The Real Meaning Behind MISERY

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ABOUT THE SHOW:
This show celebrates Ryan's love for film, games, art and entertainment through personal retrospective analysis that aims to explore what made them so good.
MUSIC:
The Shining in Dubai by Unicorn Heads
Doll Dancing by Puddle of Infinity
She Di.ed Up There You Know by Dan Bodan
For We Are Many by Cooper Cannell
Northern Lights by Chris Haugen

[@RyanHollinger]

*So, there's why I won't cover The Shining - there are too many awesome videos on it!* Go check out Dom's videos and give him some love: The Shining, Lost in Adaptation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5ScY2d6eKxpgbc The Shining (1997) Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ramYq6FtmMmlpKM

[@Firegen1]

Dom is awesome

[@munchcat]

This makes me so happy

[@WASTEOIDx]

Clockwork orange?

[@nanananananananananananana9430]

Could you please do a video on "Perfect Blue"? That would be something amazing to watch and I think there's so much to talk about it.

[@Mr4thDoctor]

Ryan Hollinger So, I have an alternative idea for you to cover instead of The Shining: cover Doctor Sleep. I personally think it’s one of the more underrated movies if last year, and deserves to be examined and discussed.

[@MissSallyB1]

"Annie was coke, Annie was booze, and I was tired of being Annie's pet writer."

[@jeffwalker6815]

FYI King has said in an interview a few years ago that Annie was indeed a metaphor for his coke and booze problems.

[@Matrim42]

Jeff Walker The quote above is from his memoir “On Writing” from back in 2000.

[@DisDatK9]

Punished_Luke especially when it came time for his legs to be broken, we all know the immense pain and torment in tow when we try to find freedom from the drugs.

[@TheLastArkham]

Nobody hates something more than the fans of that something

[@Takumi_Did_Nothing_Wrong]

Especially Fire Emblem fans.

[@ROTTENDECOMP]

Not horror, but Warriors is a great example of that. Everyone knows the writing is good at best and trash fire at worst. We know it's not good. But creative freedom means we can take the trash fire and recycle it with fan rewrites and headcanons. Don't get me started on Tigerstar & Tiger(heart)star

[@urahara64360]

I definitely agree that fandoms have kind of made me not want to engage in any critiques for some things. Like Steven universe fans get really defensive when you point out that Steven is a neglected and impoverished child in season 1

[@Scarshadow666]

And that can apply to any sort of group with a common interest and/or groupthink scenario (whether it'd be an outlook on the world or some piece of artwork, etc.), or anything that people put their personal identity with.

[@MamaMOB]

Which makes complete sense. Often times fans know a product better than the creator of said product. They’ve taken time and emotion and invested it in that product and they care about what happens to it because of that. What artists need to understand is when you make something for the public it belongs to the public not to you.

[@smilehappyface8]

While I completely disagree with your critique of Kathy Bate's performance (I am biased since I like her in so many other things she's done) I agree that James Caan's performance was underrated.

[@Naradis_]

I third that statement

[@valentinemcdermott]

Kathy Bates’ performance was gold in Misery. Gotta disagree with Ryan on this one.

[@stevus23]

I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone say that about her performance, surprised me too. Made me want to stop stalking Ryan.

[@SantosAl]

@@stevus23 Come on man, you shouldn't let small stuff stop you from stalking him. Just remember, no one is perfect, and true love prevails.

[@therealpenns7313]

All the performances were great.

[@starkman78]

The way I remember, Paul was surprisingly, ironically pleased with how “Misery’s Return” turned out. After some downtime to heal, he realized that it was some of his best writing ever. I didn’t have the impression that he was going to continue the series, but that he wasn’t going to let the trauma stop him from publishing a genuinely good book.

[@ShinigamiInuyasha777]

I think that the subtext of that is important. Toxic fandom exists, but at the same time have a fanbase forces you to improve and actually put an effort that your work will be on the line of the rest. If you checked Avatar the first series was made season by season and the incorporate new ideas from the fandom. While Korra was written all seasons at once and wasn't as reasonant with its audiences as the previous one

[@r.babylon2885]

@@ShinigamiInuyasha777 How did you hear about that? From what I heard, Korra's first season was the only one intended. Then Nickolodeon demanded three more.

[@ShinigamiInuyasha777]

@@r.babylon2885 E;R

[@gentlemanvaultboy8671]

I got the impression, over the course of literally writing for his life, he kind of rediscovered what he had enjoyed about writing Misery in the first place after ages of just coasting.

[@hanonondricek411]

And I love the fact that while he burned it in effigy to push Annie over the edge, he did the writer thing and kept the actual copy!

[@ThrottleKitty]

The scene with the sledgehammer is the only scene, in any movie, I legitimately struggle to watch every time.

[@AndreNitroX]

I think I close my eyes everytime just on impulse

[@gorequillnachovidal]

in East of Eden Rosie O'Donnel is in S&M gear....nightmare fuel

[@willtowers1532]

You should watch suspiria, the only horror film except this that actually distresses me when i think about it

[@ThrottleKitty]

@@willtowers1532 Horror movies are always to focused on "scaring" people. They ironically, want your eyes glued to the screen. The "LOOK AWAY" I feel form his scene is indescribable.

[@mandm7950]

have you watched Gerald's Game? That has a pretty disgusting scene too. Another movie based on a SK book. Coincidence? I think not xD

[@Dominic-Noble]

Really appreciate the shout out and loved the episode. I was starting to wonder if there was still interest in film to book comparisons but watching someone else do one was really fun so I guess there is still potential in it heh.

[@CheziahKatt]

I can't believe you think there's not with so many of us so happy to see them each week!

[@BellRumFreak]

I watch your videos all the time. Your Harry Potter videos were what hooked me. I still say "Azkaban!" When someone does something wrong lol

[@megan88]

Please please please can you two do a horror/thriller book->movie adaption review together. Your voices together is on its own a big sell!

