Review of Possession (1987) by Stephen M — 20 Aug 2008
"Blech." Really, if I could put a one word quote on the cover of this film, that would be it: "Blech." Now normally, I'm a fan of Neil LaBute's work, and I think Aaron Eckhart is one of our generations finer actors, but this picture does nothing to exemplify either one's talent.
The story itself has potential, but it gets lost in its herky-jerky plot development that expects us to know these characters through and through the second we see them. This assumption places us in an odd position because we can't figure out why these people are acting as they are.
Maud (Paltrow) starts randomly quoting poetry which turns into clues, Roland claims folks in London have a problem with Americans but we never see him treated badly. Worst of all, Roland and Maud hook up, break up, hook up again, break up again, and then proceed to hook up again.
..in a matter of twenty minutes. It all feels too forced to be believable, or even entertaining. The subplots are bland and formulaic, and the historic romance bits are never given quite enough time to flourish, although the transfers from past to present are very well done.
If this is possession, then let me be liberated.
This review of Possession (1987) was written by Stephen M on 20 Aug 2008.
Possession has generally received mixed reviews.
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