Besættelse
The middle-aged manufacturer Jens Steen is on his way to his summer house on the West Coast to relax. All alone. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Else Petersen is on the hook - and she is looking forward to a holiday with everything paid for. With classic womanizing, she gets in with Jens Steen, who becomes obsessed with her beauty and youth. But when the local Jutland bicycle mechanic turns up the charm, things start to get heated. And before long, Jens Steen has a scandal on his hands, which he can only do one thing to avoid. In 1944, Bodil Ipsen herself directed one of the few film noir dramas in Danish film history. Obsession is an excellent film about the extremes of emotion and the unbearable lightness of life.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman is driven to madness by her obsession with her domineering mother and her complicated relationship with a composer. As her mental state deteriorates, she becomes increasingly isolated and prone to violent outbursts, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. The film explores themes of repressed desire, familial control, and the destructive nature of obsession.
Critical Reception
Dreyer's 'Day of Wrath' (original title 'Vredens Dag') is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Danish cinema, praised for its stark visual style, intense psychological depth, and powerful performances. While its deliberate pacing and bleak themes may not appeal to all, it is consistently lauded by critics and cinephiles for its artistry and profound exploration of human nature.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its haunting atmosphere and striking visual compositions.
- Lauded for its intense psychological portrayal of female repression and obsession.
- Recognized as a significant work of cinematic art for its unique directorial style.
Google audience: Viewers consistently praise the film's profound psychological exploration and its stark, memorable visual style. Many appreciate the intense performances and the film's thought-provoking themes, though some find its deliberate pacing challenging.
Fun Fact
Carl Theodor Dreyer insisted on filming in black and white and used very few camera movements, creating a static and theatrical feel that enhances the film's oppressive atmosphere.
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