Prepare yourself for a cinematic gem that upends the typical noir narrative in a way that resonates even more powerfully today than it did in 1949. Obsession, directed by the arguably underrated Edward Dmytryk and starring Robert Newton and Sally Gray, takes a bold, audacious leap into the dark corners of revenge and betrayal. Set in post-World War II England, this film tells the twisted tale of a demented psychiatrist who concocts a deranged plot to murder his wife's lover. A classic love triangle isn’t enough for this movie—it goes for the jugular, exposing the raw, animalistic instincts of a scorned man determined to nature his warped sense of justice.
First things first, Obsession was adapted from Alec Coppel's novel, A Man About A Dog. And before you wonder about its place in film history, let’s clear it up: this masterpiece preceded Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train, yet it’s a lesser-known film noir. Here, the story plays out not just in shadowy scenes and tight angles, but also in the mind-bending cat-and-mouse game between characters who are far from caricatures. This isn’t Mickey-Mouse pseudo-nuance—this is real human emotion laid bare in celluloid.
Why do we tackle this bygone era film today? Because amidst its hauntingly beautiful black-and-white cinematography is a lesson, loud and clear, that talking heads both in and out of Hollywood like to ignore—and when I say 'heads,' I don't have the liberals in mind. What makes Obsession stand out is its daring portrayal of human emotions and selfish obsessions that pathetically direct our actions. As Dr. Clive Riordan, the genius mind in terror mode, Newton brings the complexities of internal rage to life, illustrating how unchecked emotions can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Newtons' co-star, Sally Gray, showcases the staunch betrayal required to ignite the fireworks. And though she finds herself with only moments to shine, she's undeniably memorable. Her lover, played by Naunton Wayne, is held captive—a pawn in Riordan’s intricate game of endangered love. But here’s the catch: the story isn’t an outright condemnation of infidelity, nor is it a twisted justification—you’re left to peel the layers, wondering where sympathy should truly lie.
Few films manage to capture the grim beauty of shadow and light like Obsession does. It puts contemporary cinema to shame with its willingness to dive headfirst into the complex psyche without the need for phony CGI or ham-fisted special effects. This is raw, honest storytelling reminiscent of an era when narrative meant something real. Dmytryk, already famous for his earlier works, pulls us into the depths of not just his characters' minds but challenges how we perceive personal justice and ambition.
Obsession unfolds in the drab yet surprisingly snug post-war London, creating a setting that sets the stage for moral quandaries and hypocrisies that still resonate today. Urban grit feeds the narrative with a visual heaviness that amplifies tension to a level where you just can’t look away. Every frame, every shadow serves a purpose, much like a traditional noir should—reminiscent of The Maltese Falcon or Double Indemnity. Yet, it strips away the unwarranted glamour. It reinforces a crucial philosophy: if you can't navigate the innermost depths of human emotions earnestly, then why tell the story at all?
Clearly, Obsession dares you to examine your own sense of justice and ask yourself how far you would go if one man's sanity were snapped like a twig by acts of betrayal. Its potent undercurrents urge viewers to confront their darkest instincts, hence stretching Newton’s performance into a virtual clinic of understated madness.
The eerie brilliance of Obsession lies in its audacity to question societal norms and dissect the very fabric of what it means to seek revenge. It unveils, without apology, the brutal nature of humans relegated to their baser instincts. Critical eyes may balk at its simplicity, but therein lies the punch: transparent storytelling offers a mirror, whether you choose to glance into your reflection or not.
To take delight in the luxuries of cinematic storytelling while relishing the unraveling of carefully constructed narratives has always provided an escape from reality. In an age where moral ambiguity is in vogue and real-world applications of blurred ethical lines are marketed like trendy sneakers, Obsession dares to loudly echo its timeless relevance. It’s high time we embrace what Obsession imparts—not as a mere relic of history but as a timeless beacon that reminds us how little our obsessions have changed.
So, if you find yourself in search of a genuine noir, free from polished Hollywood varnish, Obsession is your go-to. Let its shadows draw you into a story that rips apart the thin veil of genteel society, revealing the complex, emotional ebb beneath. Dmytryk's film is more current than ever, a compelling shout into our complex world. In viewing it, you’re closing the gap between past and present by recognizing that while tech may evolve, human nature remains gloriously the same.