One of the 80s’ notorious ‘Video Nasties’, Andrzej Zulawski’s Possession (1981) is not the kind of film you’d usually associate with that tag. Nominated for the Palme D’Or, it’s essentially an intense, high-minded psychological drama that incorporates elements of the horror genre, a little like Lars von Trier’s recent Antichrist (2009).
Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill play Anna and Mark, a couple whose marriage has fallen apart. Returning to their flat after a period of absence, Mark gradually discovers that Anna has embarked upon an affair. The two have a series of increasingly hysterical arguments as they both lose their grip on sanity. Mark thinks that Anna’s only lover is Heinrich (Heinz Bennent); neither of the men realise that she is also making regular trips to have sex with a grotesque tentacled creature in a deserted apartment.
This is probably about as lucid a summary of the plot as you’re going to get; the film itself doesn’t unfold quite as straightforwardly, as we’re often plunged into the middle of a scene and it takes a while for us to realise what’s happening, and the implications of that event. On a purely gut level, there are some extraordinary sequences – the notorious “miscarriage” scene in the subway, especially, is impressively uncomfortable. But in terms of some greater meaning beyond the purely immediate, it’s a tough nut to crack. It’s been identified by various critics as both a horror film and a complex political allegory.
One thing is for certain: it’s clearly made with passion. It’s a full-blooded portrayal of mental anguish – but that means you end up watching two hours of extreme psychosis. It’s a self-indulgent work with outlandish performances (check out Sam Neill!), some awfully overwrought dialogue and a lot of screaming. Since the film itself is hardly a fun experience, the bulk of the pleasure is found instead in post-viewing discussion and analysis. The special features – a ‘Making of’ doc and an interview with director Zulawski – provide a good starting point for this.
Overall Verdict: An unsettling film, but not really an enjoyable one, and it’s hard to say how intellectually rewarding it is. Perhaps there’s meaning in there somewhere, but many viewers – myself included, I have to admit – won’t have the patience to try and find it amongst the film’s silliness and pretentiousness. Some awe-inspiring individual moments, though.
Special Features:
The Other Side Of The Wall – The Making Of Possession
Interview With Andrzej Zulawski
Reviewer: Tom René