Misery

Misery is a 1990 American psychological horror thriller film directed by Rob Reiner from a screenplay by William Goldman. It is based on Stephen King's 1987 novel and stars James Caan as famed novelist Paul Sheldon who is held captive by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), an obsessive fan. The supporting cast includes Frances Sternhagen, Richard Farnsworth, and Lauren Bacall. Development on an adaptation of King's novel began after producer Andrew Scheinman recommended it to Reiner, who recruited Goldman to write the film's screenplay. Casting for the film was extensive: several actors were offered the roles of Sheldon and Wilkes before Caan and Bates were hired; Bates was a stage actress mostly unknown to film audiences. Principal photography began in February 1990, with filming locations including Genoa, Nevada and Los Angeles. The film's score was composed by Marc Shaiman. Misery was theatrically released in the United States on November 30, 1990, by Columbia Pictures. It grossed $61.3 million worldwide and received positive reviews from critics, with praise for the horror and performances of the leading duo. Bates's Academy Award for Best Actress win made Misery the only film based on a novel by King to win an Academy Award.