Obsessions

Obsessions, originally known as "Bezeten - Het gat in de muur", is a 1969 thriller-drama movie that is the unique collaborative product of Dutch director Pim de la Parra and American filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The combination of de la Parra's recognizably European cinematic talents and Scorsese's transcending vision makes Obsessions still feel contemporary and on the cutting edge of psychological thriller filmmaking.

The storyline focuses on the intriguing journey and complex psyche of the lead character, Nils Janssen, played convincingly by Dieter Geissler. Nils is a medical student living in Amsterdam with his rich girlfriend Marina (Alexandra Stewart). Nils' otherwise simple life takes an abrupt and suspenseful turn when he discovers a peephole in his bathroom wall. What starts as an idle curiosity transforms into an obsession as Nils gets engrossed deeper into the intrigues of the adjacent apartment. This hole in the wall metaphorically becomes a portal into an increasingly baffling and morally ambiguous world that puts Nils face to face with the mysteries of life, death, desire and violence.

Throughout the movie, audience's interest is cleverly maintained through the experiences and torments of Nils as he dives into his all-consuming obsession. Elements of voyeurism, eroticism, mystery, and a hint of surrealism delicately interwine to underscore the narrative and to amplify the overall atmospheric tension. Ultimately, it all boils down to the question of how far one will go when consumed by fascination and curiosity.

Obsessions showcases some remarkable performances beyond its leading duo. Alexandra Stewart, as Marina, delivers a strikingly authentic performance, oscillitating between warmth and iciness. Tom van Beek, in his role as the enigmatic neighbor, effectively generates intrigue, suspense, and unease, thus adding another layer to the storytelling.

One of the most significant aspects of Obsessions is its innovative soundtrack, attributed to Bennie Maupin and coming from an era where jazz was at its zenith. The soundtrack, almost a character on its own, significantly contributes to the movie's pulsating, pacy, and tangible sense of unease.

The direction of de la Parra effectively explores themes of obsession, morality, and the blurred line between right and wrong, while Scorsese's contribution as a co-writer and creative consultant adds the necessary gravitas and novelty to the narrative. This combination of directorial and narrative prowess ensures that Obsessions doesn't feel outdated, but continues to resonate with modern audiences. The film deftly incorporates elements of contemporary European cinema, as well as the film noire tradition, effectively creating a genre-blending cinematic experience.

Replete with unexpected twists and turns, the film stimulates the senses and challenges audiences to question their moral boundaries as they follow Nils on his ethically fraught explorations. Despite the movie being rooted in the 1960s, the themes it explores, such as voyeurism and obsession, resonate strikingly with contemporary issues in the age of the internet and social media.

The cinematography of the film deserves a special mention. Splendidly shot by Jan de Bont, later known for Hollywood movies like Speed and Twister, the film's cinematography manifests itself in unforgettably haunting images that manage to capture the film's complex interplay of light and darkness, as well as the psychological complexities of its characters.

Obsessions was a breakthrough for Dutch cinema at the time of its release and remains a significant milestone, notable not only in the careers of Parra and Scorsese but also in suspense-thriller genre cinema. The international character of the film - involving Dutch, American, and other European veterans of the industry - lends itself to a universal appeal that transgresses cultural boundaries.

In short, Obsessions from 1969 is more than a film - it is a cinematic experience that induces the viewer into a world of psychological torment and moral murkiness. The film’s gripping narrative, strong performances, evocative music, and compelling imagery come together to deliver a unique, audacious, inspired, and unsettling thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats even after half a century of its release. The film offers a rewarding, if edgy, watch for audiences who appreciate psychological thrillers and are eager to explore the darker depths of human curiosity.