[@viridian5maureen853]

I've just recently discovered and enjoyed your Vampire Chronicles and Fifty Shades book and book to film adaptation videos.

[@crazykayz8073]

You have to do more Stephen King adaptations!

[@kingpin3690]

Kathy bates was amazing she deserved the oscar.

[@TheBaltimoreMovieTrailerPark]

Ray Marquez If that was true, then why did people get in an uproar about Bohemian Rhapsody and Green Book winning Oscars? Exactly.

[@VultureClone]

I agree. James was okay, but his performance was a bit wooden imo.

[@queenoffabulous2156]

It actually took them a while to find a male lead because so many actors knew theyd be out shinned by Kathy Bates

[@nl3064]

@@TheBaltimoreMovieTrailerPark Because people will bitch about any dumb shit?

[@HurricaneDDragon]

Ray Marquez Until a movie, actor, or director you like wins one.

[@kassyyar97]

I understand if you think that Kathy was overacting, but I have an aunt that behaves EXACTLY like her, her modisms, anger, joy, hell even the voice tone when she is pleased. Lets take the psycopathic part out though, my aunt is amazing. For me it felt very real!

[@aurea.]

Yikes! At least your aunt's great...

[@kassyyar97]

Martha G. Yeah, she is kind of quirky, but I find it interesting and very entertaining to talk with her whenever I can 😁

[@hollywoodshopaholic]

Yeah I've met a bunch of people in the Midwest who look and talk like that. Combined with the fact that the character is supposed to be socially awkward and mentally ill, Kathy Bates's portrayal was pretty spot-on.

[@floral2743]

Damn, how are your uncles ankles?

[@Sad_Elf]

It's like that with one of my uncles and Mick Taylor from Wolf Creek, without the serial killer angle

[@oliviav.3565]

Kathy Bates is amazeballs in Misery. The novel Misery is darker than the movie, no sense of humor at all in that book.

[@starkman78]

Olivia V. Kathy Bates blew in like a force of nature and acted the h3ll out of that role. I was just a kid, but was thinking, “Whoah, who was she?!”

[@oliviav.3565]

@@starkman78 💯

[@Falxifer95]

Agreed on both counts. Its understandable that the book was very bleak and humorless considering King was venting while writing it.

[@mickeyhart7507]

I don't know, I remember laughing at some points due to Paul's natural cynical and sarcastic edge, particularly when he was talking in his head about Annie vs. what he was actually saying to her. It's not wrapped in the typical bow of humor or a humorous situation but it got the same reaction out of me.

[@CheziahKatt]

@@mickeyhart7507 agree with you. Paul's internal sports narrator was also humorous. Not laugh out loud but very fond

[@mandalorianhunter1]

Ryan, is this why you don't want to meet us. You think we will kidnap you, beat you and break your ankles? Ryan we love you to DEATH!!!

[@RyanHollinger]

Hey, I’d definitely love to meet everyone! Who knows, meetups, conventions, we’ll see!

[@munchcat]

Yes and please! Just don't mind the sledgehammer behind my back XD

[@mandalorianhunter1]

@@munchcat Don't forget the knife lol

[@mandalorianhunter1]

@@RyanHollinger Hope you are having a good day. Stay safe

[@alexbristol4413]

Aaaand people's comments are now bordering on anxiety producing. :P

[@motnurky7055]

The scene in the book where Annie cuts off Paul's thumb with an electric knife doused in medicine lowkey fucked me up, the way King described Paul mewling and crying and begging at just the sight of the knife, after so much agonizing pain, that he just couldn't take any more. Then of course Annie brings him a cake with his thumb sticking out of the top and Paul recognizes his nail from when he used to bite it incessantly. The entire novel just hits you with a level of utter hopelessness that sticks with you long after you read it. I really hope you cover Pet Sematary was well, just so I can hear your thoughts on how fucking depressing the novel was in comparison with the film.

[@HurricaneDDragon]

MappaKishin He already did Pet Semetary.

[@motnurky7055]

@@HurricaneDDragon oh shit you right

[@Bj5m17h]

I read a lot of King as a kid and teenager. Especially liked the short story anthologies and It. Started rereading and got around to a few I had somehow missed. Misery is a fantastic novel, and yeah, Pet Sematary was just... hard. The Long Walk is really, really good too.

[@digitalghost6665]

the scene that gets me is when she slams his legs with i think it was a bag of salt?? but the way he decribes the bags hitting his broken legs havdhshsh its so good but so uncomfy

[@dlr_rosa254]

Misery was the first Steven king books I read and I was so amazed of how great he was at describing pain and discomfort, the part where Paul describes how it feels to be given mouth to mouth still disgusts me and even makes me gag sometimes

[@NikkiMKarLen]

I've had a healthy amount of fear and respect for Kathy Bates ever since I watched this movie at too young an age.

[@karlkarlos3545]

Kathy Bates was too cartoonish? Well, you never hear that criticism about Jack Nicholson.

[@ladyredl3210]

Yeah funny how that works. It's almost like sexism exists.

[@SS-hd5jx]

its almost as if no one takes women seriously@@ladyredl3210

[@Schmidt02603]

Misery is literally one of the only books that I had to put down and just process what I just read, especially after the “hobbling” scene.

[@khalnetherfields7263]

does it bear striking similarities to the kidnapping of j paul getty the third, or am i reaching here

[@octopuss1918]

Doesnt he lose a foot in the book?

[@chainsofgames]

Octo PUSS he does idk if op actually read it

[@hollywoodshopaholic]

That part traumatized me as a kid, it's one of the most iconic moments in Stephen King's writing ever.

[@huskitaloves8654]

American Psycho (the book) did that for me - it went under the sofa while I processed!

