An Indecent Obsession

An Indecent Obsession is a riveting drama unfolding amidst the convolutions of the Second World War that explores love, duty, and the human psyche in extraordinary circumstances. The film is based on the novel of the same name written by Colleen McCullough, the author of "The Thorn Birds." Released in 1985, the film features exceptional and moving performances by a talented cast, including Wendy Hughes, Gary Sweet, and Richard Moir.

The backdrop of the film is an army hospital in the South Pacific during World War II. At the core of the plot is the intense and relentless nurse called Honor Langtry, portrayed by Wendy Hughes. She is the primary caretaker for a group of five emotionally disturbed soldiers. Wendy Hughes' performance brings the character of the devoted and virtuous Honor Langtry vividly to life, her nuanced depiction adds layers of complexity to the character, making Honor's emotional journey captivating and tangible.

Gary Sweet plays the role of the impulsive yet charismatic Sergeant Michael Wilson. He is the last of the group to be admitted to the hospital, a forceful presence that dramatically shifts the dynamic among the patients and staff. Gary Sweet’s on-screen portrayal is underpinned with a volatile combination of charm and unpredictability, which make his character both compelling and ominous. The intense chemistry and conflict between Langtry and Wilson serve as the gravitational center of the narrative.

Richard Moir plays Neil Parkinson, one of the emotionally disturbed soldiers under Langtry's care. Moir delivers an unforgettable performance, artfully portraying Parkinson's mental struggles and intense dependency on Langtry for emotional stability. The bonds of camaraderie between the soldiers, their shared trauma, and their shifting loyalties add a significant depth to their characters.

Another leading character is the kind-hearted and sympathetic Sister Aston, essayed by the talented Julia Blake. She is Langtry's second-in-command and is a moral and emotional backbone in the tumultuous world of the military hospital.

Rather than focusing on the typical elements of war movies like action-packed battle sequences and physical wounds, An Indecent Obsession dives into the less-explored territory of psychological trauma. It sheds light on the emotional turmoil experienced by the soldiers in the wake of the brutalities of war. Director Lex Marinos takes time in establishing the hospital's setting and the unique circumstances in which the characters are trapped. The cinematography by Peter Hendry represents the South Pacific's scenic beauty and complements the intense emotionality of the film.

The screenplay articulately renders the layered narrative of the novel. It pulls into its ambit the security, tension, and stimulus of the hospital, the protecting haven yet a claustrophobic space for wounded soldiers. The narrative walks a tightrope, blending the elements of romance, psychological tension, and intrigue, challenging the viewer’s assumptions about the intersection of love, duty, and morality.

As the relationships between Langtry, Wilson, Parkinson and the other patients evolve, the boundaries blur between caretaker and patient, protector and dependent, sanity and obsession. Like the novel, the film explores complex moral issues, merging the borderline between ethicality and desire, commitment and compromise, love and infatuation.

An Indecent Obsession, however, is not just a war film or a love story; it is a deep exploration of human emotion, resilience, and fragility in the face of relentless turmoil. It grapples with the moral and psychological dimensions of war and the human capacity for love and obsession, raising questions about the nature of excess and the morality of longing, hinting at the profound complexities of the human heart and mind.

This delicate exploration of the profound themes of love, duty, mental health, and obsession sets An Indecent Obsession apart. It serves as a compelling viewing experience for those seeking a layered, thought-provoking, and sensitively told narrative.