtime add-on/Hulu/Amazon Prime)

Initial release date: November 30, 1990

Studios: Columbia Pictures/Castle Rock Entertainment

Tagline: Paul Sheldon used to write for a living. Now, he's writing to stay alive.

Plot: After a serious car crash, novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued by former nurse Annie Wilkes, who claims to be his biggest fan. Annie brings him to her remote cabin to recover, where her obsession takes a dark turn when she discovers Sheldon is killing off her favorite character from his novels. As Sheldon devises plans for escape, Annie grows increasingly controlling, even violent, as she forces the author to shape his writing to suit her twisted fantasies.

Cast

James Caan - Paul Sheldon

Kathy Bates - Annie Wilkes

Richard Farnsworth - Buster

Frances Sternhagen - Virginia

Lauren Becall - Marcia Sindell

Graham Jarvis - Libby

Jerry Potter - Pete

Writer: William Goldman (Dreamcatcher; The General's Daughter)

Director: Rob Reiner (Being Charlie)

Rated R (107 min)

It has been a good while since I watched the film adaptation of 'Misery,' which is probably one of the best adaptations of his works out there. And, since this is one of Caan's most acclaimed films (well, aside from 'The Godfather' that I already checked out for the Examiner during the Spring Film Festival), I decided to take another look at 'Misery.'

I honestly forgot how good this 1990 film is. James Caan gave a great performance and Kathy Bates let her unhinged side out as Sheldon's number one fan, Annie Wilkes. It's crazy, yet amazing (acting wise) how Bates (aka Annie Wilkes) can go from unhinged and nuts to just being so calm. But, Kathy Bates was at the start of her career so she probably needed to show the industry that she's got what it takes.

'Misery' also features some truly memorable moments. I mean, for those who have seen the film, who can forgot the "hobbling" scene." I knew it was coming and I still wince when it happens. The film is also very suspenseful at some moments and the entire film can really grip you.

Here are some interesting tidbits for 'Misery':

• James Caan showed up to the set hungover, and all of the scenes he shot that day were unusable. Reiner told Caan he had to do the scenes again because there was "a problem at the lab." When Caan learned it had nothing to do with the labs, he offered to cover the money he lost the studio.

• Jack Nicholson was offered the role of Sheldon, but passed because he wasn't sure he wanted to do another movie based on one of Stephen King's novels, after what he had experienced with Kubrick on 'The Shining.'

• Annie Wilkes' is Kings' favorite written character, because she was always surprising to write, with unexpected depth and sympathy.

• King was initially reluctant to sell the film rights to 'Misery,' because he was skeptical that a Hollywood studio would make a movie faithful to his vision. However, King was impressed with one adaptation of his works, 'Stand By Me,' and agreed to sell 'Misery' under the proviso that Reiner would either produce or direct the film.

• Caan and Bates clashed over their acting methods. Caan believed in as little rehearsal as possible. Bates, with her theater background, was used to practicing a lot. When she commented to Reiner that Caan wasn't attempting to relate or listen to her, Reiner told her to use that frustration toward her character.

• Jessica Lange and Barbra Streisand were up for the role of Annie Wilkes.

• Season 2 of 'Castle Rock' on Hulu serves as a prequel to 'Misery' and Annie Wilkes' story.

• After refusing to speak about his motivations for writing 'Misery,' for two decades, King finally came out and stated that it's indeed about his battle with substance abuse. Bates' character is a representation of his dependency on drugs, and what it did to his body, making him feel alone and separated from everything, while hobbling any attempts he made at escape. In his statement, he said he didn't come out with it at the time, because he wasn't ready, and because he was afraid it would detract from the story.

• 'Misery' grossed $10 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office behind 'Home Alone.' It eventually finished with $61 million domestic.

https://youtu.be/9HU-RfV7QA0