[@miklac90]

It's like being trapped in an abusive relationship. You are always walking ice and waiting for the next blow up. It's terrifying.

[@thebatmanfan1309]

Ryan, I'd love to hear your thoughts on The House that Jack Built. Just a suggestion.

[@milliepalmer932]

Matthew Steinke yes!!

[@reviewreviews5908]

I recommend you the channel Spookyrice, he makes great horror/gore/disturbing movie "reviews" by going through all the remarkable scenes. He deserves some love even so his channel blow up. He did this movie tho

[@gnyng88]

Just watched that movie last night. I was mesmerized by the narrative. Elegantly horrifying, I'd say.

[@thebatmanfan1309]

@@reviewreviews5908 I love SpookyRice. I agree with your statement that he deserves more subs. Just like Ryan, he's great at making horror films seem more accessible to a wider audience. Especially obscure ones.

[@thebatmanfan1309]

@@gnyng88 It's certainly an acquired taste. I can see why people didn't like it, but I found it really interesting. I'm glad to know someone else liked it.

[@ImNotGregGraffin]

Ryan referencing The Dom (I know he doesn’t go by the anymore, but he’ll always be that in my heart) makes me so happy!

[@reizak8966]

Same!!

[@mattgoodrich9016]

FE Rebekah oh my

[@The.Orange.Wizard]

@FE Rebekah Well we are his subs.

[@kutumba56]

“Misery” really is the ultimate Toxic Fandom movie. As a lifelong “Star Wars” fan, Annie really is the darkest part of pop culture love that more people should see as their own cautionary tale.

[@joevenespineli6389]

@ThisIsMyRealName What do you want exactly?

[@MrMetalforever5]

ThisIsMyRealName Whining it may be, but it’s still correct and apt, especially in this day and age.

[@alexbristol4413]

@ThisIsMyRealName It is also about a human being who has legitimate fears and anxieties. He can be multimillionaire and 'also' not like being treated poorly.

[@petercarioscia9189]

Lol ok bud. It wasn't the movies the turned me "ToXiC" it was all the lovely comments from KK and Roundhead. But ok, yep.

[@burtbiggum499]

Instead of falling into toxic fan behaviour l just walked away from starwars after the last jedi

[@aumdeoli4902]

When's the video "The Real Meaning Behind CATS" coming

[@Hersatz]

Too horrifying even for Ryan...

[@SmoothCriminal12]

Lindsay Ellis covered that pretty well

[@johnilarde8440]

Jesus Christ! That movie is only for Furries!

[@tanyaharmon6739]

@@johnilarde8440 we both know that isn't true

[@theeclecticgirl220]

Am I the only one who thought Kathy Bates performance was PERFECT FOR THIS CHARACTER? Annie Wilkes represents the tragic villain where you despise what she does to Paul but yet feel bad for her suicidal thoughts and her issues in general. Kathy Bates understood and captured this essence beautifully. She captured what it was like to have both bipolar and delusions of grandeur while being seemingly innocent and likable on the exterior. Both of these behaviors (schizophrenia and bipolar) are found in real life stalkers and Kathy Bates captured a woman who had both of these issues perfectly. It was “cartoony” because of the simple things she would go berserk over. From cursing to not liking the ending to a book, these are silly things that real life fans get upset over. In the novel, Annie Wilkes was supposed to have a large and brawny look. Again Kathy Bates fit the bill for this character in that sense as well. Both James Caan and Kathy Bates did amazing work and they both stood out but anyone hating Kathy Bates performance is a huge wtf/bruh moment for me 😂

[@proctorritter5176]

Nah, she’s a baby serial killer. She reminds me of a female John Doe from Se7en. I cheered when she died.

[@TequilaToothpick]

Most people love her excellent performance.

[@guano5405]

Her performance was over the top, bit that's just how Annie was in the novel.

[@gregsvlogshow]

I really liked her performance, you are not alone.

[@homelesshannah50]

Oh fuck her I NEVER felt bad for her, she was a thug and she could claim crazy all day long but when you harm others I feel no sympathy.

[@mikmik3697]

i think everyone who unironically calls themselves a 'stan' needs to watch this and see how their behavior almost borders onto creepy and invasive lol

[@clarapilier]

That is the difference between enjoying or liking a thing and being consumed by it.

[@ActuallyAnanya]

The word stan's meaning has changed a lot though, people really don't mean the way Eminem used it in his song anymore. It just means being more into something than a casual fan, so things like owning merch or going to midnight releases for things, etc. There already is a word for people who get so crazy obsessive to the point of stalking people involved in their interests... a stalker.

[@MrMetalforever5]

ActuallyAnanya People have come to know it by that definition, but there are still thousands upon thousands of people that use it un-ironically knowing full well what it means. Like Twitter K-Pop fans, for example.

[@ActuallyAnanya]

@@MrMetalforever5 you're talking to a twitter kpop fan lol we know what the word used to mean but now it means something different, because language is fluid, especially on the internet, definitions change with time. Anyway there's a completely different word we use for obsessive delusional kpop fans, it's the Korean word "sasaeng" which pre-dates the word stan anyways.

[@Werewolf914]

I have no idea what that word means, never heard it used in my whole life, but you mentioned Eminem and KPOP, which I don't listen to so I assume that's why I have no idea what you're talking about.

[@MichelleScott]

Great insights! But can I disagree about Bates’ performance? I thought she was outstanding and paired really well with Caan.

[@RyanHollinger]

100% I wonder if all the hype soured my expectations a bit?

[@connornoiles2447]

@@RyanHollinger I do find she did really well at protraying some who just seemed like a harmless woman at first..

[@ajdaughe2873]

@@RyanHollinger it might be the humor. This is a Rob Reiner film. And Bates is camp. I think she fucking rules in this.

