Possession (2002)
Amazingly, this interesting and complex
romantic drama from misanthrope Neil LaBute is a real
gem. It is, perhaps, the most romantic heterosexual
movie I have seen in quite some time. The characters
are interesting and have wonderful, personal evolutions
which they undergo. And the period detail, the dialogue,
the plot and the acting are all top of the line. This
is a wonderful film.
Except for one thing, of course.
It's homophobic as hell. Oh, this isn't overt homophobia.
LaBute is far too subtle and ingenious than that.
This is subtextural homophobia that is as cutting
and as damning as it comes. Consider these three examples:
1. A lesbian relationship is flawed
and full of jealousy. One of the women in the relationship
finds true and fulfilling love only with a man. The
relationship ends on a very sour note.
2. The film is set in Britain and
has an American male as a lead character. When a Brit
asks him upon their meeting, "How do you chaps say
it, 'How's it hanging?'" The American replies. "We
usually just say 'hey.'" (and then a beat), "Unless
your gay."
3. A man who wears an ascot calls
himself a "man of leisure" and is an obviously stereotypical
queen. He is shown in association with the villain.
The implication is clear: Gays are conniving backstabbers
who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Now, to Mr. LaBute's defense: Some
heterosexual relationships are shown to be just as
complex and troubling as the lesbian one. And one
of the villains is an obvious heterosexual who is
as conniving as his (supposedly) gay accomplice.
So, all this subtext was bothersome,
especially coming from someone as hateful and misanthropic
as LaBute and I wish the film hadn't contained it.
On the other hand, I think LaBute was trying to tell
a story about the complexity of relationships. The
point with the lesbian relationship may be that those
are exactly as troublesome and problematic as homosexual
ones. A valid theme and topic. Also, LaBute is working
from a novel here, which I have not read and which
he may have adapted (with his co-scripters) liberally
or specifically. In other words, some of this theme
may or may not be of his invention.
Regardless, what does work in "Possession"
is the relationships between characters. There are
complex and pointed issues discussed here with grace,
compassion and subtlety. LaBute's film is masterful
and wise. It's a beautiful story and one that draws
us in. In case you have not heard, the film mirrors
a modern male/female relationship with a similar relationship
from 100 years prior. There is a connecting tissue
here that is also extraordinary. And the relationships
are not so similar as to simply be a mere suggestion
that some things have not changed. Rather, the issues
are diverse and involving enough to be compelling
and intriguing all on their own.
As for the best performance, Gwyneth
Paltrow is simply awesome. Say what you will, as you
are allowed an opinion of course, I found here to
be marvellous here. Paltrow plays a proper British
woman with an icy and composed demeanor. I only noticed
her accent when she first appeared on the screen,
obviously because she has adopted one for the role.
Her performance of it, in my opinion, was flawless.
As for her manner, she is seemingly cold but becomes
much more human and humane as the film progresses.
This subtle arc is handled with much skill by Paltrow.
If she is not nominated for an Oscar, it will be surprising.
Her work here is as compelling and as consummate as
her performance in "Shakespeare in Love" if not more
so.
The other actors in the piece, mainly
lesser-known names, do quite well although none outshine
Paltrow. As for LaBute's steadfast casting of Aaron
Eckhart in this film, he often comes across like a
poor man's Matthew McConaughey when merely gazed upon.
However, he walks in wonder when with Paltrow and
is equally as skilled as she at presented a complex
character of warmth and pain that we want to know
more about. The surprises of their characters' arcs
are as much a testament to the script as to the thespians
skill at performing them.
Meanwhile, the period romance between
Jeremy Northam and Jennifer Ehle is equally as compelling
even if it is overshadowed by our comfort with the
more modern issues presented by Paltrow and Eckhart.
When all is said and done, both stories are quite
interesting and full of surprises.
Then there's the whole subplot of
"publish or perish" that I haven't even gotten into.
This offers the main romantic plot between Paltrow
and Eckhart an immediacy that consistently and honestly
propels the story. It is a masterful bit of storytelling,
this film and its plot.
Again, "Possession" is one of the
most romantic heterosexual films I've seen in ages.
It's almost enough to allow me to forgive LaBute for
"Nurse Betty."
Almost.
Note:
Based on the novel by A.S. Byatt.
Screenplay adapted by LaBute with David Henry Hwang
and Laura Jones.
Barry Levinson is a producer. DP
is Jean-Yves Escoffier.
Filmed in England.
Ash, and the other characters in
the period setting here are, of course, fictional.
Ralph Fiennes was at one time attached
to play poet Randolph Ash, the role that eventually
went to Northam.
This is the 6th movie since 1919
to be called "Possession."
Eckhart has been in all four of
LaBute's movies.
