Possession
A young woman left her family for an unspecified reason. The husband determines to find out the truth and starts following his wife. At first, he suspects that a man is involved. But gradually, he finds out more and more strange behaviors and bizarre incidents that indicate something more than a possessed love affair.
Dialogues from Movie Possession
Mark vs. Anna at the Apartment, Reelive
Why are you doing this to us? To me? To our son?
You wouldn’t understand. You never did.
What’s there to understand? You’re throwing everything away!
I didn’t choose this! This is what’s happening.
You’re lying! You are choosing to destroy us!
Maybe it’s for the best...
How can you say that? What’s best about tearing our family apart?
This isn’t a family anymore. We both know that.
I won’t accept it! Not without a fight!
Then fight! But I’m not coming back.
Mark and the Shadow of the Abyss, Reelive
What did you bring into this house, Anna?
It’s not what I brought. It’s what I’ve become.
You’re not the woman I married!
No! I’m so much more than that now.
More? More like a ghost... a stranger.
You never wanted to understand what was inside me!
Inside of you or inside of it?
There’s no difference anymore.
You’re losing yourself!
Maybe I always was lost.
Dialogue by the Grave, Reelive
I tried... I tried to save you.
You didn’t even see me.
Was I blind? Or were you too far gone?
You made your choices, Mark.
Choices? This was forced upon us!
Forced... or freeing?
Don’t do this to me!
You have to let go—of me, of us.
How can I? You’re everywhere!
Wherever you look, just don’t forget.
The Confrontation, Reelive
Release her! You don’t belong here!
She chose me. She craves me.
You’re lying! She’s not herself!
You can’t give her what I can.
What do you want from us?!
Everything... and nothing at all.
You’ll never take her away from me!
She was always mine before you.
You know nothing of love!
I know all of it… and more.
Intimate Confession, Reelive
Do you still love me?
Love? What does that even mean anymore?
It means you still see me.
See you... or see who I want you to be?
Is there a difference?
Maybe that’s the problem.
What do you want from me?
I don’t know... I just don’t know.
Then let’s figure it out together.
Together… or apart?
Whatever it takes.
Quotes from Movie Possession
I want you to want me. I want you to want me to hurt you.
Mark Fisher
Possession, Reelive
You think you know me? You have no idea.
Anna
Possession, Reelive
It's all a game. The point is to play.
Heinrich
Possession, Reelive
Sometimes, love is worse than hate.
Anna
Possession, Reelive
You are the darkness in which I must live.
Mark Fisher
Possession, Reelive
Your love has turned into a trap.
Anna
Possession, Reelive
You can't possess someone. You can only hold them for a time.
Heinrich
Possession, Reelive
I don't want to be anyone's possession.
Anna
Possession, Reelive
We're all possessed by something.
Heinrich
Possession, Reelive
What do you want from me? What do you want from us?
Mark Fisher
Possession, Reelive
Is love really such a bad thing?
Heinrich
Possession, Reelive
I feel like I'm losing myself to you.
Anna
Possession, Reelive
You can't run away from your own heart.
Mark Fisher
Possession, Reelive
Love can be a monstrous thing.
Anna
Possession, Reelive
In the end, we are all alone.
Heinrich
Possession, Reelive
What if I can't love you anymore?
Mark Fisher
Possession, Reelive
You should embrace your darkness.
Heinrich
Possession, Reelive
I am not a monster, but I feel like one.
Anna
Possession, Reelive
Possession can be painful.
Mark Fisher
Possession, ReeliveMemorable Scenes from Movie Possession
The Confrontation at the Apartment
In a tense and emotionally charged moment, Anna confronts Mark in their shared apartment. The air is thick with unresolved tension as they argue about their failing marriage. Anna's breakdown reveals the depth of her pain and isolation. The pivotal moment occurs when Anna screams in despair, shattering a mirror—symbolizing her fractured psyche. This outburst catches Mark off-guard, pulling him back from his anger and forcing him to truly see Anna's suffering. The scene concludes with Mark whispering apologies, but the damage is clear; their relationship is hanging by a thread. After this scene, the audience feels the weight of their strained bond, hinting at the impending chaos and tragedy that will unfold.
Context: At this point in the movie, Mark and Anna’s marriage is crumbling, filled with distrust and heartbreak. Anna’s mental state is rapidly deteriorating, setting the stage for their emotional conflict.
Anna's Transformation
One of the most memorable scenes occurs when Anna, seemingly possessed by dark urges, undergoes a disturbing transformation. What leads to this moment is a series of strange and unsettling experiences Anna has been enduring. The scene peaks when her demeanor shifts dramatically, her facial expressions becoming hauntingly intense as she enacts violent and primal behavior. The visuals are jarring; Anna's eyes flash with anger as she tears down objects in her home. After this moment, Mark becomes increasingly alarmed, leading to greater distrust and fear. The audience feels an overwhelming mix of horror and concern, wondering how far Anna has fallen.
