The Possession of Joel Delaney

The Possession of Joel Delaney is a gripping 1972 horror thriller movie, directed by Waris Hussein and starring renowned Hollywood actor, Shirley MacLaine, alongside Perry King and David Elliott. Adapting the narrative from Ramona Stewart’s 1970 novel of the same name, the film mesmerizes its audience with a compelling plot, strong performances, and an eerie atmosphere that remains indelible.

Shirley MacLaine, an Academy Award-winner, takes center stage in the film portraying Norah Benson, a well-to-do Manhattanite single mother. MacLaine, known for her dramatic acting prowess, impressively reveals a different facet of her acting capabilities in delineating the horror genre, thus adding a chilling authenticity to her character. Perry King is Joel Delaney, Norah's younger brother. King gives a nuanced performance, oscillating between a charming, affluent playboy and a character grappling with an inexplicable dark incursion that confounds him and those around him. Their sibling camaraderie, embodied with genuine expressions of concern, affection, and fear, form the crux of the film.

The plot of The Possession of Joel Delaney unfolds as Norah grows increasingly concerned about her brother's erratic and intriguing behavior, alien to his usual jovial demeanor. Norah's curiosity and worry deepens as Joel's alterations become more severe, leading her on a suspenseful and apprehensive investigation. Joel, the eponymous character, seems to be battling an unseen force that rattles him psychologically and also poses an imminent threat to those close to him. Unsettling incidents that begin to occur around the same time exacerbate her fear and confusion.

The movie thrusts viewers into an enthralling pool of supernatural scenarios, exploring themes of possession, unexpressed fears, and dichotomies of the human psyche. At its heart, the film is an encounter of suspenseful horror with a profound psychological connotation. It tackles the phenomenon of possession, driving its central story with the spine-chilling concept of an unworldly and insidious invader proclaiming a human body as its host. This movie dares its audience to confront the paralysing fear of the unknown, blurring lines between the visceral and the spiritual, creating an unnerving aura throughout the viewing experience.

Moreover, The Possession of Joel Delaney proffers commentaries on societal contrasts. Not only does it weave a riveting horror plot, but it also traverses the demarcations of class and culture in a subtle, yet potent manner. The stark distinction between the affluent lifestyle of Upper East Side Manhattan and the gritty realities of Spanish Harlem provides a dynamic background for the narrative. As such, the movie amplifies its depth by contrasting the superficial pleasantries of high society with the unsettling reality of spiritual beliefs embedded deep within the culture of a financially struggling ethnic community.

Director Waris Hussein employs a material realism approach in the movie. It consists of a potent blend of everyday familial interactions with ominous supernatural events leading to high drama. The film's screenplay does well to capture the essence of the '70's era in its set designs and costumes, bringing nostalgia to older viewers and a fresh period experience to the younger audience.

The Possession of Joel Delaney's soundscapes follow a sombre to startling trajectory, reinforcing the atmospheric horror. Moreover, the innovative cinematography crosscuts between sweeping shots of Manhattan's opulence to the eeriness of forensic setups and ominous scenarios.

In summation, The Possession of Joel Delaney is more than a conventional horror film. It is a weave of suspense, horror, and human drama with vestiges of psychological twists. It leaves audiences on the edge of their stance and propels them into a world where fear lurks around every corner. Notably, the film sets itself apart with the backdrop of a possession transforming a man into something beyond any recognition. Excellent performances led by Shirley MacLaine, a suspenseful narrative, and a palpable air of horror throughout makes The Possession of Joel Delaney an exceptional pick for horror aficionados and fans of psychological thrillers alike.