Misery

Misery

Year: 1990

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

DramaThrillerCrime

When novelist Paul Sheldon crashes in a secluded cabin, he's nursed back to health by Annie Wilkes, a zealous fan with a sinister fixation. As she becomes more controlling and violent, Sheldon must escape her grasp and defy her twisted demands, all while confronting the dark consequences of his own creative endeavors gone awry.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Misery (1990)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Misery (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film unfolds in a modern contemporary setting, featuring elements common in the late 20th century. This period is characterized by the rise of psychological thrillers and showcases the impact of fame and obsession in a society that is increasingly consumed by celebrity culture.

Location

Silver Creek Lodge, Annie's House

Silver Creek Lodge serves as the initial backdrop for Paul's car accident and is noted for its isolation in the snowy wilderness. Annie's house becomes a vital location in the film, a seemingly cozy place that quickly transforms into a prison as Paul realizes Annie's true nature.

🏔️ Lodge 🏡 House

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Main Characters – Misery (1990)
Meet the key characters of Misery (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Sheldon (James Caan)

Paul Sheldon, a successful romantic novelist, is depicted as intelligent yet trapped by his fame. His journey reveals his resilience, as he battles to survive his obsessive fan's wrath while also confronting his vulnerabilities and creative struggles.

🖋️ Author 🧠 Intelligent 💔 Vulnerable

Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates)

Annie Wilkes is portrayed as a nurse with a dark obsession for Paul's 'Misery' novels. Although she initially appears nurturing, her true, dangerous personality emerges, showcasing a blend of charm and ferocity that makes her a truly terrifying antagonist.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse ⚔️ Angry 🤯 Obsessive

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Major Themes – Misery (1990)
Explore the central themes of Misery (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔒 Obsession

The theme of obsession is central to 'Misery,' as Annie's intense fixation on Paul blurs the line between admiration and madness. Throughout the film, this obsession leads to horrifying consequences, illustrating how extreme fandom can lead to perilous situations for the object of affection.

🖊️ Creativity and Control

The struggle over creative control is a significant theme, as Annie demands that Paul conform to her vision for the Misery character. This conflict raises questions about the nature of authorship and the lengths to which a creator will go to maintain their integrity against external pressures.

🚪 Isolation

Paul's physical confinement in Annie's home symbolizes a deeper emotional isolation. This theme explores how isolation can impact one's psyche, pushing Paul to resort to desperate measures to escape both physically and mentally from Annie's clutches.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

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