1408 - Director's Cut Edition [2007] - DVD (John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack, Tony Shalhoub, Jasmine Anthony - Dir: Mikael Hafstrom)

Conclusive proof both that one man can power a horror film, and also that John Cusack is one of the most believable actors of his generation, 1408 is an entertaining and surprisingly effective Stephen King adaptation, albeit one that runs out of steam by the final reel.

The premise finds Cusack's character as an author of paranormal books, even though he doesn't believe in such things himself. However, when researching his latest work, he checks into the mysterious room 1408 at The Dolphin Hotel in New York, managed by Samuel L Jackson in an effective cameo. But room 1408 is a room where nobody has lasted more than an hour in it, and thus Cusack considers it the perfect location for some book research.

It's in the build up of its premise where 1408 is very much at its strongest. Cusack is a compelling guide through the story, and the film delivers some effective chills and jumps as the tension ratchets up. Into the final act and this control is relaxed, and as a result some of the potential is wasted, but you're still hard-pushed to feel short-changed as the credits role. For 1408 proves to be both an effective little horror film, and one of the best Stephen King adaptations in many, many years. --Simon Brew

Customer Reviews of 1408 - Director's Cut Edition [2007]

C. M. Egglestone

9th November 2008

Thought provoking horror
I am one of those people who don't like lots of gore in their films - so this satisfied completely. It had its "jumpy" moments - but overall managed to be really creepy and scary without the need for loads of violence and left you questioning all the way through - nothing was predictable - which kept me glued. Even at the end I still wasn't sure how the room came about - but that is Stephen King for you - he doesnt fill in all the blanks so it as you perseive it. Excellant film would recommend.

Chris Wood
UK
4th November 2008

Excellent shocker, very effective
A good Stephen King adaptation can make for a great film and while this is no Shawshank Redemption, it stands as a strong horror movie and one with a very creepy atmosphere and some great, jump in your seats moments.

John Cusack's performance holds this film together and he is very impressive as a writer whose job involves exposing haunting as fake. His cynical hack attitude makes the rising tension that much more effective. We see someone doubting his sanity and beliefs as the things he sees appear increasingly impossible.

Samuel L Jackson gives strong support as the hotel manager who tries to persuade him against staying in the cursed room. This is a very good shocker, strongly recommended.

Paul Doc Green
UK
31st October 2008

Not your typical Horror - Not a bad thing!!
This film starts off nice and easy, developing the situation smoothly into what I thought was a typical horror film. It turns out to be a very intruiging psychological thriller which keeps you engrossed throughout. It has a great mood, a mixture of suspense, fear, claustrophobia and suprisingly sadness. John Cusack is a decent actor and suits the part of a distressed father who has lost his daughter (not giving the plot away too much) very well. I thought the balance of fear and gentle emotion was excellent. Dont be fooled into thinking this is your classic slash/hack horror, watch with an open mind and you will be very suprised

louismcgregor76
uk
28th October 2008

ROOM 1408
Just thought this film was poor and it should have been a lot better if you would like a marke out of 10 it will be a 4/10

H. Serkan SILAHSOR
Ankara, TURKEY
3rd September 2008

Surprisingly good...
One of the most elaborate horror/thrillers I've watched for quite a long time. At first look, the premise of the film suggests that it is just another trite and cliche-drenched tale of a "haunted place"; but as the story unfolds, the essence of the film turns out to be a different. Having a plot somewhat reminiscent of some old Stephen King adaptations like "The Shining" and "Rose Red", "1408" has lots of twists and turns with more than enough depth and dimension, working both paranormal and psychological level.

Today's horror/thrillers depend too much on graphic violence; where blood, gore, decapitations, and dismembered bodies galore. But here, the film's appeal comes from its effectiveness in creating a foreboding mood and claustrophobic feel of a Kafkaesque hotel room, capturing the essence of King's story very well. Not overly violent and with almost no blood and gore, the villain of the story is not a psychopathic killer, pervert, monster, specter or a mutant, it's the room itself. John Cushack does a good job by being the vainly struggling foe of this evil and mysterious room.

This "Director's Cut Edition" - 8 minutes longer than the Theatrical Edition - has some minor but interesting variations and has vastly different alternate ending, which makes the film more complete and realistic, as far as I'm concerned.

To sum up, "1408" can be seen as a confusing mess and it might be quite a difficult watch for some, but ultimately rewarding if you invest enough time and patience to sit through. (3.8/5.0)