Movie: Possession (1981)

Let's talk about this weird movie! We start with My Dinner With Andre, but there's a point to it all, stick with it. :D

[@TheNeatwork]

I listened to this video up until right before he actually started talking about Possession and then I stopped. I had this feeling that I would regret watching the review without seeing the film first, so I went and watched it. Finished it at 4AM and had to watch this video just to make sure other human beings had seen what I had seen and I hadn't disconnected with reality for a little while. This movie is going to stick with me for a long time. Thanks Matt.

[@calvinchristensen4231]

Great review. Possession is my all-time favorite film. The first time I saw it I was so bewildered and confused that, after it was finished, I just went right back to the beginning and watched the whole thing again. It's the type of movie that I'm always thinking about and always wanting to return to. To answer your question (or at least attempt to), I believe the green-eyed characters were meant to represent their subconscious ideal version of their spouse, and how having that expectation of a loved one can ultimately lead to the demise of a relationship or the literal demise of a human being.

[@Krusiv]

Nice interpretation of the green-eyed characters. I had a similar thought triggered by what the green-eyed versions of the characters are wearing every time we see them. The man is in a fancy black tuxedo and while not literally a wedding dress, we always see the woman (when she has green eyes) in a white outfit/gown/dress. This is generic wedding attire. If the characters lived up to these ideal versions of each other then they could be together in holy matrimony.

[@AaronW-GArt]

I just finished watching this movie the other night and I completely agree. Bomb ass performances from everyone. I just wanna hug them all. Crazy movie and definitely worth watching 10/10

[@yojimboeastwood5602]

Just watched this. It was rough but so unique. Can’t stop thinking about it and it’s now on the top list

[@Carnictis]

I just finished this movie moment ago. I am absolutely floored. Beautiful; Visceral; Cruel and Grotesque.

[@jechet10]

"Like the dancers from a Kate Bush video inside of an Ultravox video" Haha

[@mercedescavani]

Possession is the most bizarre movie I've ever seen and although it wasn't my cup of tea (too much yelling and theatrics), I think it is truly unique, wild, and an experience every movie lover should try.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

It’s absolutely master class, and, yes, tremendously bizarre, but in the best way. I think there are a lot of possible interpretations of many portions of this film. And, yes, this is extremely interesting stuff.

[@styleissubstance]

I really love the intro for this video. It really engaged me as a viewer. It's nice to see so many Possession fans in the comments section here.

[@Anarchidi]

Didn't expect to see you here! Love your interpretations of this movies themes! Hope you follow up your other two videos with one talking about the politics of the film!

[@audiovideo-w6o]

hell yeah

[@lokuzt]

In the distant future - or in an alternate present - there are pocket dictionaries with videos instead of words, and what appears to describe the term "committed acting" is a clip of Isabelle Adjani in Possession's subway scene.

[@skyorrichegg]

I would be interested in more reviews of older, weird, or non-mainstream cinema. I had similar experiences as a kid and teenager with things like Suspiria, Jacob's Ladder, Nostalghia, The Bad Sleep Well, and The Conformist, to just name a few films that had a profound impact on me... and none of those are even in my top 5 films. When you talked about being "no longer even aware of myself as a conscious person having a reaction," I definitely recalled very similar feelings that I had as a kid watching certain films and a bunch of different films came to mind for me with specific scenes that evoked that feeling. But the director that consistently gets me in that mindset, even to this day, is Tarkovsky. The sound design, the cinematography, the acting, they just put me in that place and that scene for his films.