[@ivanrodeiro9661]

(Sees that he's talking about toxic fanbases) "He's going to make a Star Wars fans joke, isn't h- THERE HE GOES"

[@WTFisTingispingis]

It's okay, we deserve it.

[@chumchumbler1613]

Unless he's talking about fan reaction to the prequels, it kinda rings hollow. Besides the fact that the original creator was not party to its creation and was actively ignored; the sequel series is in parts commitee created tripe watered down for mass consumption and in other parts purposeful dramatic dissonance for the purpose of subversion. Though I think that there would be a portion of the fan base that would hate the sequels no matter what, I think it's fair to say that the sequel trilogy did a lot of work to turn people against them.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

@@chumchumbler1613 Not even Lucas had authorial legitimacy - let's not be obtuse about it - the issue with the IP isn't that incompetent people are in charge - it's that no one is in charge and the series is effectively rudderless. There is not a single person that garners acceptance as the authorial voice of the IP, it's to the point where fans are looking to elect ANYONE as the 'voice of Star Wars' if they manage to produce one piece of media that's halfway decent.

[@jay_mw]

@@fuzzydunlop7928 That's probably while The Mandalorian was viewed so favorably by the fans. The higher-ups at Lucas Film were more focused on the movies so they basically left Favreau alone to do what he wanted. That resulted in a coherent voice throughout the season instead of something like The Rise of Skywalker which felt more like an effort to course-correct following The Last Jedi.

[@Dunmerdog]

Chum Chumbler that’s my problem with Ryan a lot of the time - so much of his work is a guilty pleasure of mine because i know a lot of what he says is quite hollow. He’s one of those people who claims that there’s no such thing as objective analysis of film quality, and frequently uses muh themes to justify shitty plot decisions. That said, I really enjoy his videos because a lot of the time his analysis OF said themes and of the production of the film is very insightful and really quite entertaining.

[@Happytrooper6]

I feel Bates over the top performance stays true to how most of Kings villains act in his work

[@tonkababic9826]

Anybody who says they are stans need to watch Misery. It really depicts how the superfans aka stans act

[@ActuallyAnanya]

The meaning of the word stan has changed from Eminem's definition to now just mean someone who is more involved in a fandom than a casual fan, so someone who owns merch or runs a fan account is a stan. The words psychopath, crazy and stalker already exist and their meanings haven't changed.

[@marvelousTUD]

Misery should be required viewing for all Star Wars fans.

[@Kittyluver_08]

PSA to all K-pop stans

[@smartstuf1026]

Gehrig Harris don’t forget Smash fans

[@TiffanyRay]

@@ActuallyAnanya ok I'm a obsessive fan and I never call myself a "stan"

[@Palmieres]

Just a note: while you disliked Bates' Annie, it was Paul Sheldon whom Stephen King thought was miscast.

[@shadesofgray5476]

Yes, and Kathy Bates was chosen to play the main role of his book Delores Claiborne later.

[@mikaylab8092]

@@jasoneaton4520 woah calm down mel gibson u can dislike someones work w/o being antisemetic....

[@jasoneaton4520]

Mikayla B l didn’t say l disliked his work, l said face. You’re batshit crazy mate you can’t even read a simple sentence.

[@nxxdle_]

Jason Eaton calling someone’s face “jewy” is 100% antiSemitic lol

[@tommyswain3762]

@@jasoneaton4520 Yeah keep that shit to yourself you fucking kooky anti-semite.

[@visionarylocomotiveworks9703]

Misery is my mother’s favorite Stephen King adaptation, and as a result it’s one of my favorites, too. It’s one I do consider equally compelling as it’s source material, despite some of the more detailed aspects being streamlined as stated. BTW, since you’ve done so many King work discussions, one day I hope you do a discussion video on Christine.

[@RyanHollinger]

Christine is part of a major video project I’m releasing this summer!

[@visionarylocomotiveworks9703]

Ryan Hollinger YES! I’m definitely looking forward to that now!

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

I read that book, and man, it’s a WEIRD story! Would love to hear your take!

[@yunix2396]

@@RyanHollinger oh please please pleassse do Christine. It's a fun book to discuss.

[@notyetaladie]

Misery really solidified in my young mind that I never wanted to be famous.

[@eimscreate2105]

*slams door open* I CAME AS SOON AS I HEARD

[@NikkiMKarLen]

*out of breath* Same!

[@romankotas448]

(Breathless)......You guys too?

[@N2Deep00]

*Jumps through window* I brought the rope.

[@nickmattio3397]

(Just Before Hobbling) “Annie...Whatever You’re Thinking of Doing...Please Don’t.

[@nicolasirci6585]

Anne Marie Wilkes is pretty much the whole gaming community whenever a popular game gets remade or rebooted.

[@ButterCookie1984]

YES!! 100% agreed

[@skinnymann9932]

“But even she doesn’t know what she wants” is such a scary sentence in this context. Can fans really become toxic to the point were someone would write a story like this?

[@coldstuff9784]

I didn't really understand that part. She knew what she wanted and got it. Even her editing critiques were valid.

[@TeamFriendship8600]

@@coldstuff9784 What he meant was that she still wasn't satisfied even when Paul took her advice.

[@homelesshannah50]

Stephen did say he has some fans who are cuckoo for cocopuffs then again look at his subject matter

[@ThrottleKitty]

**sees thumbnail that looks like film tape** **rapid clicking**

[@e2h-g5z]

God, I am so glad you decided to talk about this over the shinning. There's so much about that story that there's almost nothing new to say (granted I do think your thoughts would be interesting to hear) Its hard to find a good video about Misery, which honestly scared me my entire childhood. Great Video, my favorite you've released in a while

[@magnificmango336]

I think an interesting video on The Shining could be made, especially with the book. Mainly, in Stephen King’s hatred of the movie. Comparing what King loves about the book and hates about the movie could be a great way of analyzing the value of both in both his and your eyes.