Context: This scene showcases Anna's descent into madness, exacerbated by her alleged possession—a critical turning point that unravels the mystery surrounding her character.
The Haunting Revelation
Mark discovers Anna’s disturbing secret. After following her to a secluded location, he witnesses her in a grave situation, interacting with a mysterious figure. The pivotal moment comes when she reveals her new life and twisted connection to this entity. This revelation is shocking and unsettling, with Anna's chilling dialogue detailing her sacrifices for ‘freedom’. The visuals are surreal, enhancing the horror of her transformation. After this, Mark is left devastated and confused. This changes everything for him, adding urgency to his pursuit of understanding the supernatural elements affecting Anna. The viewer is left stunned, feeling Mark's heartbreak and desperation.
Context: Leading up to this moment, Anna’s behavior has become increasingly erratic, prompting Mark to seek answers about her condition. This scene serves as the crux of the film’s tension.
The Dinner Scene
During a seemingly casual dinner with friends, Anna's behavior takes a terrifying turn. The tension builds as her friends comment on her well-being, which she brushes off dismissively. The pivotal moment occurs when Anna suddenly lashes out, revealing her deeper fears and emotions. The setting, once warm, spirals into chaos as her breakdown unfolds. After this scene, the friendships are strained, and Anna's isolation deepens. Viewers are left feeling discomfort and empathy for Anna’s unseen struggles, reflecting the film’s exploration of mental instability and societal expectations.
Context: This dinner scene showcases Anna's gradual losing grip on reality, highlighting her isolation from those around her and hinting at her darker struggles manifesting.
The Final Confrontation
In a climactic moment, Anna and Mark face each other one last time. Their conversation is raw and emotional, revealing all their fears and regrets. The turning point occurs when Anna confesses her love but simultaneously warns Mark about the darkness that surrounds her. The visuals are powerful, with a storm raging outside mirroring their tumultuous emotions. After this confrontation, everything escalates, leaving Mark to grapple with the reality of Anna's transformation. The audience feels a swell of sorrow and heartbreak—watching two lovers torn apart by forces beyond their control.
Context: By this stage, both characters have been profoundly affected by the events of the film, and this confrontation crystallizes their emotional turmoil.
Mark's Desperation
After seeing Anna's drastic changes, Mark pleads for her to seek help. This moment is filled with tension and sorrow, as he desperately tries to pull her back from the brink. The pivotal moment arrives when Anna dismisses his pleas, revealing her haunting belief in the possession. The dialogue is heart-wrenching, as Mark confronts Anna’s new self. Afterward, Mark’s heart becomes heavier, symbolizing his impending loss. This scene resonates deeply with viewers, reflecting themes of helplessness and the pain of loving someone lost to their demons.
Context: Here, Mark's role shifts from a loving partner to a desperate savior, further propelling the narrative towards its tragic conclusion.
The Dark Figure
The moment when Anna first encounters the dark figure is chilling and pivotal. She's alone in a dimly lit street when the figure appears, shrouded in shadows. Viewers can feel the dread build as Anna approaches, driven by some unseen compulsion. The pivotal moment strikes when the figure whispers to her, causing her to break out in a cold sweat and panic. This encounter marks the beginning of her transformation into a host for something sinister. The aftermath leaves the audience shaken, filled with unease and curiosity about Anna's fate.
Context: This moment signals the start of Anna’s tragic journey into darkness, foreshadowing her ultimate fate and establishing the horror elements at play.
Mark’s Breakdown
Overwhelmed by Anna’s transformation and the toll it takes on him, Mark hits a breaking point at his job. As his colleagues offer hollow reassurance, Mark's inner turmoil erupts in a moment of rage. The pivotal moment occurs when Mark lashes out, revealing the emotional devastation he has been maintaining. After this incident, Mark is alienated from his colleagues and increasingly isolated. Viewers feel Mark’s frustration and despair, resonating with the pain of someone trying to cope with a loved one’s deterioration.
Context: This scene reflects the broader theme of isolation—Mark’s struggles extend beyond his home life, impacting his ability to connect with the outside world.
Anna’s Descent into Madness
As Anna sinks deeper into her possession, we witness a shocking moment in the bathroom. She looks in the mirror, and her reflection twists into a monstrous version of herself. The pivotal moment strikes when she screams, causing the mirror to shatter. This scene is jarring and captures her internal battle. Afterward, the audience is left with a haunting image of Anna, symbolizing her loss of self and impending collapse. The emotional weight is immense as viewers grapple with Anna’s despair and transformation.
