The tense Stephen King thriller about a novelist held captive by his ‘number one fan’ was filmed in the snowbound Sierra Nevada – around Truckee, California, and the mountains of Nevada – whose isolation gives the film its dread.
Where was Misery filmed?
Misery was filmed in the Sierra Nevada – Truckee, California and the Nevada mountains – with studio work in Los Angeles.
Every Misery location, explained
1
The mountain road – Truckee
The snowy crash and remote setting used Truckee in the California Sierra Nevada.
2
The Nevada mountains
Further scenes used the mountains and towns of Nevada, near Reno.
3
Genoa – the town
Town scenes used Genoa, Nevada.
4
The studios – Los Angeles
The cabin interiors were built at studios in Los Angeles.
Planning a visit
The Sierra Nevada around Truckee – the film’s snowbound setting – is a beautiful, accessible mountain region.
Misery Fun Facts
1
Filmed in the Sierra Nevada The snowbound thriller used Truckee, California and the Nevada mountains.
2
Based on Stephen King It adapts King’s novel about a captive author.
3
Bates's Oscar Kathy Bates won Best Actress as Annie Wilkes.
4
The hobbling scene One notorious scene became a byword for screen horror.
5
A Rob Reiner film It was directed by Rob Reiner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Misery filmed?
In the Sierra Nevada – Truckee, California and the Nevada mountains – with studio work in Los Angeles.
Is it set in Colorado?
Yes – it’s set in Colorado, but filmed in California and Nevada.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Truckee area is accessible.
Who stars in it?
Kathy Bates and James Caan.
When was it released?
1990.