[@josies.8879]

Thanks so much for making this; paused it when you were about to go through the climax because I'm only halfway through the movie. I'm just one of those people who has a very hard time sticking with a weird movie if it's uncertain whether or not it'll end up being worth it in in the end! I'll finish it and come back. :)

[@TheNerdySimulation]

I have to admit, this is actually the kind of review I like to see, especially from you, Matt! It's nice to hear someone just discuss and think aloud about media which got them thinking, rather than criticism for the sake of criticism. Don't get me wrong, criticism can be good when done in a way to improve or teach others, but most times today it seems that people don't want to hear your thoughts, they just want to know if you enjoyed the film or not. When you already have an over-saturation of Critics for the average person to watch (seeing as that same average person could easily be just another Critic), it's nice to hear "This movie caused me to think about interesting things." What better way to help influence your creativity than just that alone? Thanks again for this, I certainly enjoyed it.

[@c0okiesandmilk]

this is a pleasantly surprising review. its nice to find a critic on youtube who can hold more than one opinion at the same time. shows strength of character and intelligence.

[@MARSHOMEWORLD]

Possession rates next to Closet Land, and In The Realm Of The Senses as films that completely challenged my young brain about just what cinema could be. Just leveled me. I had no frame of reference for films like that. Hadn't ever experienced Argento, Kurosawa, or even much expressionist cinema yet. Mind = blown. But (as you said) there is something intangible, something that appealed to me even tho it was not like any film I could put my finger on...that kept me from turning it off. It has that same slow burn that inhabits the 70's re-make of The Wages Of Sin: Sorcerer. Kinda "dull" in set-up (for lack of a better word) but the pay off is incredible. Roy Scheider has never looked more leathery. So, yeah. I haven't seen it in years, but I'm going to track Possession down again. Thanks for the wonderful reminder. Not to mention Adajani is riveting on screen (not just because she is lovely; which she is. I kid you not, I thought she was the single most beautiful woman I'd ever seen when I first saw her in Herzog's remake of Nosferatu) but because she is fearless. She seems to revel in that kind of acting that asks you to accept not just that character, but to buy deeper into the verisimilitude of the world the character inhabits because they so completely seem at home there. It is a rare style, and perhaps it's less in fashion with actors now, but I'm blown away when an actor can vanish on-screen. I feel the same way about Edward Woodward's performance as Sgt Howie in The Wicker Man. You just accept him as a flesh and blood person (granted, not one I'd probably have much in common with or want to hang out with...but, I digress.) What an unexpected treat of an upload sir. Thanks again. Got my cinema juices flowing. ps- Speaking of weird cinema, next weekend my gaming group is going to experience a D&D adaptation (somehow actually licensed to Mayfair games, mind you) of The Keep. Yeah, that actually exists. Should be fun. Time travel, vampires, Nazis...thanks Role-Aids of the 80's M.

[@wesleysonic]

I fucking adore this film, it is absolutely insane yet very beautiful

[@hvitekristesdod]

You absolutely nailed it sir. Great film. Can never be replicated. That’s not going to stop them from trying though… 😒

[@edwarddillon5886]

One of my favorite movies.

[@RhunWords]

This movie so wack it made my boy Colville speak more slowly

[@thedementedhouse381]

I've had similar experiences with movies. I found a groupings of movies that I fell in love with as a kid that has influenced me for the rest of my life. I did catch "My Dinner with Andre" as a kid and thought it was fascinating, but it's not the movies I fell in love with. My life changing genre was B-movies... which sometimes makes me sad when everyone around me keeps saying "Ugh! that movie was awful" and I sit there thinking "I loved that movie." However those movies give me tons of plots for all kinds of games to reach for and alter and make better and nobody ever knows.

[@thomkokenge3139]

The best thing about all your videos is your sharing and encouraging.

[@Bluecho4]

A common refrain often goes "were they high when they made [Work of Art]". A refrain I find myself always rolling my eyes at, because the kind of works that elicit it are the sorts of weird and/or brilliant that can't be created by a mind on drugs. High people don't create things while they are high, they just go along with being high. It's only when those people come down and become sober that they get anything done. Drugs aren't the fuel for creativity; at best, inspiration is a happy byproduct. In truth, creative works - the truly great or weird ones - are the result of a sober mind. Because no drug can compete with a sober mind focused in the right direction. People who don't endeavor to create weird works cannot fathom that a trippy scene could be the result of a sober mind, so they default to blaming drugs. Another common refrain I hear is "[Work of Art] is best viewed stoned". A suggestion that confuses and disappoints me. By my reckoning, the absolute best Surrealist works are the ones that make you _feel_ high, even when you are sober. If the creators can accomplish that, it's a mark of accomplished creative skill.

