1408: Just a couple of numbers
There are a lot of superstitious folks out there who believe in numbers. As in, some believe that number 13 is unlucky and that number 7 is lucky. Most hotels and building don’t even have a 13 th floor to them. So what is so special about room 1408? Well, if you check, it does add up to 13. Besides, when the unanimous king of horror, Stephen King says that there is something about room 1408, I’d believe there is. Among the score of horror novels and stories that this celebrated author has written, 1408 is one of the most chilling. Why? Because it is pure, unadulterated horror. Forgive me, but I believe that blood and gore just ruin the effect of horror. In fact, the very fact that there is something really disgusting in front of you makes you forget about the horror element. In this movie, director Mikael Hafstrom has beautifully adapted this spine chilling short story from King’s vast collection and has created horrifying magic.
Rating: 3/5
Mary McCormack in 1408
The story is about a famous fiction writer, Michael Enslin (John Cusack) who leaves the realm of normal fiction and enters the world of the supernatural. He plans to write a book titled Ten Nights in Haunted Hotel Rooms. For this, he travels around the world and lives in rooms that are supposed to be haunted. One day, he gets a mysterious message telling him to stay away from room 1408 at The Dolphin hotel. Intrigued, he does the exact opposite. He finds out from the hotel manager Gerald Olin (Samuel L Jackson) that a large number of deaths have taken place in the room and it is strictly of limits for guests. With a lot of pushing and shoving, he finally manages to get into the room and settles down there. But there are some things that won’t make his stay too pleasant. As the days pass, the room begins to pull Enslin into its world and it’s not a very nice one.
John Cusack in 1408
The plot has been done so beautifully-it is remarkable. The storyline also is tight and free of drops. Mikael Hafstrom runs a neat school; it is visible in the film. The best part is that he does not retort to the normal tactics that most directors use in this genre. The absence of it all just makes you go mad with frenzy and nervous tension.
John Cusack in 1408
The actors are sparse but they are brilliant at what they do. John Cusack has given one of the best performances of his career. This role demands everything and then some; Cusack has given it his all and has come out with flying colors. One man locked inside his room-the frustration, the tension, the anger, and fear-it all boils down to basic emotions and they are all visible on his face, in his movements and in his thoughts. Jackson has a brief role, but it has been done with such mastery that he makes you remember Olin. Though a normal manager on face value, a lot more is there under his skin. A man of many colors, you don’t know till the end if he is just an innocent guy or a part of the evil.
John Cusack and Jasmine Jessica Anthony in 1408
I strongly recommend this film to all movie watchers because even if you are not a horror freak, you will love the film.
Rating: 3/5
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