This is going to be a much shorter review then normal.
Not because the film, doesn’t warrant a long and dedicated review…
But here’s the thing, I have mild, very mild claustrophobia. It doesn’t crop up often in my day to day life, where a fear of heights is much more likely to make me its bitch. But like my weirdly specific OCD involving using cleaning products (If I don’t wash my hands the second I’m done with them I get the screaming memes. Don’t ask me why) it does crop up…
Particularly when it’s represented in fiction, either literary or cinematically.
Ah, you see where this is going now don’t you?
It’s the reason I didn’t go see Buried. It’s the reason that why, though I like and respect both Danny Boyle and James Franco I will not be seeing 127 Hours. Because although it will be part of the cinematic conversation I’m fairly sure the other theater patrons wouldn’t take kindly to the sounds of me alternating between sobbing and screaming.
It’s the reason that significantly Misery is the one Stephen King novel I have never been able to finish.
And it’s the reason that though I sat down to view Reiner’s respected adaptation with the best of intentions. Ready to praise James Caan and Kathy Bates for their committed performances, and Rob Reiner for his creative dynamic use of a limited mise en scene. My brain instead just started to emit a high pitch wailing keen when the movie started that didn’t subside until several hours of laying awake in bed afterwards. And which sounded a little like this
“OhGodwouldn’tthatbefuckawfulpleaseohpleaseneverletanythingremotelylikethateverhappentomeawfuckthehobblingsceneisherealready?I’veheardrumorsANDAAAAAAHHHH”,
Which doesn’t make for the most insightful of criticisms.
So there you go. When I’m brought before St. Peter in Horror Heaven and have to account for the movies I couldn’t take, it won’t be Reogarrio Deodato, Jorge Buttgeriet, or John McNaughton who takes the honors.
No, it’ll be Rob Reiner. The man behind The Bucket List, Rumor Has It, and The Story Of Us.
Well played sir.
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8 comments:
i love this movie...but i always close my eyes when she breaks his legs... so painful to see!! and what about the penguin scene?
i wrote a post about the recipe she gives t him during the dinner ..hamburger and spam
have a look..
http://s-cenedafilm.blogspot.com/2010/09/hamburger-e-spam-per-misery-non-deve.html
bye
I understand your fear, my friend. I did read that King novel and thought screenwriter William Goldman and Rob Reiner teamed up to make a great film adaptation of it. Thanks for this.
I remember seeing this on VHS and being kind of disappointed that they weren't able to keep the lawnmower decapitation scene from the book. Of all the things to cut...
My favorite King adaptation! And just a good movie on its own, as well. I understand about the claustrophobia... I suggest you stay away from Gerald's Game!
I haven't read the book, but thought the movie was pretty great (and seriously uncomfortable to watch). What a difference real actors, and real writers and direction, can make--I've seen much more violence in movies (any of the Saw's) that left me not only cold, but bored and seriously un-terrfied.
And re your review of 1408 yesterday, I F'ng LOVED it! Sometimes a good old-fashioned ghost story is just whats called for. Again, what a difference real actors can make...
@ Klod: I think I'd start crying if I ate that.
@ Le0pard: Good to know I'm not alone. What are your thoughts on 127. Because Jesus, that looks just brutal.
@ Peter: Yeah you can't have everything. In all fairness I think that might come off pretty OTT on film.
@TGWLH: Gulp. Too late. I found it easier to take then Misery (which like I said I had to ditch about a hundred pages in) mostly because King wasn't quite as on his A game. But still no picnic.
@ Rob: Many thanks man. You're right, King doesn't always get lucky with director's and writers but he usually finds actors who bring their all.
Thanks all for the great comments.
@
My ankles hurt, and I'm dead serious.
Bryce, if you talking about 127 Hours, I'm very familiar with the true story. And you're right. That's going to be quite grueling (for the character and for the audience to watch). Thanks, my friend.
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