Possession

20/31 - “Possession” I’m no longer going to kill myself  Transcended the possession construct in film, my life has divided: 1. Before witnessing Possession. 2. After witnessing Possession. Immensely raw in all senses - pulling no punches and rather a trigger when unravelling the lasting implications of a deteriorating marriage/relationship. Taking place in 1980’s Berlin, Mark and Anna’s physical affection is bound. Emotionally however, they are segregated. Shrouded by unfaithfulness and secrecy, the core of true love still binds Mark and Anna together.  Both guilty on all accounts, neither taking responsibility.  Anna has subjected herself to the path of possession. Mark has engulfed himself in obsession. Differing executions but identical outcomes. Anna’s ‘Octopus’ possesses the desired elements of her respective partner. Physically present in both sexual and intimidating environments. It offers her needs… but it isn’t Mark. Marks “Helen” obsesses over the care of Bob (why is he called that) and reflects that of Marks desires. He wants a mother to his child… but it still isn’t Anna. Both of these creations are doppelgängers physically and cement the notion of both individuals truly wanting one another. The ending suggests that no matter what, these two are destined to be together in every shape and form.  Adjanis performance is more than likely my favourite female performance in a horror movie ever. Her guttural shrieks and immense passion throughout is like no other. She truly is insane and I really don’t believe it can get much better than this. Undoubtedly her magnum opus. Neill gives a more composed performance and the two work perfectly side by side. It’s a shame he’ll forever be overshadowed by Adjanis once in a lifetime performance, as “Possession” works just as well because of him.  I now truly understand why “The First Omen” paid homage to Anna’s subway meltdown. Everyone should, it’s one of the single greatest scenes to grace cinema “I can’t exist by myself because I’m afraid of myself, I’m the maker of my own evil”