Totally deserving of top spot is Annie Wilkes, played by Kathy Bates in Misery. This woman is the definition of a lunatic, and her character progression throughout the film is excellently crafted. Initially, we think that Annie may just be something of an anomaly, certainly a bit strange, but harmless enough. Fast forward half an hour and this is the most terrifying person on the planet, a crazy-religious baby murderer who speaks like a little girl and invests a lot of time in her pig, booby traps and torturing her prisoner, Paul Sheldon. Famous writer Paul Sheldon can't believe his luck when he is rescued from the his snowy car wreck, only to awaken in a comfortable bed with hot food on the way. The only problem is, his legs are screwed. As the film goes on, we learn that Annie is his 'biggest fan', determined to keep Paul all for herself. When he tries escaping, she decides to sledgehammer his ankles to bits - this would teach him. Besides, he doesn't need his ankle for writing. Never has one woman been so haunting. Bates holds the screen from start to finish, showing huge commitment to the role, all the while becoming your worst nightmare.