[@heroicdorkgoop4850]

One of the things I always thought of why King doesn’t like the Shining movie is how Kubrick portrayed Jack Torrence. King has said that when he was writing the Shining he thought of Jack as himself. He wrote Jack as a sympathetic character that was eventually turned crazy by his isolation. In the film, Jack already seemed like an unhinged individual and the isolation was just one step too far. King sees Jack a sympathetic character so he can see himself as good but Kubrick saw Jack as an jackass so King loathes it instead of praises the movie version. I know this video isn’t about The Shining but I have always wanted to get this out there. Also I know I didn’t write this super clearly so if there’s any clarification needed just comment.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

I think there's some merit in that appraisal. I think it's a very personal work for him, relative to how personal his other works are, at least.

[@hollywoodshopaholic]

You have a great point. While I don't know what King thinks, I couldn't sympathize with Jack at all when reading the book precisely because the movie had already implanted such an unlikable image of him in my mind. As you said, Jack Nicholson's portrayal made the character off-putting and rude from the very beginning to the point where I didn't notice much of a change when he actually started to lose it. Had I read the book first, I might have sympathized with Jack and actually found the ensuing psychological horror scary. Instead, I just watched a douchebag join his equally asshole-ish ghost counterparts.

[@CocktailsConsoles]

That was all about Eyes of the Dragon?? That’s a shame - I thought that was a great book

[@CorbCorbin]

I liked The Eyes of the Dragon too. I was a kid, but I remember it was a fun change when I was binging King books.

[@CocktailsConsoles]

CorbCorbin Indeed 😊 He did a great job of mixing fantasy w/ a touch of horror - a nice change of pace for those of us who read “It” and couldn’t sleep for three months ☺️

[@CorbCorbin]

Cocktails & Consoles Definitely. Think I was 11 or 12, and I think I had just finished either Pet Semetary or Carrie, and my uncle recommended it after he saw me reading one of the Tolkien books. I really hope Hulu can still produce a series based on it.

[@CocktailsConsoles]

CorbCorbin That would be awesome! I’d love to see an Eyes of the Dragon series! 😊 That reminds me, I still need to check out the Dark Tower / Gunslinger series

[@Galvion1980]

So did I, but apparently anything other than unilateral praise and universal popularity is insufficient and a crime against the writer's humanity...

[@_ginock_]

I see what you are saying about the Annie Wilkes character, she was very cartoon-ish and over the top when she is getting angry and frustrated but for me this is what makes her character more compelling; to see her go from being off the handle in what could be a funny as long as you are not on the receiving end to what is terrifying if you are. I do however love your breakdown of this and other films. Especially The Room.

[@froggyranger]

I never read the book unfortunately, but the movie got under my skin in a way I'd never experienced before. So glad to see your thoughts on it, keep up the fantastic work!

[@Gmaninator10]

I'm glad you called out star wars while describing a toxic fandom.

[@jonathanavitua5559]

As an author who hasn't quite made it yet, this is one of my biggest fears if I do. That the people who enjoy the worlds and characters I create will begin to think it's theirs to control. Thankfully not all fandoms are like that- One can only hope.

[@sushruttewari144]

Best of luck!!

[@nicks4802]

STILL waiting on that next book…..

[@jonathanavitua5559]

@@nicks4802 Pss... These Hybrid Dreams - Silas Fewe (It's my pen name.)

[@wowieitssam9457]

It's crazy how trapped in the genre King felt after The Eyes of the Dragon, and I'm mad the fans acted that way. That book was my 2nd ever King novel, and one of my favorites to this day. It's a wonderful story about human attempts at goodness, like a fairytale but not for kids and with more nuanced themes. I love Misery, but it's almost a shame that it came because of the creation of one of the most influential books of my teenage years.

[@starkman78]

It was my first. Because it was the only one that I was allowed to read as a kid. My brothers are older and EOTD made it so that I didn’t feel left out of the reading that the rest of my family was enjoying so much.

[@eminemfan50098]

Nice Dominic Noble shout out! Love this film, absolute classic. Also really loved the second season of castle rock, which did a great job of exploring where Annie came from.

[@illithidlore]

Like I always say, fans are the worst part of every fandom.

[@veronicasardo76]

Well they are all there is to a fandom

[@gnyng88]

An incredibly well deserved Oscar for Kathy Bates

[@li-limandragon9287]

The Langoliers is my favorite King story, isn't nearly as long as The Stand or Shining but has a great cast of characters, interesting and tragic psychotic villain and above of has cosmic bowling balls that eat time and leave the world in blackness.

[@Footloose325]

I love this film, probably tied for favourite Stephen King film with Carrie

[@ButterCookie1984]

Agreed

[@13nwaffles]

Don’t you know that misery loves company? Yeah, I heard that misery was looking for me.

[@danmarshall5895]

Ryan, I'm your #1 fan. Dun-dun-dun Seriously though, I enjoyed Kathy Bates in the same way I enjoyed Nicholson in The Shining. Way, way over the top to the point of being cartoonish, but also really fun to watch (though sometimes to the detriment of the rest of the film).

[@jamjox9922]

Kathy Bates' character is very much real. If you've ever met someone with borderline personality disorder mixed with just the right amount of narcissism, you'd be scared too. Those very particular people are scary because you see how 'fake' it all is for them--it's like all their communication is to get something from *you.* And mentally, if you're the more reasonable adult dealing with someone like that--it really is like dealing with a child in an adult's body. Also, if you're aware of how easily they can fly off the handle, you're always walking a tightrope of *being* the adult in the relationship. Now, imagine living with someone like this and they have all the power (like a son or daughter) or in Paul's case, he's the patient. It gets scary fast. I didn't even mention how mentally draining it is for you to talk to such a person long-term. They don't answer to reason.

