Possession

Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Aaron Eckhart, Jeremy Northam, Jennifer Ehle
Directed by Neil LaBute
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two modern day scholars (Gwyneth Paltrow, Aaron Eckhart) discover a nineteenth century poet (Jeremy Northam) had an extramarital affair. This discover would shock the academic world, and as they further investigate, they become consumed by these two lovers in the past.

Review:

Tim: This is a fantastic concept of a movie- I love the idea of two modern academics trying to uncover the facts of a secret love affair taking place decades earlier. The story is told decently well in flashbacks, coinciding with the modern day investigation.

The past scenes with Jeremy Northam and Jennifer Ehle are excellent. Surprisingly, the film's problems come not from this aspect, but the scenes with Gwyneth Paltrow and Aaron Eckhart. Both headline stars are very good actors- they are just fed some horrendous dialogue. Eckhart especially is dealt quite a few jokes and quips that fall flat, and he looks embarrassed and pained to have to deliver them. I know I would be.

While the movie manages to keep our attention as we're somewhat curious about the historical mystery to be revealed; we never really care too much about the characters or the film. Several scenes aren't done well at all and make very little sense. I'll let you discover which ones they are.

Possession is a decent film that had the potential to be much better. The poor dialogue and several confusing scenes prevent this film from being much of anything. The characters of Paltrow and Eckhart get caught up in an emotional tale- it is too bad that we don't with them.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 5.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Sliding Doors