"Possession" review

Possession (1981)

Directed by Andrzej Zulawski
Writing credits Andrzej Zulawski

Isabelle Adjani .... Anna/Helen
Sam Neill .... Mark
Margit Carstensen .... Margit Gluckmeister
Heinz Bennent .... Heinrich
Johanna Hofer .... Heinrich's mother
Carl Duering .... Detective

Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill are the most unhappy married couple in the world. They argue and scream at each other constantly. Isabelle wins in the screaming department. She is a shrieker. Isabelle runs off from time to time. Sam wonders where. She wants to be alone with her new lover. A lover that is perfect for her...

This movie is the definition of "overwrought". The actors are directed to be as over the top as they can. Isabelle Adjani deserves a special mention as the most hysterical woman ever put on film. The movie has a serious melodramatic vibe. It keeps the tone for the entire flick. If you're not in the mood for an explosion of emotions, this movie will grate you. I was ready for the ocean of emotion and enjoyed most of it.

Speaking as an exploitation movie fan, I must compliment one of the final scenes:

*EXPLOITATION SCENE SPOILER*

So Sam Neill tracks down Isabelle. He wants to see her new lover. He finds her screaming in ecstasy. On the bed is Isabelle having sex with a squid like monster! YAY! Her soul was in pain and her body created a perfect lover. Yes, Squid Man. I live for movie moments like that. It made all the screaming hysteria worth sitting through. There are some other good bloody scenes too.

*END SPOILER*

Make no mistake. This is no exploitation film. Although it does contain scenes of blood and guts. It's worth a look.

SCORE: 2.5 out of 4 overwrought Isabelles