by B.W. Harold

Created on: June 18, 2009   Last Updated: July 23, 2009

"Hotels are a naturally creepy place... Just think, how many people have slept in that bed before you? How many of them were sick? How many... died?" muses Mike Enslin in the 2007 psycho-drama "1408."

Based on a short story by Stephen King, "1408" is a rare example of the movie adaptation being better than the source material. Producers wisely built a tragic past for Mike Enslin to drive his need to explore the after life. Katie Enslin was a sad statistic to an unknown disease. Her death divided her parents and drove her father into a solitary life as a paranormal writer.

The audience is introduced to a haunted, cynical, Mike Enslin played masterfully by John Cusack. Known for his "un-Hollywood" film choices, his performance gave the character an endearment that a lesser actor could never muster. Mike Enslin is a man in pain and the audience wants to salve that pain. This was best invoked when the room "turns on" the television to the past. Family videos taunt poor Mike as Katie plays with her then happy parents. The viewer watches captivated by the single tear running down his check. Only then do they understand why Mr. Olin was so adamant Mike stay away from 1408. Slowly Mike begins to understand why the room is a "no-man's land," but by the time he makes the realization...it's too late.

As the movie plays on, it becomes apparent that Mike has entered his own personal hell. Could it be 1408 is a threshold to "the other side?" This question is never answered, which makes the story that much more interesting. The viewer is allowed to create their own back story. With the archives presented, the blood spattered messages, and the stark black and white crime scene photos, it's not an impossible feat. What makes this movie powerful is what is not shown or said, the mental aspect of this film makes it worth the money.

The number thirteen is a theme of sorts as 1408 adds up to thirteen, the room is technically on the thirteenth floor (an old hotel superstition most hotels skip thirteen in their floor plan numbering.) The lock has the number 6214 etched into it which adds up to thirteen, and the script cites 1912 was the year of the first death. Only a true trivia buff would have interest in that, but the hat tipping to Stephen King, the short story author is less subtle. Samuel Jackson as Mr. Olin lists "The Long Walk" as one of Mike's novels. It's a misquote for the script, but a reference to a real story written by King. During the discussion of the room's

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