Context: This scene serves to emphasize the horror of Anna’s psychological degradation, reinforcing the film's central themes of identity and possession.
The Children
In a chilling scene with her children, Anna fluctuates between her loving maternal instincts and her possessed state. As she hugs them, there's an eerie sense of foreboding. The pivotal moment occurs when, suddenly, her expression shifts, and she speaks in a mocking tone, scaring her children. The repercussions of this scene are devastating—her children now bear the trauma of witnessing their mother’s breakdown. Viewers feel a profound sense of sorrow as the innocence of childhood is tainted by the horror unfolding around them.
Context: This scene perfectly illustrates Anna's duality and the tragic impact of her possession on her family.
Mark's Investigation
Mark begins to investigate Anna’s condition, desperate to find answers. He meets with a figure who hints at deep-rooted evil surrounding Anna. The tension peaks when the figure implies a connection between Anna and historical supernatural events. Mark’s determination drives him through a series of chilling revelations. After this encounter, Mark becomes increasingly obsessed with understanding what is happening, heightening the narrative stakes. Viewers feel a mix of fear and intrigue as they delve deeper into this unsettling world.
Context: This quest for understanding highlights Mark's desperation and transforms him from a passive character to an active seeker of truth.
Therapy Session
During a therapy session, Anna reveals disturbing dreams that plague her. The pivotal moment occurs when she describes terrifying images and inexplicable feelings. The therapist’s disbelief adds to the tension, showcasing the struggle between mental health and supernatural realms. After this session, Anna feels even more alienated, and viewers share in her frustration and fear, grappling with the blurred lines between sanity and madness.
Context: This scene underscores the overarching themes of mental illness and the stigma surrounding it, reinforcing Anna’s isolation.
The Ritual
In a dramatic montage, we witness a ritual that Anna participates in, hinting at her devotion to the dark force that possesses her. The pivotal moment arrives when she embraces the darkness, performing unsettling actions and chants. This scene reveals her willingness to give up her humanity in exchange for some sense of power. After witnessing this, viewers are left horrified but captivated, understanding the depths of Anna's fall into despair.
Context: This moment deepens the mystery surrounding Anna's possession, critical to the film's exploration of identity and control.
The Voice
An intense encounter occurs when Anna hears the voice of the dark figure whispering to her. This is a chilling moment, where the audience can feel the malevolent energy radiating from it. The pivotal moment strikes when the voice promises her power and freedom from her pain. After this interaction, Anna becomes increasingly drawn to the entity, reflecting her struggle between light and dark. This scene provides audience insight into Anna’s motivations, prompting feelings of horror and sympathy.
Context: This scene serves as a turning point for Anna, solidifying her connection to the supernatural force at play.
The Hospital Scene
Mark's visit to the hospital reveals the true horror of Anna's condition. When he tries to connect with her, Anna’s demeanor suddenly shifts, and her eyes flicker with darkness. The pivotal moment unfolds when she lashes out at Mark in fury, echoing her inner torment. This shocking scene captures the depths of her suffering and the pain it inflicts on Mark. After this visit, Mark is pushed further into despair and chaos. The emotional weight is heavy for viewers, as they witness the tragic consequences of Anna's possession.
Context: This pivotal scene highlights the struggle for connection between them, emphasizing the destructive nature of Anna’s transformation.
The Climax
In a climactic confrontation, Mark confronts Anna in a dilapidated setting that mirrors her internal decay. The tension reaches a fever pitch as they engage in a fierce argument, unveiling their deepest fears. The pivotal moment occurs when Mark's love for Anna clashes with the evil that has taken hold of her, leading to a heart-wrenching decision. After this encounter, Mark's world crumbles as he must face an insurmountable loss. The audience feels the gravity of this moment, grappling with themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight against darkness.
Context: This climax solidifies the tragic trajectory of both characters, culminating their journeys and underscoring the film's critical themes.
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Behind the Scenes from Movie Possession
Isabelle Adjani's Performance
Isabelle Adjani's performance in 'Possession' was so intense that during the Berlin Film Festival, she famously collapsed on stage after a screening and required medical attention.
Why it matters: This moment not only highlighted the extreme emotional and physical toll the role took on Adjani but also reflected the film's unsettling atmosphere, intensifying its acclaim and reinforcing the notion that the film operates on the fringe of horror and psychological drama.
Creative Decision for the Ending
The original ending of 'Possession' was supposed to be more explicit regarding the fate of the characters, but director Andrzej Żuławski opted for a more ambiguous conclusion.
Why it matters: This choice left audiences questioning the characters' fates and motivations, contributing to the film's cult status and spurring interpretations that vary widely from psychoanalysis to social commentary.
Use of Real Locations
'Possession' was filmed in various real locations around Berlin during the cold war, which lent the film a palpable sense of authenticity and distress.
