Directed by:
Mikael HåfströmCinematography:
Benoît DelhommeComposer:
Gabriel YaredCast:
John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack, Tony Shalhoub, Len Cariou, Andrew Lee Potts, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Benny Urquidez, Johann Urb, Angel Oquendo (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
Based on a short story by Stephen King, a man who specializes in debunking the paranormal checks into the infamous room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel, only to discover the terror is real. (official distributor synopsis)
Videos (2)
Reviews (10)
John Cusack's tears are probably just as unbelievable and implausible as this whole film. Thematically, it is quite interesting, but as I reflect on the supernatural films of recent years, 1408 doesn't come close in terms of plot. At the same time, I have to admit that dealing with such a screenplay is an incredibly difficult thing, and it definitely required a more experienced director than this unknown Norseman; they didn't manage to squeeze out much out of it. The beginning is simple with the characters being outlined, and things start to escalate as soon as Cusack enters that room, but mostly in an unoriginal way. Violent jump-scares, the tension, instead of coming from the camera work or directing, comes from loud music and some noisy sound, the plot is fairly flat and monotonous, with dreadfully cliché family background. In short, there are quite a few shortcomings. There are a few good things: excellent sound, quality visuals, and a relatively fast pace. I won't go deep on the insanely convoluted ending for safety's sake, that's a chapter in itself.
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1408 is not exceptional either in terms of script quality or directorial approach, but at the same time, it is an honest genre film without unpleasant mistakes and pandering. In the flood of endless teenage massacres, inconspicuous vampire and zombie slasher films, and cheap thefts of famous films from the past, this psycho-horror feels honestly old-fashioned according to the rules of the old genre school. In addition, Cusack acts excellently and Samuel L. Jackson complements him very well in the smaller role of the hotel manager. The appropriate duration and several decent special effects scenes with a functioning atmosphere make this film an above-average work in its genre. Overall impression: 70%.
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I like Stephen King a lot. It's just that not all adaptations of his books are excellent. Unfortunately, I haven't had the privilege of reading the book, so I can't compare this time, but if I were to rate the movie, and I probably should since I'm typing this blabber here, it would be four stars. But for what, though? For the atmosphere? John Cusack's performance? The storyline? The satisfying ending, where the wife's bulging eyes confirm that her husband really did experience something? I add it up, I scratch twice, and yeah, it's a well-deserved 4 stars. Definitely for me.
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I was expecting a cynical hero locked in a scary room. And I got a cynical hero with past trauma locked in a treacherous room, which can scare you so much that unexpected visitors will not be welcome at that moment. Even in the horror genre, there is occasionally a surprise that won't easily leave your mind and that you would gladly experience again, despite the unpleasant dose of fear. This is an honor won also by John Cusack's The Raven.
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A great film. From the horrifying "audio story" of my beloved SK came an above-average film in all respects, which brings back memories of the good old days when the word horror didn't just mean dozens of disgustingly slit throats, piles of disemboweled intestines and a poor atmosphere. I have no reservations about the way the filmmakers handled the subject matter. The short original text was obviously not enough for the whole film, so a lot of things had to be thought out. But even the added passages feel like they are straight out of Stephen King! I was staring... Admiration must go to the director, the special effects team and especially John Cusack, who simply excels in this film about one progressively mad author. And so I thought - if I gave five stars to Darabont's The Mist, why not give them to 1408? One of King's best adaptations.
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