Obsession

A wealthy New Orleans businessman, Michael Courtland, begins an affair with a young artist named Sylvia. Their passionate relationship is tragically cut short when Sylvia dies in a plane crash. Devastated and consumed by grief, Michael becomes obsessed with finding a woman who resembles Sylvia. He eventually finds one, a woman named Bess, and attempts to recreate his lost love, leading to a complex and dangerous psychological unraveling.

Obsession received mixed to positive reviews from critics upon its release. While some lauded De Palma's stylish direction and the film's atmospheric suspense, others found the plot convoluted and overly melodramatic. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating its Hitchcockian influences and others put off by its dark themes and abrupt ending.

• Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and stylish direction reminiscent of Hitchcock.

• Criticized by some for a plot that becomes increasingly convoluted and melodramatic.

• The performances, particularly Geneviève Bujold's dual role, were often highlighted.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's tense atmosphere and the director's stylistic flair. Some found the story engaging, though a segment of viewers felt the narrative became somewhat predictable or overly dramatic in its later stages.

The film's score was composed by the legendary Bernard Herrmann, his final film score before his death. He had previously worked with Alfred Hitchcock, a director whose style heavily influenced Brian De Palma.