5. BROKEN BONES: Snap, crackle, “cease… is it protruding?”
Distress
Escape the cigarettes and Dom Perignon! For right this moment’s “damaged bones” immediate, we’re watching a film with probably the most memorable bone-breaking scenes in popular culture historical past: the 1990 movie adaptation of Stephen King’s psychological horror thriller Distress. James Caan stars as Paul Sheldon, a wry romance novelist who resents his bestselling Distress collection. After he breaks each his legs in a automotive crash, he will get taken in by his self-proclaimed “primary fan” Annie Wilkes. Sadly for him, Annie’s obvious generosity is rapidly revealed to be a terrifying, all-consuming obsession, as she holds him captive in her house and forces him to write down a brand new Distress novel only for her.
This film has every part: A pet pig, a cameo by Lauren Bacall as Paul’s agent, a sickening ankle crunch, and probably the most harrowing manuscript-burning scenes this aspect of Little Ladies. However the unmistakable standout is Kathy Bates’ breakthrough Oscar-winning efficiency because the fanatical Annie. She’s an surprising villain, peppering her speech with folksy pretend swear phrases like “cockadoodie,” “oogy,” and “soiled birdy” and morphing from saccharine to furious on the drop of a hat. It might be straightforward to make Annie right into a caricaturish monster, however Bates deftly performs her with a contact of pathos, such which you could’t assist however really feel just a bit bit sympathetic for her.
It’s not onerous to see why Stephen King himself has mentioned that is one in every of his prime 5 favourite movie variations of his books and why he considers Wilkes his favourite of all his literary creations. Despite the fact that it was made 33 years in the past, the film’s exploration of crazed, entitled fandom feels simply as related to the zeitgeist right this moment, with celebrities like Chappell Roan receiving backlash for talking out in opposition to stalkerish conduct. As I watch Annie demand Paul’s affection and scold him for being unappreciative of her cooking and caretaking, I consider the lyrics of Boygenius’ track “Chew the Hand,” written concerning the strain of followers’ expectations: “Here is the most effective half distilled for you / However you need what I can not give to you / Your arms are gravity whereas my arms are tied / I can not love you ways you need me to… What do you assume will change? / Perhaps I’m afraid of you… I am going to chunk the hand that feeds me.”
The Stranger is collaborating in Scarecrow Video’s Psychotronic Problem all month lengthy! Each October, Scarecrow places collectively an inventory of cinematic themes and invitations of us to observe alongside and watch a horror, sci-fi, or fantasy flick that meets the standards. This yr, Stranger staffers are becoming a member of the enjoyable and we’re going to share our each day suggestions right here on Slog! Learn extra about Scarecrow’s 2024 problem—and get the watch record—right here. And you’ll observe our each day suggestions right here! 💀