Gwyneth Paltrow has been trying to make amends for her appearance in "Shallow Hal" and what better way to do that than a literary mystery? Since I am no heavyweight in the fields of poetry or literature - and they have been weighing in suggesting a similar lack of depth in both films - don't look for insightful analysis in these comments. These are merely my own musings.
In the story of "Possession," we meet Randolph Henry Ash (Jeremy Northam) who is a celebrated 19th century poet and heralded misogynist. His relation with his wife, though loving, lacks physical satisfaction. He meets the celebrated poet Christabel LaMotte (Jennifer Ehle) in whom he finds his Muse and love interest. Ash's overtures are rebuffed initially resulting in - what else - more passionate poetry. Well, at least he has found his Muse.
Leap ahead to the 21st century where Roland Michell (Aaron Eckhart), an American grad student in Britain uncovers some long-hidden drafts of letters written by Ash to an unnamed interest. Clues to this puzzle are found in the romantic verse of these tragic lovers, as more correspondence is uncovered. Searching for clues, Alec meets Maud Bailey (Gwyneth Paltrow) who's an expert in 19th century feminist poets. Maud seems the acerbic scholar but is gradually seduced by the clues to the real life of Christabel and her tryst. And let's not forget the charms of her fellow sleuth Roland.
The two 19th-century poets and two 21st century literary sleuths engage each other in post-Victorian and post-modern mating rituals as the latter pair are drawn into the intriguing tale assembled from century-old letters and diaries. Rather than life imitating art, it imitates artistes as Maud and Roland are drawn closer in the mystery as well as the drama.
An interesting aspect of studying history is graphically illustrated in this film. You may think you have got a complete understanding of a character through the writing by and about them, or a time through archeological records, when suddenly a hurricane knocks down a stand of trees and reveals a whole new piece of antiquity that changes everything you thought you knew.
The story of this film is a sensual amalgam of verse, intrigue, and professional sleight of hand told with a backdrop of quaint modern Britain and lush Victorian melodrama. This is neither great literature nor great filmmaking but rather an interesting tale for an evenings relaxation. The "no sex, we're British" rule is seldom violated. You can decide whether that's a good thing.
In the story of "Possession," we meet Randolph Henry Ash (Jeremy Northam) who is a celebrated 19th century poet and heralded misogynist. His relation with his wife, though loving, lacks physical satisfaction. He meets the celebrated poet Christabel LaMotte (Jennifer Ehle) in whom he finds his Muse and love interest. Ash's overtures are rebuffed initially resulting in - what else - more passionate poetry. Well, at least he has found his Muse.
Leap ahead to the 21st century where Roland Michell (Aaron Eckhart), an American grad student in Britain uncovers some long-hidden drafts of letters written by Ash to an unnamed interest. Clues to this puzzle are found in the romantic verse of these tragic lovers, as more correspondence is uncovered. Searching for clues, Alec meets Maud Bailey (Gwyneth Paltrow) who's an expert in 19th century feminist poets. Maud seems the acerbic scholar but is gradually seduced by the clues to the real life of Christabel and her tryst. And let's not forget the charms of her fellow sleuth Roland.
The two 19th-century poets and two 21st century literary sleuths engage each other in post-Victorian and post-modern mating rituals as the latter pair are drawn into the intriguing tale assembled from century-old letters and diaries. Rather than life imitating art, it imitates artistes as Maud and Roland are drawn closer in the mystery as well as the drama.
An interesting aspect of studying history is graphically illustrated in this film. You may think you have got a complete understanding of a character through the writing by and about them, or a time through archeological records, when suddenly a hurricane knocks down a stand of trees and reveals a whole new piece of antiquity that changes everything you thought you knew.
The story of this film is a sensual amalgam of verse, intrigue, and professional sleight of hand told with a backdrop of quaint modern Britain and lush Victorian melodrama. This is neither great literature nor great filmmaking but rather an interesting tale for an evenings relaxation. The "no sex, we're British" rule is seldom violated. You can decide whether that's a good thing.