1408 (2007):
Starring: John Cusak, Samuel J Jackson
The cynical and skeptical writer Mike Enslin writes books evaluating
supernatural phenomena in hotels, graveyards and other haunted places,
usually debunking the mystery. While writing his latest book, he travels
from Los Angeles to New York to spend one night in the Dolphin Hotel's
evil room 1408, which is permanently unavailable for guests. The
reluctant manager Mr. Gerald Olin objects to his request and offers an
upgrade, expensive booze and finally relates the death of more than
fifty guests over decades in the cursed room. However Mike threatens Mr.
Olin, promising to sue the hotel, and is finally allowed to check into
the room. Later in the night, he finds that guests of room 1408, once
they have checked in, might never leave the room alive.
My thoughts:
Stephen King has not been very successful when it comes to movies made from his books but this one is a little gem. You are not so much shown the horror as given little glimpses to make you feel the suspense - this is psychological horror at it's best.
John Cusak is an expert at playing a tortured hero and in 1408 he becomes the cynical cult story writer trying to show that this hotel and it's ghost is just a scam. I am hesitant to say anymore - you don't want to be robbed of all the shocking, scary moments.
Also watch out for the alternative ending . . . I am not sure which one I prefer . . .
I really need to find the novella as I have not read the original pages. I have heard that the movie is very close to the short story.
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