Why it matters: This authenticity adds layers to the film’s themes of alienation and despair, effectively reflecting the city's divided nature and enhancing the unsettling atmosphere.
The Creature Design
The creature in 'Possession,' known for its grotesque appearance, was designed by Carlo Rambaldi, who later won an Academy Award for his work on 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.'
Why it matters: The creature's unsettling design accentuates the film's disturbing themes and serves as a physical manifestation of the protagonist’s internal turmoil, leaving viewers with a lasting impact.
Cinematography Movement
Cinematographer Josée Deshaies used unconventional shooting methods, including tight close-ups and unsteady handheld shots, to evoke a sense of claustrophobia and emotional chaos.
Why it matters: This approach creates an immersive experience for the audience, mirroring the psychological unraveling of the characters and enhancing the overall tension throughout the film.
Last-Minute Casting Change
The original actor slated to play Mark, the lead male character, dropped out just before filming began, leading to the casting of Sam Neill.
Why it matters: Sam Neill's portrayal brought a different energy to the role, shifting the character dynamics and altering the audience's perception of the character’s descent into madness.
Improvisational Script
Much of the dialogue in 'Possession' was improvised by actors Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill during filming.
Why it matters: This leads to more genuine and raw performances, enhancing the film's emotional weight by allowing the actors to express their characters' depths organically.
Wardrobe Choices
The stark contrast in costumes between Adjani's two characters was intentionally designed to symbolize her internal struggle and duality.
Why it matters: This visual storytelling technique effectively deepens the audience's understanding of the characters' psychological conflicts and emotional states.
Difficult Filming Conditions
The production faced numerous challenges, including limited budgets and harsh winter conditions in Berlin, which made shooting difficult.
Why it matters: These harsh environments pushed the crew and cast to their limits, fostering a sense of urgency and realism that permeates the film, enhancing its overall impact.
The Divorce Theme
The story was heavily influenced by Żuławski's own experiences with his tumultuous marriage, lending an intimate perspective to the complex portrayal of relationships.
Why it matters: This personal backdrop adds layers of authenticity to the film’s exploration of love and possession, resonating deeply with audiences who have experienced similar emotional turmoil.
Marketing Controversies
Upon its release, 'Possession' faced significant backlash for its provocative content, leading to censorship in various countries.
Why it matters: The controversial marketing strategy ultimately contributed to its cult status, as it drew attention and curiosity, enticing audiences to experience the unconventional horror.
Sound Design Experimentation
The film's sound design utilized a unique blend of unsettling ambient noise and jarring auditory elements, crafted primarily by Józef Tyszkiewicz.
Why it matters: This innovative soundscape intensifies the psychological horror of the film, making viewers acutely aware of the characters' mental strife and enhancing the viewer's emotional discomfort.
Exploration of Feminine Anguish
The film explores themes of feminine anguish and identity crisis through Adjani's characters, reflecting on the roles of women in society.
Why it matters: This thematic exploration has led to scholarly analysis of the film as a feminist text, adding depth and significance to its narrative beyond mere horror elements.
The Diner Scene
The infamous diner scene was shot over several days with a mixture of real patrons and extras to capture authentic reactions.
Why it matters: The chaotic atmosphere of this scene helps to emphasize the breakdown of normalcy in the characters' lives, enhancing the surreal quality of the film.
Censorship and Cut Scenes
Several scenes were heavily edited or cut to meet the ratings board's approval, altering some ambiguous plot points.
Why it matters: The excised content has led to speculation and debates among fans discussing what could have deepened the film’s narrative themes and psychological elements.
Film Festival Success
'Possession' won the Best Actress award for Adjani at the Cannes Film Festival, catapulting her career and solidifying the film's status.
Why it matters: The film's success at a prestigious festival helped to foster its legacy, paving the way for critical reevaluation and appreciation over the years.
Choreographed Movements
Adjani and Neill rehearsed their movements meticulously for dance-like sequences to ensure a surreal, haunting quality was achieved.
Why it matters: This attention to choreographic detail contributes to the film’s overall aesthetic, making certain scenes resonate as memorable and haunting experiences.
Olga's Revelation Scene
The iconic scene where Adjani reveals her true nature is shot through a fractured mirror to symbolize the theme of duality.
Why it matters: This symbolic choice enhances the thematic depth of the narrative, impressively conveying the film's core ideas about identity and transformation and making this moment a pivotal climax in the story.
Director's Vision
Director Andrzej Żuławski insisted on not using any special effects for the creature, opting instead for practical effects to maintain realism.
Why it matters: This choice adds a gritty realism to the horror elements of the film, making the unsettling creature feel more tangible and relatable within the oppressive atmosphere of the narrative.
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