[@jdev1591]

Very true

[@chinbrows6245]

ew, very misleading

[@niteowl9491]

No one ever appreciates the TV miniseries Shining. That damn firehose still gets me

[@Galantski]

I disagree about Kathy Bates' performance, Ryan. I think you're burnt out on seeing it, so you're being contrarian to be contrarian. One might as well say Anthony Hopkins was played Hannibal Lecter in a way that was "cartoonish" and "cliched psychopath". On the other hand, I totally agree with you that James Caan was brilliant in what was a role that was tougher in a way, because he was called on to use both physical and emotional restraint until the end of the film, while Bates was allowed to chew scenery to her heart's content, and I'd argue, her character was largely written in a way that accommodates such a reading. So, I'd say if you want to criticize her acting, criticize the script as well. One line of dialogue that I love downplays the manic aspect of her psychosis, only to focus on something much more subtle, and that's her obsessive-compulsive disorder, and to the extent that you have a case about her acting being cartoonish or cliched, I don't think it applies here. Annie's returned to the house, and then confronts Paul about leaving his room, which he vehemently, and dishonestly denies, but she provides proof by declaring: “Paul, my little ceramic penguin in the study always faces due south”, as he had knocked it over, then carelessly replaced it. I think her acting is rather subdued in this scene, which makes it all the more disturbing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKHFl56EfpeXlaM&ab_channel=TaraFyYou

[@twoodin]

Agreed. Her performance, as well as Anthony Hopkins, were gold standards for a new genre. Calling her performance in a 1990 film about a serial killer cliched is just strange. They're cliched now because they were copied to death.

[@theTruthSeekerishere]

Kathy Bates opposite James Caan made for a good pairing on screen. Kathy Bates was the only one who could play that role.

[@fenrez3293]

The Star Wars comment hit me a bit wrong XD. Just to clarify, Star Wars fans aren’t upset at the new films because the authors tried something new, we feel cheated because they just revived the old formula without any actual love for characters and just money and marketability in mind. If Lucas was unhappy with the francise and wanted to try something new the shitstorm wouldn’t have been half the size it is now.

[@GrayRain0]

Ayyy uploaded 6 minutes ago! So Misery is one of my fave Steven King films. I want to be a writer and honestly the sheer concept of Misery is just an absolute nightmare and that's not even including the torture scenes. Love this book/film! Keep it going Ryan!

[@bballstar30]

You lost me when you said Kathy Bates wasn’t good

[@efnfen]

Thank you for keeping the video ad free. I enjoyed it a lot. Keep up the great work, Ryan.

[@jordanloux3883]

I love how Paul is a romance writer, and his biggest fan is a total psycho. It always seems like the kinder and friendlier and more approachable a piece of work, the more toxic and hateful the fans end up being. Steven Universe once bullied a girl so badly she tried to kill herself. And it was all because she drew a character too skinny.

[@saberhap2639]

Well that's steven universe for ya

[@samiam2088]

It’s such a shame because I really enjoy Steven Universe and it means a lot to me for a few personal reasons, but it’s so weird the idea of being aggressive over it. Same with Avatar the Last Airbender. Love the show, not some of the comics, but ok fine - I stick with the original series. I find it odd that people need to take these thing to such an extreme

[@saberhap2639]

@@samiam2088 you like steven universe because of all the gays and blacks. I understand.

[@samiam2088]

Saberhap Actually, I like it for all the polyamory

[@theketaminekid1241]

@@saberhap2639 Dude I get your points, but a lot of people will take that the wrong way lol

[@elliotschnabel8364]

One of my favorite KZbinrs talking about one of my favorite authors on my birthday. Coincidence?

[@RyanHollinger]

Happy Birthday!!

[@elliotschnabel8364]

@@RyanHollinger Thanks!

[@RonaldPickering]

Anychance of covering Salem’s Lot?

[@yunix2396]

Oh yeah yeah.

[@mimikyutie4774]

His inspiration behind this is even more relevant today on the internet, as a fandom creator you definitely feel like you have to stick to certain things that you're well known for and can't branch out into something totally different, and for the extremely popular creators you will actually often see violent criticism from portions of their fanbase if they decide to move away from the fandom that made them popular. Like Annie there's a super prominent sense of entitlement where so many fans believe that, for example, this artist is actually drawing for YOU and they should only be catering to what you want. I know its the same within the bigger mass media fandoms like Star Wars, but it's just especially relevant as of recent years to us one-person folks who are making things for very specific fandoms, and who have to very directly deal with these types.

[@mrflipperinvader7922]

4:17 On the Blu-Ray special features they do feature psychiatrists to analyze annie throughout the movie and give her diagnosis on how she actually feels

[@ivalid5258]

I'm excited to watch this! Ryan please do One Cut of the Dead!!

[@frankbunny5959]

I agree with the majority of the video, but I son't think you have judged the whole fandom not wanting change thing correctly. It's such an easy cop out to say that people don't want change when it comes to the things they enjoy. In my opinion 'most' people who are fans want quality irregardless of change. These days anything that becomes a pop culture phenomenon is milked dry by corporate suits who want to radicalise it's fanbase in order to make as much money as possible. That's why so many fans vehemently defend things such as Disney's Star Wars and attack those that don't like it with such baseless accusations. Poor storytelling has become a trend in most popular franchises. The new currency of awful writers is 'subverting expectations'. Things that became popular for a reason are now targeted by media conglomerates who seek to make fortunes without ever considering why things got popular in the first place. If Misery was rewritten for a contemporary time it would be much more interesting to see the creator of a work take someone hostage who defiled it for profit. Again, I think it's ignorant to assume people don't like something because the narrative didn't meet their expectations, it's because it's quality didn't. Good video, but a lazy comparison there.

