Misery: Iconic Dialogues, Powerful Quotes, and Unforgettable Facts

Summary

Misery tells the story of Paul Sheldon, a bestselling author who suffers a car accident during a snowstorm. He is rescued by Annie Wilkes, a seemingly kind nurse and devoted fan of his work. Annie takes Paul to her remote home to recover, but her demeanor turns sinister when she discovers Paul killed off her favorite character in his latest manuscript. Holding Paul captive, Annie forces him to rewrite the novel to her liking, subjecting him to physical and psychological abuse. Paul secretly plots his escape, enduring Annie’s violent outbursts, including a horrifying scene where she cripples him to prevent escape. In the climax, Paul uses his rewritten manuscript as a weapon, setting it on fire to distract Annie. A brutal struggle ensues, ending with Annie’s death. The film concludes with Paul free but deeply scarred, haunted by his ordeal and Annie’s obsessive influence.

Dialogues

"I'm your number one fan."

This line by Annie Wilkes highlights the thin line between admiration and obsession, emphasizing how extreme fandom can lead to dangerous consequences.

"God came to me last night and told me your purpose for being here."

Annie's delusion reflects the human tendency to rationalize actions based on perceived divine intervention or fate, often leading to skewed moral judgments.

"It's the swearing, Paul. It has no nobility."

Annie's disdain for profanity suggests her desire for a sanitized world, revealing how people often impose their own moral codes onto others.

"Misery's alive! Misery's alive! Oh, this whole house is going to be full of romance."

This ecstatic reaction to Misery's return symbolizes how fictional worlds can sometimes overshadow reality, driving individuals to live vicariously through stories.

"Whatever you think I'm not doing, please don't do it."

Paul's plea underlines the helplessness one feels when under the control of someone who holds power over them, highlighting the basic human instinct for self-preservation.

"I'm gonna put on my Liberace records."

Music as a coping mechanism is a universal theme, illustrating how art can provide comfort and escape from the harshness of reality.

"I found your key."

Discovering the key signifies the turning point where control begins to shift, representing hope and the potential for liberation from captivity or oppressive situations.

"You murdered her!"

Annie's inability to separate fiction from reality illustrates the danger of losing oneself in make-believe, leading to irrational actions that blur moral boundaries.

"He didn't get out of the cockadoodie car!"

This outburst exemplifies the frustration when reality doesn't align with expectations, emphasizing the universal struggle to accept outcomes that differ from our desires.

"I love you, Paul."

Annie's declaration of love is twisted by her actions, showcasing how love can be expressed in unhealthy, possessive ways, distorting its true meaning.

"You and I were meant to be together forever."

This sentiment reflects a common human desire for permanence in relationships, but highlights the danger when this becomes an obsession rather than a healthy connection.

"You better hope nothing happens to me."

Paul's statement to Annie reveals the interdependence between captor and captive, illustrating how power dynamics can shift with the perception of threat or vulnerability.

"I know you've been out."

This accusation underscores the theme of entrapment and the constant surveillance in controlling relationships, where trust is replaced by suspicion and paranoia.

"It's the same paper, the same typewriter."

This detail-oriented observation reflects how small clues can reveal larger truths, symbolizing the importance of awareness in uncovering reality beneath deception.

"Eat it till you choke, you sick, twisted fuck!"

Paul's defiance represents the ultimate rebellion against oppression, highlighting the human spirit's resilience and the will to fight against injustice.

"She can't be dead. Misery Chastain cannot be dead!"

Annie's disbelief mirrors the difficulty people face in accepting loss or change, especially when they've invested emotionally in something or someone.

"If I die, you die."

This statement encapsulates the mutual dependency in toxic relationships, where one's existence is intricately tied to the other's, often leading to destructive outcomes.

"You owe me your life!"

Annie's sense of entitlement over Paul highlights how gratitude can be manipulated into a tool for control, distorting genuine acts of kindness or help.

"I know you've been out, Paul."

Reiterating suspicion, this illustrates how living under scrutiny affects one's behavior, fostering fear and anxiety in environments lacking trust.

"It's for the best, Paul."

Often used to justify harsh actions, this phrase reflects how individuals rationalize decisions they impose on others under the guise of benevolence or necessity.

Facts

Origin of the Story

Stephen King originally wrote "Misery" as a short story before expanding it into a novel.

Unusual Inspiration

The character of Annie Wilkes was inspired by Stephen King's own experiences with obsessive fans.

Role Preparation

Kathy Bates prepared for her role as Annie Wilkes by studying real-life accounts of obsessive behavior and mental illness.

Director's First Choice

Rob Reiner was not the first choice to direct the film; initially, it was offered to George Roy Hill.

Prosthetic Foot

The infamous "hobbling" scene used a prosthetic foot, which was surprisingly expensive to create.

Change of Setting

The film was shot in Nevada instead of Colorado, where the story is set, due to budget constraints.

James Caan's Improv

James Caan improvised many of his character's reactions during the more intense scenes.

Kathy Bates' Performance

Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role, making it the first Oscar win for a Stephen King adaptation.

Director's Cameo

Rob Reiner makes a cameo in the film as a helicopter pilot.

Animal Actor

The pig that played Misery was named Rosie and was trained specifically for the film.

Script Adaptation

William Goldman, who wrote the screenplay, was handpicked by Stephen King himself.

Unusual Techniques

Director Rob Reiner used mirrors and forced perspective to accentuate Annie's towering presence over Paul.

Alternate Ending

An alternate ending was filmed but never used, in which Annie Wilkes survives.