POSSESSION is a handsomely produced romantic affair combining both modern and period romance skillfully with overlapping flashbacks that delve into the research being conducted by GWYNETH PALTROW and AARON ECKHART as they gradually fall under the spell of romance themselves.
Its leisurely pace and artistic trappings make it the ideal sort of romance for viewers who like relationship tales rather than a constant stream of fireworks. There's a Merchant/Ivory feel to the whole film, tasteful in every way as far as settings, costumes and performances are concerned. Credit for that must go to Neil LaBute who has done a skillful job of creating past and present in a way that is fluid rather than jarring, going easily from the 21st Century to 19th with camera movements that blend them together seamlessly. JEREMY NORTHAM and JENNIFER EHLE are impressive as Victorian lovers caught up in an illicit relationship.
Paltrow is more appealing than usual even though her role is rather one dimensional and Eckhart is appealing as the American doing his earnest research believably. The trouble is that neither the present nor the past has a particularly fascinating story to tell and this is especially apparent after more than two hours have passed without any resolution to the tale.
A fanciful tale for admirers of Victorian romance, its appeal is limited to a certain spectrum of the audience looking for a tale that explores relationships.
Its leisurely pace and artistic trappings make it the ideal sort of romance for viewers who like relationship tales rather than a constant stream of fireworks. There's a Merchant/Ivory feel to the whole film, tasteful in every way as far as settings, costumes and performances are concerned. Credit for that must go to Neil LaBute who has done a skillful job of creating past and present in a way that is fluid rather than jarring, going easily from the 21st Century to 19th with camera movements that blend them together seamlessly. JEREMY NORTHAM and JENNIFER EHLE are impressive as Victorian lovers caught up in an illicit relationship.
Paltrow is more appealing than usual even though her role is rather one dimensional and Eckhart is appealing as the American doing his earnest research believably. The trouble is that neither the present nor the past has a particularly fascinating story to tell and this is especially apparent after more than two hours have passed without any resolution to the tale.
A fanciful tale for admirers of Victorian romance, its appeal is limited to a certain spectrum of the audience looking for a tale that explores relationships.