[@mateoairaudo5535]

Misery is so far my favourite movie based on a Stephen King book. Just superb. No ghosts, no big scenarios. Just two actors giving iconic performances, great suspense, and amazing directing by Reiner.

[@Raspberry0221]

You mentioning the book being as much about self destruction as it is fandom made me think: in a way King's "best" work being when he was at his worst point with drugs and alcohol lines up with Paul's "best" work happening while being tortured. Annie, like drugs, is both abusive and loving. Able to change on a dime. It's a interesting way to look at the story, I think.

[@dgentertainment4165]

@Ryan Hollinger i am a huge fan of your videos. So much insight into films that I have and haven't seen that i never thought about before

[@SergGirl]

Never fear, Ryan. I’ll hide out in your bushes to make sure nobody stalks you. :)

[@garyking1986]

I don’t really think the ending of the film undermines the messages. It still conveys the themes of toxic fandom and the pressure and expectations put on an artist. The only difference between the book and the film is that in the book the character learns the lesson after already falling prey to the things he feared, while in the film he’s able to overcome those fears and end up benefiting somewhat from his awful experience. One is definitely more optimistic with the other being much more nihilistic about it, but I think they both effectively convey the themes of the story in their own ways. It’s quite like the difference between the book and film versions of Doctor Sleep *(don’t worry, no spoilers)* where ultimately the themes of alcoholism and repeating the sins of the past still carried through, even if one version of the story ended much bleaker

[@MrJmuno]

I love as shes reading the final book, shes telling paul, and the audience, the pages shes up to, gradually getting closer to the end. As shes reading the book, we are gradually shown her insanity.We know shes going to explode when she finds out misery dies at the end. I loved that simple suspension. We are on the edge of our seats waiting to see how shes going to react. So good.

[@lozzimusprime]

The husband and me had a chat about the Star Wars fanbase last night and how frustrating it was that Rise of Skywalker was pretty much pampered to the hardcore fans, the ones who scream the loudest. I was raised on SW and RoS was awful to me, it felt like the bully fans got what they wanted and the studio buckled under pressure and gave them what they wanted, not what the studio had intended. Anyway, that's how I feel with Misery and Stephen King. You cant please everyone, it's not going to happen regardless of whom you are or what your profession is. It comes down to ppl not being fans of change and unfortunately that's life, it's full of it. I enjoyed this video bc the films from the 90s, the book from the 80s and yet both speak volumes in the social media era.

[@SaraHera88]

Never knew that Ryan was a fan of Dominic Noble (formerly known as The Dom), lol. My life is complete now. Amazing breakdown/analysis as always!

[@davidbjacobs3598]

Regarding the Oscars: while I definitely think Kathy Bates deserved her win here, it's interesting to hear someone go to bat for Caan who really is excellent here. Remember though that the Oscars HATE horror, and it's extremely rare for them to get anything. Bates' win is a very rare exception where the Academy chose to recognize a great performance in a horror movie for once. Also, the Academy tends to vote for "Most" over "Best." So even if Caan gave the better performance between the two (and I'm not saying he did, I think they're both excellent in different ways), Bates undeniably had "more" acting - more physicality, farther removal from reality, so forth. Similar to Phoenix vs Driver this past year - hard to say who gave the better performance, but Phoenix delivered "more" acting, so he took the trophy.

[@abbysol5812]

I feel like in a world of remakes and reboots Misery is a perfect story for a re-adaptation, the story alone is so much more relevant now then when it was made and you can update it into a more current setting to give it a different feel to this film. I do really love Kathy Bates in the film, her high energy and borderline cartoonishness makes it a weirdly fun movie for a film so dark, though I do also feel like James Caan's performance is really underrated, probably because Bates has such an oppressive presence in the film, which is by design I would imagine since she is the focus of the film with Caan acting more as an audience stand in.

[@Pusfilth]

Abbysol wrong

[@ajzeg01]

EVERY Star Wars fan MUST watch this film.

[@poeticalgore6500]

Annie is like Stephen King and Paul is like Stanley Kurbick when King was all butthurt about the movie The Shining. PS Misery is a real good movie (yes I've read all of King's real books...his horror before Gerald's Game).

[@CheziahKatt]

Talk about gatekeeping of the most pathetic nature

[@poeticalgore6500]

@@CheziahKatt That damn Stephen King!

[@blackguyofthesouth2161]

Well its his book and he has every right to not like the movie.

[@megan88]

You forgot to mention the original ending where the author was killd and the crasy fan just his skin for the cover to the book he route. But King got so scared of that ending that he changed It. He basicly had route himself into the novel and didnt like the idé of beeing murdered

[@katiewhelan6431]

9:30 "That's the inescapable truth of being a creator for an avid fanbase that basically worships something, the crazy fans, I'm not gonna list any names" Me: can think of at least three fandoms I was in Ryan: "cough Star Wars cough" Me: Oh. Yeah, I guess that's one too

[@Filmation77]

This can also apply to Comic Book Writers who try to update, re-invent, or take an Iconic Comic book Character in a different direction

[@ThrottleKitty]

I still kinda want that video on The Shining though :(

[@MichelleScott]

Same.

[@1neOfN0ne]

First time I ever watched Misery was my first day back from the hospital. I was there for a week because of a car accident where I shattered my ankle among other injuries. The scene where she hits hit ankles with the sledge hammer made me literally vomit and nearly pass out. I will NEVER forget watching that scene and I always skip past it now

[@Firegen1]

Hands down one of my favourite films. Cheers Ryan

[@johnrhowley]

Can I just say that Misery is my all time favorite thriller film. I honesty believe it is the best combination of comedy, horror, and adaptation put on a screen. Not to mention that Kathy Bates may have delivered one of the absolute premier performances of all time. I could write a book about this movie lol

[@ash12181987]

That hobbling scene is one of the top 2 scenes I have trouble watching. It's that, and Joe Pesci's death in Casino.

