1408
released 2007
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“1408” is an American horror, thriller based on Stephen King´s short story of the same name. It was produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and directed by Mikael Håfström. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, John Cusack, Paul Birchard, Margot Leicester, Tony Shalhoub, Walter Lewis, Eric Meyers, David Nicholson, Holly Hayes, Alexandra Silber, Johann Urb, Andrew Lee Potts, Emily Harvey, Bill Armstrong, Kim, Thomson, Drew Powell, Noah Lee Margetts, Gil Cohen-Alloro, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Benny Urquidez, Mary McCormack, Jasmine Jessica Anthony, Len Cariou, Ray Nichols, Tina Maskell and many more.

1408 IMDb webpage

“1408” is the story of full time drinker and writer on the supernatural Mike Enslin, played by John Cusack, who takes up a challenge to investigate a hotel room in the hotel called the Dolphin. Now it´s important to say that he has lost his daughter and is estranged from his wife. His whole life has gone to crap and so he has a type of cynicism that hides his pain and bitterness. When he arrives at the Dolphin Hotel he is warned not to stay in room 1408 by the hotel manager Gerald Olin, played by Samuel L. Jackson. He ignores the warning and horror ensues.

“1408” is an interesting horror story that tries to look at the bad part of a character´s soul, the character here being Mike. However, what this story gets wrong is to confuse bitterness and pain with evil in someone´s soul. I understand why a person who lost their child would delve into writing of supernatural events and become bitter. The broken marriage is another understandable story element but somehow the blame always seems to fall on Mike. We see his flaws in character but not so much the forces that brought those flaws on.

There is an aspect of horror regarding the character of Mike that this story does get right. I don´t want to give away any spoilers but pay attention to the beach scenes. <hint> The hotel is called The Dolphin. <hint> watch the role water plays in the story. This story is also about denial on the part of Mike and purgatory. That is what the story gets right.

In spite of some film flaws “1408” is a good horror flick. It does a very good job of creating a supernatural world the main character is trapped in. Mike tries and tries to get out but meets with horror every time. The film could be called `Mike´s Nightmare´.

This movie is a good watch. I recommend it as a must see.

John

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