MISERY STEPHEN KING

ROB REINER (1990) UK RELEASE DATE 10TH

MAY 1991

IMAGE PERCEIVEDWithin the opening two minutes of Rob Reiner’s ‘Misery’ it becomes clear that the man in focus (Paul Sheldon) is a famous writer. This is notably depicted through the use of the opening sound of a typewriter and later medium shots of the typewriter itself. Through visualising the character’s profile, it is suggested that the man may be the victim within the story as the opening credits relate correspondingly to the males clothes. As shown to the right, the credits are written in red writing with a black background suggesting connotations of danger, blood, threat and anger. This idea of the credits symbolising these specific

characteristics is portrayed meaningfully through the clearly identified image of the male figure. Furthermore through identifying this, it reveals that the focus of the danger and corruption throughout the film will be dominated around him.As the opening scene continues to emerge, we see that he names his story ‘untitled’ and due to the relief of having finished the book, the man in focus lights a cigarette and opens a bottle of champagne as if to congratulate himself. However, by this time it is clear that the life ahead of him will consist of miserable happenings.

CONVENTIONSAs identified through many different horror/thriller films, there are typical standard conventions in which some are altered and some remain the same. I noticed extremely early in the opening scene of ‘Misery’ that many of these conventions were challenged:

TYPICAL HORROR/THRILLER CONVENTIONS: Female victimBad weather (pathetic fallacy) – rain, wind etcUsually a male murderer/dominant figureIsolation (house, warehouse etc)Set in the night

MISERY’S CHALLENGED CONVENTIONS:Male victimDominating female figureSet in the day

MISERY’S STANDARD CONVENTIONS: Bad weather (snow and ice)Isolation An accident (leading to the main plot)

USE OF TITLESAs previously mentioned, the opening credits of ‘Misery’ are established in extremely prominent colours: red and black. The connotations for these two colours are; danger, blood, anger and threat which suggest that the male character (Paul Sheldon) will either experience a situation in which these feelings are portrayed or force the meanings onto someone else. As the opening scene continues to develop, it is suggested that he himself will be the victim of these dark associations as the clothes in which he wears represent the two colours. He is presented in a red shirt slightly opened, with a black t-shirt underneath. Immediately it reveals that the danger throughout the story will be focussed around him.

MISE EN SCENEThe use of mise en scene in the opening minutes of ‘Misery’ is cleverly presented in order to represent the ideas of the films main plot.Straight away, the first major image revealed is that of a cigarette and match. This is shown through the use of a close up shot which indicates its reference to what is later established. The cigarette and match stick alone relate to the opening titles and the connotations presented through danger and anger. This is because when the cigarette is later lighted a flame of fire almost exploits the characters face stressing emphasis on the danger he is yet to face.

A major effect of the mise en scene used is the typewriter. This is because it automatically reveals the males profession and allows the audience to refer to him and understand some of his qualities. Secondly, the placement of the character’s desk is very significant being placed next to a window. By using this positioning, it is clear to see what the weather is like outside which immediately helps interpret the main ideas associated with the film (pathetic fallacy)Not only does this examine the films main plot but it also refers back to typical thriller conventions – horrific happens based upon the weather.

SOUNDAt the beginning of the film, there is no sound up until 48 seconds where the sound of an active typewriter emerges (diagetic sound). This sound continues and becomes more prominent when a close up shot of the typewriter is revealed. Once the character has finished writing his book, the sounds stops but is replaced by non-diagetic sound with high key notes 1 minute and 14 seconds into the film. The high pitched tones are quite mysterious and signifies a creepy nature which almost feels cold and sinister. This music then stops for a few seconds as the character thinks and begins to write some finishing touches onto the print copy of his book. Whilst writing ‘end’ the music begins again, continuing to convey an ominous portrayal. The fact that the music started up again when the word ‘end’ was being written suggests that experiences to come may result in the end of his writing career or even worse, his life.

CAMERAAt the beginning of ‘Misery’ an extreme close-up shot is used to immediately examine the main character’s characteristics. Furthermore this specifically allows the audience to really try and figure out the male’s state of mind.A range of various other close-ups are continually used (a champagne glass and bottle) to emphasise his current state of mine in finishing his novel. When we are first presented with the male role, a medium shot is used to portray the detail within his clothing (the colours relating to the opening titles) and what is around him (being a typewriter revealing his profession). When exploring the setting of the film, an extreme long shot is used to identify the mountainous area and the epic snowy weather.