Misery 1990: Is It Truly a Horror Movie?

When evaluating Misery (1990) as a horror film, opinions vary widely based on personal interpretation and the nuances of the genre. While it is certainly a story that can be classified as a thriller or suspense movie, whether it fits comfortably into the horror category is a matter of debate.

An Overview of Misery (1990)

Written by Stephen King, Misery explores a haunting tale of a troubled woman who becomes a malum fan of a famous author, resulting in a terrifying encounter marked by kidnapping, torture, and a well-crafted struggle for survival. Despite its critical acclaim and lasting impact, some wonder if it truly measures up as a horror movie.

Stephen King's Definition of Horror

Stephen King wrote Danse Macabre (1981), where he delves into the essence of horror, terror, and suspense. His own definition of horror is pivotal in understanding why Misery might not fully qualify as a horror movie. According to King, horror is characterized by the feeling that there is no escape from the nightmare it presents, a sense that the situation is inescapable and the human condition is relentlessly put to the test.

The Elements of Horror vs. Misery (1990)

Misery tells a compelling story of a victimized author who is held captive and experiencing immense mental and physical torture. However, the fundamental element that defines horror as King describes it is missing in Misery. Horror, in his view, must create an indelible sense of terror that lingers and affects the viewer deeply, leading to a need to "talk themselves down" to regain security.

In Misery, the author's trauma and the kidnapper's actions, while vivid and disturbing, do not create the necessary cultural or existential dread that King associates with the horror genre. The story does not instill a feeling that the threat is inescapable or that the scenario could replicate in reality with devastating effects. It is a narrative of violence and fear, but perhaps not in the way traditional horror movies typically do.

Reasons Misery (1990) Falls Short as a Horror Movie

King argues that horror needs to evoke the feeling that the audience is in constant peril, a danger that remains even when the immediate threat is gone. This could be likened to the classic horror trope of a creature that keeps returning, or a threat that is ever-present and can never be fully resolved. However, in Misery, the author's suffering, while undeniably intense, does not create this inescapable dread.

For example, if we take a simpler horror story like Friday the 13th, Hellraiser, or Halloween, the creatures and antagonists are essentially undefeatable, symbolizing an external threat that is always looming. The fear is not just in the moment but persists in the knowledge that the horror will reappear.

In contrast, the real-world threats of war, starvation, and disease are constant and inescapable, evoking a form of dread that is more fundamental and pervasive than what is portrayed in Misery. These existential fears are often what truly define horror, creating a lasting impact that is much more profound than the physical or mental trauma depicted in the movie.

Conclusion

While Misery (1990) is a compelling and disturbing narrative, it falls short of the true essence of horror as defined by Stephen King. It lacks the inescapable dread that defines the genre, instead focusing on psychological and physical fear within a defined and ultimately escapable scenario. Whether Misery is a horror movie is subjective and depends on one's interpretation of the genre.

Keywords: Misery 1990, Stephen King, horror movie