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Not many genres have earned appreciation of obsession. Since the 1980’s, stories of obsessive individuals have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s ballet dancers, jazz drummers or miserable authors, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about obsession that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Misery
Obsession is a dangerous emotion that can cause authors to face frustration. There’s nothing more frustrating in the whole world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. Personally speaking, obsession has often impacted my ability to write my movie reviews effectively. I have often faced great trouble putting pen to paper coming up with great ideas as a writer. There have been many times when I have struggled to engage with writing by being unable put a single word on a page. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how dark obsession can cause authors to face misery as powerfully as “Misery”. Ever since its release in 1991, Rob Reiner’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about obsession. With the greatest film of his career, Reiner used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an obsessive fan stalking an author causing despair. Reiner has often had an aptitude for making engaging movies about obsession putting lives in danger, and “Misery” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Reiner used captivating dramatic monologues capturing an obsessive fan stalking an author in ways that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Annie throws a temper tantrum getting upset with Paul when she becomes aware he has killed off a great character causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Kathy Bates, who is an obsessive woman stalking a famous author. Ultimately, what makes “Misery” my favourite film about obsession of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most horror movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic horror film about obsessive fans stalking authors that are miserable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has made great movies audiences consider special.
2. Adaptation
Obsession can often affect abilities of authors to achieve recognition. Being obsessive has often affected my abilities to write movie reviews that are effective. My obsessive behaviour has often affected my abilities to become a successful writer. Obsession has often been a barrier affecting my abilities to publish reviews earning recognition. As someone that has witnessed obsession causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships that anxious screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter with obsession struggling to create stories. For instance, the opening scene in which Charlie begins sweating profusely unable to communicate with a pretty publisher causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Nicolas Cage, who portrayed an anxious writer. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about danger of obsession which would resonate with everyone. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a bold reminder of a genre producing unforgettable movies which audiences always cherish.
3. Gone Girl
Obsession can often cause marriages to face destruction. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage causing damage. I recall the night when she had a heated argument with her husband that proved to be a shocking sight. Her husband’s obsessive behaviour caused my aunt’s marriage to end in disaster. As someone that witnessed obsession causing a marriage to unfurl, I adored “Gone Girl”. Released in 2014, David Fincher’s movie captured obsession causing marriages to face tragedy. Fincher used captivating voice-over narration capturing marriages between couples that face destruction. For instance, the scene in which Amy and Nick have a tense argument in their apartment over their obsessive behaviours causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ben Affleck, who embodied a husband obsessed with finding his missing wife. Ultimately, what makes “Gone Girl” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most David Fincher movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Nick’s desire to prove his innocence, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making strong movies attracting a huge worldwide audience.
4. Whiplash
Obsession can often affect abilities of teachers to deliver instruction. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with an obsessive teacher that had a habit of bullying causing damage. He was a cruel teacher that often enjoyed mistreating students with ridicule. Willing to yell, he rarely got along well with pupils whose lives he made a hell. As someone haunted by a teacher that mistreated students in ways which were brash, I adored “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured the lives of cruel jazz music instructors. Drawing from his own personal experience, Chazelle created a powerful portrait of band teachers with a tendency for violence. For instance, the scene in which Fletcher bullies Andrew for his inability to reach a tempo causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by J.K. Simmons, who embodied a frightening teacher. Ultimately, what makes “Whiplash” a musical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about teachers that would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about jazz music, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of jazz music to appreciate its themes. As strong as Andrew’s desire to become a successful jazz drummer, it’s a melodious reminder of a celebrated genre that has made unforgettable movies about consequences of obsession which audiences always treasure.
5. Zodiac
The Zodiac is an obsessive serial killer that always fascinated by brother. I remember my brother was once obsessed with the crimes committed by a notorious serial killer. He would often marvel at the way that the Zodiac got away with committing crimes without facing a price to pay. In 2007, David Fincher honoured the obsessive investigation of the notorious serial killer that was hard to track in his movie “Zodiac”. Fincher used captivating montages capturing a dedicated detective searching for a serial killer that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Robert enters the frightening basement of a suspect causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jake Gyllenhaal, who embodied an obsessive detective seeking to conduct an elaborate serial killer investigation. Ultimately, what makes “Zodiac” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about serial killers, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 60 years after the Zodiac serial killer got away with murders in the San Francisco Bay without imprisonment, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making movies about obsession that deserve to be celebrated as entertainment.
6. The Talented Mr. Ripley
Obsession often affects the lives of con-artists. Con-artists that plan to deceive people often face feelings of obsession that are painful. The impact of obsession on the lives of talented con-artists facing adversity is beautifully depicted in the movie “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Released in 1999, Anthony Minghella’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a book about obsession. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Talented Mr. Ripley” stand out is its depiction of con-artists. Minghella uses montages capturing hardships con-artists are facing. Assisted by Matt Damon who is extraordinary in the lead role, Minghella created a compelling drama about obsession. A powerful portrait of obsession affecting con-artists that are talented, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies that deserve to be definitely celebrated.
7. The Social Network
When it comes to the world’s greatest social network companies changing outlook, it’s worth discussing Facebook. Created in the early 2000’s by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook was a company fuelled by feelings of obsession. In 2010, David Fincher honoured the iconic social network organization in his movie “The Social Network”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Social Network” stand out is its depiction of entrepreneurs. Fincher uses captivating non-linear storytelling capturing how emotions of obsession led to the creation of Facebook. Assisted by Jesse Eisenberg who is sensational in the lead role, Fincher honoured Facebook’s legacy. A spectacular tribute to a company that forever changed social media, it’s a sensational reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies which are worth seeing in Cinema.
8. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a great book about obsession which has built a lasting legacy. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of an obsessive millionaire overcoming poverty in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A great adaptation of a famous book about millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured bold movies about consequences of obsession which audiences consider highly precious.
9. Bright Star
Obsession is a dangerous emotion that often causes poets to face destruction. The lives of poets that write stories are often affected by obsession that’s hidden in plain sight. The negative impact of obsession on the lives of poets seeking stardom is beautifully depicted in the movie “Bright Star”. Released in 2008, Jane Campion’s movie captured the life of an obsessive poet. Campion used captivating montages capturing hardships that a commemorated poet publishing timeless stories with obsession is facing. Assisted by Ben Whishaw who is extraordinary in the lead role, Campion created a compelling movie about obsession. As precious as poetry Keats seeks to write, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured bright movies about the dangerous consequences of obsession which definitely deserve the media spotlight.
10. Black Swan
Few movies ever made about obsession impacting lives of artists are as beloved as “Black Swan”. Released in 2010, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured an obsessive ballet dancer facing tragedy. Aronofsky used unreliable narration to capture an obsessive ballet dancer. Assisted by Natalie Portman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Aronfoksy captured obsession in the ballet profession. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of obsession causing a ballet dancer to face adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Nina’s love for ballet, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about obsession changing the way people behave which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking today.
The Film Buff 