[@Exiled_Rouge]

Matt, your movie reviews are wonderful! I wish you would do more. Like a weekly show.

[@nordicnugz]

One of my favorite movies is called "Man of Earth" where a bunch of college professors get together for a weekend at a cabin. The entire movie is a conversation about the scientific implication of a human that lived forever.

[@mentalchillnesss]

Is this David Lynch or The Holy Mountain weird?

[@Carblesnarky]

You know I was thinking about your experience with weird cerebral movies in your youth. I did watch some of them but I watched a lot of B movies as a kid. I think it gave me this weird sort of skill. I can appreciate and enjoy movies that most folks find terrible. I can let bad storytelling, plot holes, and bad special effects go and just take the ride the movie wants me to take and have a great time. I was doing the same sort of thing you did, staying up late and watching bad movies but I didn't know they were bad you know?

[@gurkepro]

Really good video once again. I've been trying to get more people to watch this movie.

[@messedasamir7103]

I saw this film a few years ago. Very good movie not that strange because it's not really a story but more Et deep though about moral pain when you split with someone. The performance of Adjani is stunning. Sorry for my English I'm French

[@damianjonsson1688]

I find your movie reviews intellectually stimulating. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to the Hal video!

[@skreemqueen756]

Great review!! I love this movie. So bizarre and wonderful!!!

[@robfalgiano]

I enjoyed your review. There's so much to say about this film. It is absolutely frightening in so many ways - psychologically especially. You know in some sense that what you're watching is 'wrong' but it's almost impossible to look away, which tells you that it's tapping deep human fears. Re: how the characters view god, it's completely skewed, of course. They have been somehow seduced into believing that something demonic is god (presumably it is powerful, and they come to revere it) and they eventually all help to bring it into the world. Thus all the talk about 'knowing god' through the unnatural actions they undertake. But you can see, especially in Adjani's fearless and fear-inducing performance, endless moments of internal conflict. Her seduction by dark forces is tearing her apart, and at times it appears as if she is 'called' from afar and pulled back to it just when she might be drifting back towards domestic normalcy. Her ability to shift gears with her facial expression and eyes is remarkable, and again, chilling. Sam Neill's character is eventually seduced by it as well. And the ending of the movie - SPOILER - suggests it may have even begun with him since Anna's doppelganger existed first.

[@patrick_goldman]

Casually two years late to comment, but I saw Fantastic Planet playing in a bar this last weekend and it was pretty trippy.

[@LizLizzyBeth]

Fantastic planet was my favorite movie as a kid not really appropriate at 8 years old but gripping!

[@TheTwyker]

Man, I would really love your opinion on Kontroll the movie. :) And keep up the great work! Such a wonderful slue of informative yet inspiring experiences.

[@Matt-uc4iv]

just keep making more stuff. I like listening to you. You have good ideas and insight.

[@averyslone2716]

A movie I found on tv years ago in such a way was Mr Nobody I was profoundly curious about whata was going on and then evenetually saw it from the beginning completely intrigued my idea of how movies were

[@joeyasaperson]

I just finished this movie and i feel like im out of breath. great review

[@alexanderulv3886]

Great review, weird movie. Weird review, great movie. Oh yes, i am in that mood.

[@chronosynclasticinfundibulum]

my favorite review of yours, so far

[@CameronLaRue]

Holy my goodness! There's something mesmerizing about seeing you think through your own criticism and come to new conclusions on camera! I'm not a movie guy, but you should totally review more movies. I'll watch the videos for sure.

