1408
1408: ROLLERCOASTER OF A MOVIE
1408, directed by Mikael Hafstrom (Derailed), is based on a Stephen King story. The movie is haunting and spooky. Hotel rooms will never look the same. Nightmares are played out before our hero’s eyes. Our hero, John Cusack, steps up his usual acting to portray a writer who goes to stay in room 1408 and debunk its paranormal activity. It is scary with twists and turns that just when you think you have caught your breath, the rug is pulled out from underneath you.
Mike Enslin (John Cusack) is a writer who visits haunted locales and details them in his books. He receives a postcard that tells him not to visit room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel in New York. When he calls the hotel, they tell him the room is not available. Intrigued, he arranges through his publisher to stay in the room overnight. After arriving, he meets with the manager, Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson). Mr. Olin tries to persuade Mike to not stay in the room. He offers him expensive booze and provides details of the numerous deaths that have occurred in the room, explaining that nobody has lasted more than an hour. Mike is undeterred. Once Mike has entered the room and the door has shut behind him, he enters his own personal Hell.
It is for good reason that Stephen King is known for his terrifying stories. He knows how to draw you in. He uses humor in 1408. He doesn’t give everything away in the first 10 minutes. He has faith in his audience. Every detail in the hotel room lends itself to the story or makes you suspect something. Mike Enslin is broken down slowly and tortuously. You don’t know if he is hallucinating or if the room is truly evil. There is one point that Mike is given supposed relief. But just as he starts to relax this reprieve is taken from him. This is the highlight of the film. Cusack is a pro at playing the arrogant everyman. His body language and facial expressions betray his confidence as he starts to lose it. The movie is a one man show for Cusack with Samuel L. Jackson and Mary McCormack (as his wife Lily) merely as supporting players. The hotel room is truly the antagonist to Cusack’s protagonist. The room’s paintings, carpet stain, alarm clock, etc. all contribute to his insanity. “We’ve Only Just Begun” plays on the clock radio periodically to remind Mike that he isn’t winning their game. There is even the token Stephen King touch of blood coming out of the walls.
The film is a constant of ups and downs, building to an expected climactic scene. But the ending leaves itself open to interpretation and never gives us the strong finish we are looking for. I am reminded of the ending in another Stephen King film, It, where the evil that has been terrorizing turns into a spider.
1408 is a thrilling, scary ride. You don’t expect anything less of Stephen King. It is a refreshing change of pace for John Cusack. Even with a weak ending, the film leaves you wanting more.
Report Card:
Story-B
Acting-B
Visuals-A
Originality/Innovation-B
Enjoyability Grade–B+
Overall Grade-B
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