
Secret Window
2004, Mystery and thriller, 1h 35m
163 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Depp is quirkily entertaining, but the movie runs out of steam by the end. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Mort Rainey
John Shooter
Amy Rainey
Ted Milner
Ken Karsch
Sheriff Dave Newsome
News & Interviews for Secret Window
Critic Reviews for Secret Window
All Critics (163) | Top Critics (49) | Fresh (75) | Rotten (88)
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Actually, there isn't much of a movie here at all. But there is always Depp... By far the director David Koepp's best decision was to indulge in a riveted idolatry of his star.
December 15, 2017 | Full Review… -
It all feels recycled and re-recycled.
December 28, 2010 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
Depp's ... wonderfully frazzled portrait of seething resentment almost makes this minor thriller seem fresh.
May 4, 2005 | Full Review… -
Anyone with a passing knowledge of King's jam-packed oeuvre and its spotty movie translations will be fidgeting in their seats from the get-go.
May 14, 2004 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
Even Johnny Depp in quirk-overdrive can't save it, his slyly insincere performance eventually irritating as much as the sincerely stupid movie he's stuck in.
May 1, 2004 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
Mr. Depp demonstrates once again that he never disappoints as an actor, even in something as fraudulent as Secret Window.
April 1, 2004 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Secret Window
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Sep 24, 2014This movie should be paying huge debts to much better psychological thrillers like PSYCHO or MISERY (coincidentally, the latter is another Stephen King book adaptation), but nevertheless, SECRET WINDOW is creepy, disturbing and haunting. Not to mention it benefits from a strong performance from Johnny Depp.Serge E Super Reviewer
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Jul 22, 2013"It's all about the ending." Secret Window is a brilliantly crafted psychological thriller that keeps its secrets through well-placed misdirection and suspense that both engages the audience and brings them into the story. One day a mysterious stranger named John Shooter shows up on the doorstep of novelist Mort Rainey, accusing him of stealing his script and demanding reparations. The directing is exceptional, through the eye of director David Koepp we get inside of the mind of Mort Rainey, hear his thoughts, and see through his eyes; while all the while providing hints ever so subtlety about who John Shooter is, Mort's shadowy past, and the origin of the Secret Window. Johnny Depp, John Turturro, and Maria Bello lead the cast and give excellent performances. A smart and engrossing mystery, Secret Window is a masterpiece of suspense and terror that's among the best of Stephen King's adapted works.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Jan 06, 2013Mind-blowing thriller with a great atmosphere, a interesting story and a outstanding performance from Johnny Depp. It has been a while sense I've seen a different role from Johnny Depp other than Tim Burton film's, and it was a surprise to see him in such a dark, magnetic role. John Turturro is also great in the role, he was creepy and interesting in his role. I love the twist, things just keep happening, and happening and it get even more interesting. Secret Window is one of the better Stephen King novel adaptations , boosting a terrific turn from Depp, an interesting story, atmosphere, some disturbing images and a dark ending.Angel G Super Reviewer
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Jul 20, 2012Kinda predictable, but Johnny Depp pull it off with his stunning performance as Mort Rainey who is being stalked by a copycat, wannabe writer. Based on the novella by Stephen King, the story has a lot of guts to it, but failed to combine all the elements together as a whole, the film seemed scattered around uncontinuous scenes. The ending was disappointing, and sadly it was kind of Depp's own fault.Sylvester K Super Reviewer
Secret Window Quotes
Mort Rainey: | You know, the only thing that matters, is the ending. It's the most important part of the story, the ending. And this one, is very good. This one's perfect. |
John Shooter: | I want you to fix it. |
Mort Rainey: | What would you like me to fix? |
John Shooter: | My ending. The one you wrecked. I can't decide what's worse: stealing my story or ruining the ending. Mine was perfect. |
Mort Rainey: | I don't even think I read your whole story. |
John Shooter: | Oh, I bet you did. 'I know I can do it, Todd Downey said, helping himself to another ear of corn from the steaming bowl. I'm sure that in time, her death will be a mystery even to me.' That's how the story ends, pilgrim, it's the only ending. You gonna write it for me, ang get it published and it's gonna have my name on it. |
Mort Rainey: | I'd be more than happy to write your ending, Mr. Shooter. |
Mort Rainey: | (The end of the story) "I know I can do it", Todd Downey said, helping himself to another ear of corn from the steaming bowl. I'm sure that in time, every bit of her will be gone, and that her death will be a mystery, even to me. |
Mort Rainey: | [voiceover] I know I can do it, Todd Downey said, helping himself to another ear of corn from the steaming bowl. I'm sure that in time, every bit of her will be gone and her death will be a mystery... even to me. |
John Shooter: | I seen your wife today. She's purty. |
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