1408: An Unexpected Summer Hit
The release of films like “1408” doesn’t usually come with a lot of fanfare. The cast, while recognizable, isn’t made up of A-list superstars – featuring John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, and Mary McCormack. There were no reports of on-set drama, feuds, or romances. And while Stephen King penned the screenplay, he’s written countless others. Plus, the budget was relatively modest by Hollywood standards at $25 million. Yet, “1408” emerged as one of the most surprisingly enjoyable films of the summer.
Despite its low-key release, “1408” generated considerable buzz, primarily surrounding the allegedly difficult nature of its director, Swedish filmmaker Mikael Håfström (whose Hollywood debut was “Derailed” (2005) with Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owen). He reportedly clashed with King, ultimately insisting on removing the author’s signature psychological elements and rewriting the ending. What King had in mind remains a mystery, but the final version, while not particularly mind-blowing, isn’t dull either. Ultimately, the resolution of the story is less significant and captivating than the narrative itself.
The Premise
The plot revolves around Mike Enslin (John Cusack), a writer who makes a living debunking paranormal myths. He spends nights in hotels that lure guests with brochures boasting about ghostly encounters. After consuming copious amounts of alcohol, Enslin sleeps soundly, naturally failing to encounter any supernatural phenomena. The next morning, he adds a scathing chapter to his book, exposing the deceptive owners. He rates the “creepiness” of each hotel on a ten-skull scale. “I’ll give it six, no, five skulls for poor service,” Enslin mutters, draining the last of his drink. In short, he’s a complete non-believer in paranormal activity. That is, until he checks into the infamous room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel, despite the grim warnings of the hotel’s manager, Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson). “I’m not worried about you; I just don’t want to clean up the mess afterward,” Olin says. “Sure, sure,” Cusack’s character replies, closing the door and… entering hell.
A Psychological Thriller
“1408” is a surprisingly effective film. What was marketed as another generic blend of horror and supernatural thriller turned out to be a serious and powerful psychological drama about a man who has experienced a terrible tragedy and tried to bury the memory deep within his subconscious. In the sinister room, Mike’s nightmares materialize. Director Håfström and writer King seem to be suggesting that by hiding unpleasant memories in the dusty corners of our minds, we only exacerbate our depression. Eventually, it will overwhelm us. In this sense, watching “1408” is akin to visiting a psychotherapist.
The immediate thought after watching the film is: what fears would materialize if you were, God forbid, in room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel?