1408 (2007)

Director: Mikael Håfström
Format: Theater
Starring: John Cusack, Samuel Jackson, Jasmine Jessica Anthony, Mary McCormack
Trailer

I do not, in general, seek out movies based on Stephen King novels. In fact, I usually avoid them. The only exception to that has been The Shining. However, it is rumored that the author of the book did not agree with Kubrick’s adaptation. I stopped being able to stomach King’s writing after my freshman year in high school. Until that point, I’d read many of his earlier novels and my favorite was the collection of shorts entitled, “Skeleton Crew”. Aside from the afore mentioned film, most movies based on King’s books are terribly scripted and painful to watch. I cannot claim to have read 1408 and therefore cannot vouch for the movie’s accuracy.

The trailer for 1408 is a bit misleading. It explains that Mike Enslin (John Cusack), after having suffered the loss of his young daughter, becomes obsessed with the paranormal and seeks out his child’s ghost. While that idea can certainly be interpreted from the film, it’s not the main plot point or even openly stated. Mr. Enslin is a writer (surprised?) who is sarcastic, cynical, borderline alcoholic, and does not believe in ghosts or the afterlife. He travels the country, checking into purportedly haunted places of lodging and publishing his reviews in guides like, “Top 10 Spooky Graveyards” or “10 Haunted Lighthouses” (I made those titles up). Judging from his small array of ghost hunting gadgets though, he does appear to be seeking proof to challenge his skepticism. When he receives a mysterious postcard warning him to stay away from room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel, naturally, that’s the first place he goes. After a wordy argument with the hotel’s manager, Gerald Olin (Samuel Jackson), Enslin steps up to the challenge and enters room 1408. This time, he’s not disappointed.

John Cusack has proven himself, to me at least, to be a very solid actor. I am pleased that he didn’t sink in the mire of his 1980’s chick-flick past as so many stars of the time did. It’s a good thing too, because 1408 is primarily a one man show, with most of the film taking place while Enslin is alone in the hotel room. (I use the word “alone” very loosely in this instance.) He is terrific at playing the cynical type, as in High Fidelity, which makes him a great skeptic ghost hunter. Samuel Jackson is also known to give a solid performance. Although his character has a very minor role in the story, it is chock full of the type of dialog delivery the actor became known for in Pulp Fiction. The rest of the actors appear only briefly here and there. As usual, the child annoyed me to death.

1408 gave me some serious acid flashbacks. Seriously. Some of the special effects were a bit hokey. Specifically, Olin’s appearance in the refrigerator. However, I can honestly say that at least the first portion of the film had me drawing my feet up onto the seat. (Ever get that feeling that something’s just about to grab your ankles?) There are a few glaring continuity errors. The most obvious is the fact that, despite being told that electronics do not function in room 1408, Enlin is able to operate his cell phone, his laptop, the radio and light switches. It might have been interesting to delve more closely into the individual ghosts haunting the room, but the movie focuses most directly on Enlin’s inner psyche and past. His daughter’s death from an undisclosed illness and his subsequent separation from his wife plague him as the main terrors of room 1408. There are some hints during the film of what the ending will look like, but just when you might think it’s over – it’s not.

So, it appears that 1408 has entered the elite ranks of the two Stephen King movies I can stand. A surprising thumbs up. It is a commonly known bit of trivia that the author appears in every one of his films (except The Shining), just like Hitchcock and, now, Shyamalan. I didn’t notice him myself, but maybe you can spot him.

Overall Rating: 4
Hottie Rating: 1 (eh, Cusack's not bad)

Alternate viewing: Night Watch (Russia)
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