[@dramaticrodent541]

Do you ever watch anime? I wonder what you would think of shows like Kaiba, Serial Experiment Lain, FLCL, Psycho-Pass, or Neon Genesis Evangelion.

[@mcolville]

+Daniel Glass I don't really watch any TV stuff. Maybe like one show every 4 years.

[@dustinpeabody7064]

+Matthew Colville It's interesting that Daniel brings up these shows here because FLCL and Evangelion very much evoked that kind of cerebral response you described from your childhood in my own childhood. Also I've never seen a show that made me go wat? more than Serial Experiments Lain. It was very good though.

[@mentalchillnesss]

Doctor Who is always an inspiration to the imagination.

[@originiumresearchinstitute1044]

I love how you think and would like to experience it for myself.

[@spuriustadius5034]

Had a similar gob-smacked reaction to "Liquid Sky" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooPNmnh4g92hgdk) as a teen in the 80's at "The Pittsburgh Playhouse" movie theater. Liquid Sky was so transgressive compared to anything I had seen before. This is corny but it really opened my eyes to what is possible with film. Does it still hold up now? Maybe not, but it worked for me at the time and watching it more recently it still has a special feeling to it. After Liquid Sky I started deliberately looking for films that push the edge... and of course, came across Possession.

[@wikkidperson]

Artists can’t seem to stop making circles or cycles of everything. And mirrors/doubles/twins. So although I don’t know if it’s a cliché, when the creature turned out to have turned into Sam Neil (spoilers) I was not remotely surprised. Of course it had. And yes, it made me wonder if there is some heavy handed point being made along the lines of “you have sex with the next person after your spouse until they have eventually, essentially turned into someone you can’t tell from your spouse anymore. Including the green eyed jealousy.”

[@daracaex]

I'm not sure why, but I'm gonna ask: have you ever seen Jim Henson's "The Cube?" Incredibly surreal movie from I think before Henson got into the whole puppet and practical effects thing. Well worth a watch, though it's hard to find since it only aired once or twice. Think it's still on the internet if you look, though.

[@edyost8270]

I love the way you think, just discovered you on Twitter, this was first vid you did that I have seen, and review of 13th warrior, read

[@Knx3k]

11:31 I watched this w someone like 3 days ago and at times we had that exact face Yea this is the type of movie you watch after a big night out getting better from your alcohol poisoning or simply while extremely faded with some coffee and some nice snacks

[@Knx3k]

also thanks for the movie recs pls do give me some other weird shit to look at that makes you think of this

[@UncleMikki]

I really like your presentation

[@Jindorek]

I cant find the ghostbuster review. did u hide it?

[@goyasolidar]

Matt, I challenge you to review Zardoz.

[@WolfataDoor]

Great review!!

[@lordsidius99]

I finally got around to watching these (after following your D&D videos for some time) and did you seriously just casually name-drop Koyaanisqatsi? For real? Dude...

[@RyanKassel]

wow, that was artful

[@gengar1187]

Thanks for these reviews, I love to try and reverse engineer your storycraft from these.

[@laurencewithey15]

Anyone ever watch A Field in England? I really can't figure that film out.

[@PORRFNK]

You should try doing shrooms, it makes it a lot easier :) :) :)

[@xepulvedaaldo677]

My dinner with Andre, can it be consider the first podcast?

[@TaylorjAdams]

I know you're not looking for recommendations but I still have to suggest Cube. First time I saw Cube I was alone in the dark in a friends' house where I'd never been before. It was an interesting experience.

[@wanderslostify]

I feel like both of the doppelgängers are idealized versions of the couple brought to life by interaction with... whatever the fuck. Hannah, Anna's replacement comes from outside of the text of the movie. Someone created this more stable, docile version of Anna. Hannah is some man's - and men as a whole - perfected version of Anna. This is a perfection of a possession, not a good person. The Marc clone is not perfect, but a perfect reflection of what Anna wants. given her flaws. Anna's situation is not unique. There is some sort of end times/invasion thing happening as evidenced by the sounds of war at the end. Hannah is like the equivalent of the red lamps in Invitation

[@vishwaramesh]

Matt you must have heard this a million times. I know you don't show TV the same love you do to movies. But Stranger Things? I bet you will enjoy it immensely. And it is just like a really long movie if you think about it.

