Obsesión (1975)

Obsesión Poster
Introduction to "Obsesión"
"Obsesión", likewise referred to as "Obsession", is a 1975 mental thriller movie directed by Brian De Palma. The film is a tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, especially his 1958 traditional "Vertigo". The story focuses on a wealthy New Orleans entrepreneur, Michael Courtland, who unfortunately loses his wife Elizabeth and child Amy in a kidnapping-ransom scheme failed. Fifteen years after their deaths, he remains deeply scarred and obsessed with his lost household.

Plot Overview
The film starts with the kidnapping of Elizabeth and Amy Courtland. In an attempt to secure their release, Michael follows the directions of the abductors, but the authorities disrupt tragic effects-- the ransom cash is lost in a chase, and the hostages' location, a decrepit storage facility, goes up in flames, assumedly with Elizabeth and Amy inside. The occurrence leaves Michael devastated and haunted by what occurred.

Years later, Michael's obsession with his late better half has not waned. Throughout a business trip to Florence with his new partner Robert Lasalle, he visits a church that he and Elizabeth had actually purchased from during their honeymoon. There, he encounters Sandra Portinari, a girl who bears an extraordinary resemblance to Elizabeth. Michael ends up being enamored with Sandra and, in a whirlwind of emotions, encourages her to come back to the United States with him.

Upon going back to New Orleans, Michael proposes marital relationship to Sandra, who accepts, despite the fact that his pals and associates express issues about her striking similarity to Elizabeth. As prepare for the wedding get underway, strange incidents and ideas emerge that suggest Sandra might have a secret connection to Michael's past.

As the film progresses, the line in between previous and present blurs, and Michael's quest for truth becomes more desperate. The thriller mounts when Sandra is kidnapped in a frightening echo of the event 15 years earlier, prompting Michael to as soon as again follow the demands of a hidden villain.

Themes and Style
"Obsesión" includes themes of loss, sorrow, and the psychological impact of injury. It checks out how the past can linger and influence present actions and relationships, developing an atmosphere of tension and foreboding. De Palma's usage of visual themes and his complex, narrative structure are similar to Hitchcock's design, employing twists and turns that difficulty the audiences' understandings.

De Palma's film is kept in mind for its elaborate cinematography, consisting of split screens and sluggish, swirling pans that develop a dreamlike quality. The compulsive and melancholic mood is further enhanced by Bernard Herrmann's haunting rating, which remembers his work on previous Hitchcock films.

Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Obsesión" received a blended reception from critics and audiences. While some praised it for its stylish instructions and climatic stress, others felt it was too acquired of Hitchcock's work. Regardless of initial combined reviews, over time, the film has actually gathered a cult following and is valued for its detailed narrative and De Palma's special flair for thriller.

The film's tradition is that of a pivotal work in Brian De Palma's career, showcasing his capability to mix tribute with his own brand name of cinematic storytelling. "Obsesión" set the phase for De Palma's future undertakings into the mental thriller category and confirmed his status as a master of the modern-day suspense movie.

Top Cast

  • Jaime Gamboa
    Nino
  • Jesús Puente (small)
    Jesús Puente
    Ignacio
  • Lina Canalejas (small)
    Lina Canalejas
    Teresa
  • Victoria Abril (small)
    Victoria Abril
    Angelines
  • Laly Soldevila (small)
    Laly Soldevila
    Petra
  • Fernando Guillén (small)
    Fernando Guillén
    Profesor