Possession (October 29th at the Cleveland Cinematheque)

[POSSESSION screens Saturday October 29th at 8:55 pm at the Cleveland Cinematheque.]

Review by Bob Ignizio

A marriage falls apart in spectacular and bloody fashion in Andrzej Żuławski's off the rails 1981 film POSSESSION. Mark (Sam Neil) has been deeply involved in his job as a spy of some sort (the specifics are kept vague), barely spending any time with his wife Anna (Isabelle Adjani) and son Bob (Michael Hogben). When Mark finally decides to leave work behind to focus on family, it's too late – Anna wants a divorce.

Although Anna claims there isn't anyone else, Mark doesn't believe her. Nonetheless, he agrees to move out and give Anna custody of Bob. Before long, however, both Mark and Anna begin spiraling into madness. Mark becomes obsessive about saving the marriage, even as all doubt regarding Anna's infidelity is removed. But is Heinrich (Heinz Bennett) Anna's only lover, or is there someone (or something) else? And why does Bob's teacher Helen look exactly like Anna, only with different eye and hair color?

Possession (November 29th and December 1st at the Cleveland Cinematheque)

[POSSESSION screens Thursday November 29th at 8:45 pm and Saturday December 1st at 9:20 pm at the Cleveland Cinematheque.]

Review by Bob Ignizio

A marriage falls apart in spectacular and bloody fashion in Andrzej Żuławski's off the rails 1981 film POSSESSION. Mark (Sam Neil) has been deeply involved in his job as a spy of some sort (the specifics are kept vague), barely spending any time with his wife Anna (Isabelle Adjani) and son Bob (Michael Hogben). When Mark finally decides to leave work behind to focus on family, it's too late – Anna wants a divorce.

Although Anna claims there isn't anyone else, Mark doesn't believe her. Nonetheless, he agrees to move out and give Anna custody of Bob. Before long, however, both Mark and Anna begin spiraling into madness. Mark becomes obsessive about saving the marriage, even as all doubt regarding Anna's infidelity is removed. But is Heinrich (Heinz Bennett) Anna's only lover, or is there someone (or something) else? And why does Bob's teacher Helen look exactly like Anna, only with different eye and hair color?

The Possession

Review by Charles Cassady, Jr.

The forgettable PG-13 horror movie du jour THE POSSESSION claims, like THE APPARITION, A HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT, EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE etc. to be “inspired by a true story.” Maybe no viewers except stupid small children (some in their 20s to 40s) are suckered in anymore by that TEXAS CHAINSAW –esque come-on. But I had aspirations to be a journalist, and I’ve actually written about real-life paranormal accounts extensively. So the perversion of “truth” still grates. Yes, “inspired by a true story.” You know, like Saddam’s WMDs were. Or the Obama/Romney economic-recovery plan. When the new JUDGE DREDD reboot in 3D opens, what are chances that one will be “inspired by a true story?”