
Obsession
1976, Mystery and thriller, 1h 38m
26 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Obsession suffers in comparison to the Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece that it mirrors, but director Brian De Palma's unique preoccupations give this thriller its own compulsive, twisted fingerprint. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Michael Courtland

Elizabeth Courtland, Sandra Portinari
Robert Lasalle
Amy Courtland
Third Kidnapper
Critic Reviews for Obsession
All Critics (26) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (19) | Rotten (7)
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De Palma's direction has its splashy slickness, but the people serve as mere props for the effects.
January 1, 2020 | Full Review… -
Whatever shred of credibility the movie retains is dispersed by the final, dead serious directorial hocus‐pocus.
December 13, 2017 | Full Review… -
Subtlety is a not a term that can often be applied to DePalma's work, but it's this uncharacteristic restraint that helps make "Obsession" his masterpiece.
April 24, 2015 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review… -
Another of De Palma's fearlessly experimental whims.
September 3, 2006 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Sometimes overwrought excess can be its own reward. If Obsession had been even a little more subtle, had made even a little more sense on some boring logical plane, it wouldn't have worked at all.
October 23, 2004 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
May 27, 2003 | Rating: 2/5
Audience Reviews for Obsession
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Sep 18, 2016Rip-off of Vertigo that has none of that film's enigma, psychology or even masterful camerawork. What the film does have is trashy fun, a ludicrous twist and a superb music score.Daniel P Super Reviewer
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Mar 30, 2010I think I like and enjoy Obsession a lot more than I do Vertigo. Sure, it doesnât have anything on Hitchcockâs experience, but this was one of Brian De Palmaâs early films. Hitchcock made his at the tail end of his career. In terms of plot, Obsession is incredibly more disturbing and twisted. I think the fact that itâs predictable about halfway in is like complete torture to the audience, a great move and sense of humor from De Palma. I just love the overall look of the film and how fun it is to watch. The performances are great and really add to the viewing experience. The music also makes that final touch of bizarre, a vital element to the structure of the film.Conner R Super Reviewer
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Feb 05, 2010It might take me a couple of viewings to get this one. I was very very bored and nearly fell asleep during this one, and I'm a huge fan of Vertigo.Tim S Super Reviewer
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Oct 21, 2009Brian DePalma is the king of all style and no substance. This movie is DePalma's homage to Vertigo except with a sick twist. The film looks great, has amazing photography by Vilmos, and great score by the genius Bernard Herman. This film fails with Paul Schrader's lazy script. *Spoilers* You see who the bad guy is from a mile away and why he does it. I saw the twist coming but then some sick twisted shit happens to throw you off only to be confirmed later what you thought earlier. I know this sentence is confusing,but when you see this film you will know what I'm talking about. Worth watching,but typical dePalma here, good idea with poor execution.cody f Super Reviewer
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