I was there tonight too, Growl, and I half agree with you.
Willis was barely projecting and wooden to the point that he didn't register a single emotion all evening. While Bresson may have given him an A+, Misery doesn't exactly scream for the acting techniques you look for in Au Hasard Balthazar. The man is being held captive by an obsessed crazy woman so you might expect to see, I don't know, fear, confusion, anxiety, rage. Unfortunately all he gave was the same monotone line reading at every turn. His attempts at manipulation were pathetic and it was hard to believe that man would be able to outwit his woman, unhinged as she might be.
On the other hand I found Metcalf to be an absolute delight. Yes, they really rely on us deriving enjoyment from a familiarity with the film, but Metcalf seems to be having so much fun that I didn't mind the lazy adaptation. I laughed a lot and found myself, like one of Pavlov's dogs, clapping whenever she delivered an iconic line or inflicted a physical punishment; the hobbling scene was great fun!
The turntable set is gorgeous and I mostly liked the music, even though at times it tried to hard.
Ultimately, Misery was an exercise in sheer star power overcoming all other shortcomings (ineffectual co-star and predictable script) and still turning the evening into something enjoyable. Maybe Willis will get better, but even if he doesn't I think it's still worth it see for Metcalf, especially if you have a fondness for the film.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!