The movie came out way back in 1990.I had read the original novel by Stephen king sometime in 2014.It has been over three years since I read the novel,but the novel was so well characterized and plot so soundly developed that it's still fresh in my memory.
The problem with most of the adaptations has two considerations. First is the degree to which the movie remains loyal to the novel and secondly,to what degree has director been able to project the nuances and intricacies of the plot in the movie.To convert a 600 page book into a 90 odd minutes feature film and to pack in the whole essence of the novel in itself is a daunting task.Misery movie remains loyal to the novel latching on to the basic plot structure of the later.The Second consideration is the major problem with this flick.Misery novel was astoundingly good and I would rate it close second to the other masterpiece "The Shining" from the 'King'.Movie as mentioned earlier remains loyal to the plot,but struggles in inheriting the nuances and little details that made the novel so readable.
The lead actors' performances are strictly okay. The casting falls prey to the poor character development.The protagonist Cann underplays his character so much that his face remains expressionless almost throughout the movie(even toward the end when he is out of the fiasco,safe in NY).Kathy Bates tries a little too hard.The utter lack of the character development in the plot plagues the cast to no end.Her intermittently changing demeanor seems comical sometimes.One of the few positive points in the casting side would be the characters of the town's sheriff and his wife.It provides a little comic relief to otherwise a drub plot.By not getting overtly loud ,these two have managed to justify their casting.
Shoot location and cinematography are awesome.Coloradan winters were effectively caught in the reel.Even the interiors were well shot going with the ambiance and mood of the movie.
Verdict:If you have read the novel, you can avoid the movie.Otherwise, you may watch the movie, but the novel is far better than this silver screen fare.
My Ratings:
Overall:2/4
Plot:2/4
Direction:1.5/4
Cast:1.5/4
Cinematography:3.5/4
