"Paul Sheldon used to write for a living. Now, he’s writing to stay alive."
Misery - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
I'm your number one fan.
— Annie Wilkes
Context:
Spoken by Annie when she first introduces herself to the bedridden Paul, establishing the power dynamic immediately.
Meaning:
The defining line of the film. It initially sounds like a compliment but quickly becomes a terrifying declaration of ownership and obsession.
He didn't get out of the COCKADOODIE CAR!
— Annie Wilkes
Context:
Annie screams this at Paul after reading a chapter where he cheats a character out of a death scene, terrifying him with her sudden explosion of rage over a plot point.
Meaning:
Showcases Annie's childish yet violent censorship of reality. It reveals her inability to accept narrative cheating and her demand for 'fairness' in fiction, even while she acts insanely in reality.
You dirty bird!
— Annie Wilkes
Context:
Used by Annie to scold Paul, treating him like a naughty child rather than a hostage.
Meaning:
Annie's unique, sanitized profanity which makes her character even more unsettling. It juxtaposes a matronly, scolding tone with actual murderous intent.
Misery Chastain cannot be dead!
— Annie Wilkes
Context:
Annie confronts Paul after finishing his latest published book, realizing he killed her favorite character. She is shaken to her core and enraged.
Meaning:
The catalyst for the film's horror. It represents the refusal of the fan to accept the artist's vision, prioritizing their own emotional comfort over the story's truth.
I put two bullets in my gun. One for me, and one for you. Oh darling, it will be so beautiful.
— Annie Wilkes
Context:
Annie calmly explains her plan to Paul near the film's climax, believing their deaths will unite them eternally.
Meaning:
Reveals Annie's ultimate plan: a murder-suicide pact. It signifies the end of Paul's time—he is no longer writing for his life, but writing for his death.