Cusack has room to shine in King’s ‘1408’

While many book-to-movie adaptations fall flat, “1408” is sure to please. Originally a short story by Stephen King, a master of psychologically twisted novels and short stories, “1408” is an equally warped movie that was released this past Friday.

“1408” is a short story from King’s collection “Everything’s Eventual” which also includes stories such as “Autopsy Room Four” in which a man is sent to his autopsy — alive.

Fans of King will remember “Secret Window”, the most recent film based on one of his short stories starring Johnny Depp. The horror that faced Mort Rainey is nothing compared to what Mike Enslin (John Cusack) faces in room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel in New York City.

Enslin is a struggling author who discredits ghost stories at haunted locations across the country. As the movie opens, he is arriving at The Weeping Beech, a small bed and breakfast in what seems to be the middle of nowhere. After a comical exchange with the proprietors, he settles into a room on the third floor.

Clearly an expert in the supernatural, Enslin uses technology to test for the paranormal. He thoroughly investigates the room then makes himself comfortable with the inn’s version of a minibar. After an uneventful night, he leaves, recording his thoughts on a small tape recorder. He gives the inn five out of ten “skulls”, which is his measurement of how eerie a given location is in reality.

Enslin lives in L.A. when he is not researching for his next book. At home, he receives a postcard that simply warns “Don’t Stay in 1408” with a picture of the Dolphin Hotel.

Intrigued, Enslin flies to New York and attempts to check in. His name is flagged in the computer and the manager Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson) is called.

He attempts to talk Enslin out of staying in the room, offering him bribes as well as facts that over 50 deaths have occurred in the room. Olin also says that no one has ever lasted more than an hour in the room.

Determined to get the story, Enslin checks into Room 1408. While the room seems normal during his first inspection, things go downhill quickly as the unflappable Enslin begins to become frightened.

The clock on his night stand begins to malfunction, the numbers spin until finally landing at 60:00. Momentarily baffled, Enslin is horrified as it begins to countdown to zero and he remembers Olin’s cryptic warning that “no one has lasted longer than an hour”.

As the counter ticks away, Enslin realizes that he must face his worst fear in order to have a chance of escaping.

The film is terrifying. Even the most seasoned thriller buffs will find themselves flinching in their seats. At one showing audience members screamed out loud during some of the scenes.

Cusack gives an outstanding performance as Enslin. As the only actor on screen for most of the movie, he is able to hold the attention of the audience without leaving them feeling bored. Much of the tension is created by Enslin’s slow descent into insanity.

Using Enslin’s rating system: 10 skulls

Grade: A