On his way back to New York, the famous writer Paul Sheldon, caught in a terrible snowstorm, crashed his car into a ravine. Seriously injured, he is saved by a strange nurse, Annie Wilkes, who brings him back home isolated from everything…
An absolutely prolific writer, Stephen King is perhaps the author whose work has been adapted the most for both the small and big screen. Of course, with more or less happiness. Filmmaker Rob Reiner can be proud of the fact that he made two of the best adaptations ever made. First, Beautiful and Painful: Stand by, 1986. Second, five years later: trouble.
“Paul Sheldon wrote for a living, now he writes to stay alive” You may remember this awesome tagline that graced the movie poster. The work that launched the absolutely terrifying Kathy Bates in the guise of ex-nurse Annie Wilkes into orbit. A masterful composition, which deservedly brought the actress an Oscar for the best actress and even a Golden Globe.
To better understand the character of Annie Wilkes, screenwriter William Goldman was inspired by the cases of two real killers: Janine Jones, a nurse who killed the people she cared for, and Diane Downs, a mother who was not separated from her children.
If the psychopathic Annie admires the creative genius of Paul Sheldon, whom she receives (and played by the excellent James Caan) after his accident, she devotes a particularly crazy unconditional love to the romantic hero born of her imagination, the beautiful Miser. This is the reason for his life. And the thought that Paul Sheldon could draw the final line on the life of his beloved hero is simply unbearable for him…
Even though the great Kathy Bates recently announced that she is retiring from acting, we still enjoy watching this gem, which also includes one of the most gruesome and painful torture scenes ever seen. Sensitive souls beware!
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
