Obsession

Author(s): Jason
Location: New York

“Obsession”

Directed by: Barry Levinson
Written by: Barry Levinson
Music by: Hans Zimmer

Genre: Drama

Principal Cast:

Linda Reagon- Helen Hunt
Ryan Mitchell- Kevin Zegers
Debra Mitchell- Marcia Gay Harden
Kenneth Mitchell- Dennis Quaid

Tagline: “The problem isn’t recognizing the wrongdoing, it’s being too obsessed to stop"

Synopsis: In a small town in Philadelphia, Linda Reagon is a married English teacher at a local public high school. Ryan Mitchell is a senior and the captain of the football team who is currently being scouted by several colleges for scholarships. School begins in the beginning of fall and Ryan is a student in Linda’s class. Over the next few weeks, emotions intensify between the two, leading up to a full-grown affair. After sneaking around for a month, Ryan tries to end the relationship with his teacher, but she won’t take no for an answer. Linda begins to abuse him sexually, physically, and mentally. When Ryan threatens to tell the administration of the school about their relationship, Linda tells him that it will ruin his chances of a football scholarship. Without any ways for him to escape, Linda continues her abuse on Ryan daily for the next two months. However, this secret is soon to be uncovered when Linda becomes pregnant with Ryan’s baby.

What the press would say:

Barry Levinson’s latest movie, “Obsession” is one of the best movies of the year. The story is very intense and leaves a lasting impression. Helen Hunt gives one of her most powerful performances to date portraying Linda Reagon, a teacher having an affair with one of her students. She captures her character’s complex personality and behavior flawlessly. Through Hunt’s performance, the viewers gain a hateful yet sympathetic outlook toward Linda’s character. Portraying the role of Ryan Mitchell, the student who enters a relationship with his teacher, is Kevin Zegers. Zegers nails his performance by perfectly bringing out Ryan’s strengths, anxieties, hopelessness, and vulnerability. Both Zegers and Hunt should be rewarded by the Academy for their deep and challenging performances. Marcia Gay Harden and Dennis Quaid are outstanding playing minor roles as Ryan’s parents. Although they completely trust their son, they have several suspicions of what is going on with him. Although “Obsession” revolves around an intense issue, the quality and excellence of this film is something that cannot be ignored.

Oscar Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director: Barry Levinson
Best Actress: Helen Hunt
Best Supporting Actor: Kevin Zegers
Best Supporting Actress: Marcia Gay Harden
Best Original Screenplay: Barry Levinson
Best Art Direction
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score