[@crotchkicker666]

Hey man, cool analysis of the book/ movie, but I completely disagree with your opinion about the ending. After reading the book, I felt one of the most important aspects of it was how through all of the trauma, his creativity and love for writing was all he had left to keep him trying to live. At first he wrote because Annie made him, but he eventually became engrossed in the book himself and used it as motivation to keep him alive. Yes, he suffers a lot in the book and has a lot of brutal memories/ptsd from Annie, but I felt that the whole thesis of the book was the importance of his creativity, which he had previously lost touch with, and his ability to forget about the pain of the current moment with his mind. Overall, good vid though, king is the GOAT

[@zantos45]

As a Star Wars fan, I thought about the fan base a LOT during this video

[@alysiamerdavid-wasser9165]

Without access to the book, all I have is my terrified memory of the film. I thought Bates should get more work, and was delighted that she did. She's become one of my favorite actresses, and I'm so grateful that she was cast in this.✌

[@firemiracle]

I really love how misery represents the horrible toxic side of fandoms. "Fans" who are crazy angry people who go crazy just cuz things don't go their way with their favorite shows or movies. A good example has to be the steven universe fandom, as much as i love that show, i can agree with why many people are creeped out with the toxic side of the fandom, like some of those toxic people started to hate on a fanartist just cuz she drew the character rose quartz skinny, they even went far by sending her death threats, it got bad that the girl tried to take her own life!! Luckily she did survived though, and she doing pretty good today. But what sickens me is that the same people who harassed her got very mad when they heard that she didn't died. Like how can those people show no regret or guilt for what they almost done??? There was also a time when a member of the crewniverse shipped amethyst and peridot but then of course the toxic side attacks once again, but this time it was the shippers who went crazy. It's cuz one of the most popular ships in SU is lapis and peridot, and when these hardcore lapidot shippers found out that this crewniverse member shipped amethyst and peridot, they just started to hate her and harass her in her twitter. The poor woman couldn't take it anymore that she deleted her twitter. It's just sad when people become so obsessed with what they like. Yea, it is fun to be a big fan of a book, movie, video game, or show, but we also must put limits in what we love.

[@r.babylon2885]

"But she doesn't even know what she wants..." Star wars fandom.

[@damo9961]

Something half good at least please*

[@Pusfilth]

LizardLick Crowing yes

[@Pusfilth]

LizardLick Crowing I hope you’re not an adult.

[@r.babylon2885]

@@lizardlickcrowing4793 No, but the problem is that is what most star wars fans say. So it becomes hard to tell the difference.

[@r.babylon2885]

@@lizardlickcrowing4793 It's hard to tell the difference between the toxic star wars fans who don't know what they want and the ones who do. For me, as an example, every fan I've personally met has said the same thing you have. You just want a good movie. But none of them have been able to specify. It's just generalizations. "You know, good writing. Action." That's not really anything specific.

[@chrislawson1988]

They did a great job bringing back.Annie and the actress did a great job in castle rock season two. Every time I see the original actress i see the actress from the tv show. That was cool and so is this video. Thank you your videos are so awesome thank you for your hard work and clips you used

[@MrTantrill]

Eyes of the Dragon is a pretty good book. I wish it would get a big budget movie version. I think it would be fun to watch play out.

[@oliviav.3565]

I just re-read Eyes of the Dragon. It is indeed a good book.

[@mrcliff3709]

Make it animated

[@92JazzQueen]

@@mrcliff3709 You read my mind. I want it to be animated. I am surprised it didn't get one in the 90's.

[@mrcliff3709]

@@92JazzQueen thanks and yes I'm surprised it didn't. I pictured Ralph Bakshi doing it

[@92JazzQueen]

@@mrcliff3709 At that time, Bakshi got disillusioned with making movies after Cool World, so I doubt he would have been interested in making another one.

[@pdzombie1906]

Probably someone already mention it, but King describes in his book 'On Writing' how Misery is pretty much about his addictions and the comfort zone they create... Thanx!!!

[@misterpeterman]

Personally, I freaking loved The Eyes of the Dragon. I couldn’t put that book down.

[@GabeDoppel]

You're a godsend, I finished watching all of your videos last night, pleasant surprise!!

[@nickydtrades8923]

Super eye patch wolf’s video on the shining is also excellent. Great video Ryan!

[@RyanHollinger]

Big recommendation from me!

[@lunarose698]

The scene when Annie cuts Paul's foot off was supposed to be in the film, I think. And it bugged Bates to no end that they didn't use that outcome.

[@CocktailsConsoles]

YES!! More Stephen King please! Would love to dig into some less popular titles like The Dark Half and Tommyknockers 😄

[@looney1023]

Disagree wholeheartedly about Kathy Bates. Her performance was incredible, and the "chemistry" between her and Caan was done so well. Also, fun fact, Kathy Bates' Oscar is the only Oscar ever awarded to a film based on a Stephen King novel, as of 2020. Nothing for The Shining, The Shawshank Redemption, or The Green Mile. Just Misery.

[@blackguyofthesouth2161]

Don't forget Carrie (nomination wise)

[@Mr4thDoctor]

Thank you for pointing out how The Shining movie overshadows the book, Ryan. While I like the movie, there are a lot of elements of the book I prefer over it (like the more humanized portrayal of Jack Torrance). Anyway, thank you reminding me of Misery. I think this movie’s metaphor for fandom is a lot more relevant more today. But that could just be me, because I’ve become disgusted and exhausted on how toxic and entitled fandoms can be. And this not only extends to fandoms, but a lot of nerd culture as well. Hell, I kept thinking of the Star Wars fandom when you brought up traits of a terrible fandom, and then laughed when you name dropped Star Wars. Also, those are bold words of you saying Bates is miscasted as Annie Wilkes, but at least you backed up your reasoning.