[@dramaticrodent541]

Seconding this. Stranger Things is like a love letter to 80s movies.

[@JoeAuerbach]

He saw it. He's mentioned it here and there.

[@vishwaramesh]

+Joe Auerbach oh that's awesome.

[@Virgil37]

love your channel

[@ShadeOfDead]

I'm not sure, but I think Matt said to watch this movie in an altered state of mind that lets you go..................................................................wut.

[@nicholasdickens2801]

It’s a very, very strange movie.

[@Leverquin]

do you know that movie: the man from the earth (2007)

[@harjutapa]

I really wanna hear Matt review The Room now.

[@Asher1347]

At the end Matt states why he makes these videos. And that's why I come back.

[@VIDEOSTOREREVIEW]

A great review! Keep it up!

[@HexagonSun990]

Why do I have to have a subscription to watch it..... Why can't it just be free. My life is a fart. MY LIFE IS A FAAAAAARRTT. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-

[@Goldendragon003]

I just found you channel today through a article about learning to play/run D&D. I have really enjoyed your playlist so far on the topic. Defiantly helping push be out of my fear of running a game. I also perused over some of your other videos. I really enjoyed them, I too really enjoyed the new GhostBusters and am disappointed it is getting a lot of hate and it is super disappointing that it wont get the same treatment as the original, probably no sequels and absolutely wont be getting it's own cartoon. Which is a shame because I would like to spend so much time with those characters. But that is a tangent, so back to your channel, on your main channel page there are a lot of Pogo videos and I am confused why they are there Your channel name is "Matthew Colville" not "Pogo". So I am assuming you have favorited all of Pogo's videos or something. But I don't understand why those videos are listed above your own uploads. The only other explanation I have is that you have 2 accounts and they are linked. In which case I actually stumbled across your stuff like a year or so ago that is pretty cool. But this is my very long winded way of asking about your background. Can you please talk about the awesome Alien figure you have on your shelf and also explain why you switch it out with the equally cool Gypsy Danger?

[@sneaky8490]

You should review The Room.

[@huberthubert860]

The 80's were like that, so Possession is weird cse of the weirdness of its Zeitgeist. ( Diviorce in a divided city of an divided world...wich turns out to be fully logical if you ask who benefits from permanent war, also structural, cse people are much easier governable when afraid. Thats why right after WWII, and the cold war, the War on Terror was created. War against a Strategy, genius if you want to create a permanent threat. But, ough, I got pretty far, sry....)

[@keithfifer9213]

They talk luke how to characters in eva talk

[@asianfireflie]

I'm confused the ending why the kid did that what was controlling her

[@JoeAuerbach]

Your comments on the dialog sort of makes it feel like Becket discourse.

[@scopedog755]

This is a weird movie..like Jodorowsky's Holy Mountain weird?

[@katrinac.5730]

ugh this review is utterly frustrating and *very* reductive of what the actual movie is

[@mediocredude2264]

If you like sci-fi you try the expanse, it's a really good show set about 300 years in the future. I find it very interesting but i'm not gonna say to much because generally the best way to experience shows and movies to to go in knowing very little.

[@WinstonWu888]

Matthew here's a good interpretation of the film. It goes deeper than you think and is very esoteric. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGmspX6qisdrl6M

[@keithwinget526]

You'll take my like and you'll LIKE IT! or else...

[@Jader7777]

Review the Dune movie.

[@davidgutierrez8297]

Came to see review. Wasted 4 minutes on dude talking about stuff.

[@kubricklynch]

Great review!