The Sessions (FILM REVIEW)
The Sessions
Film Review
by Kam Williams
Compassionate
Disability Drama Chronicles Indomitability of the Human Spirit
Mark O’Brien (John Hawkes) was left
paralyzed from the neck down by the polio he’d contracted as a child. Consequently,
he can only breathe with the assistance of an iron lung, although he can use a
portable respirator for a few hours at a time.
Nonetheless, the condition has never
stopped him from fantasizing, especially about his attractive attendants like Amanda
(Annika Marks) who quit when he expressed his desire for her. The sexually-frustrated,
38 year-old decides that the only way he’ll probably ever lose his virginity is
by paying a woman to sleep with him.
However, this proves easier said
than done, between the physical challenges presented by quadriplegia and his having
to wrestle with a major moral issue as a devout Catholic. Since his religion
forbids fornication outside the sanctity of marriage, Mark consults his parish
priest for special dispensation.
Armed with the surprisingly-sympathetic
Father Brendan’s (William H. Macy) blessing, Mark retains the services of
Cheryl (Helen Hunt), a professional sex surrogate with the bedside demeanor, or
should I say bedroom demeanor, of a saint. Over the course of a half-dozen,
romantic rendezvous, the sensitive therapist gradually helps her patient conquer
problems with performance anxiety and premature ejaculation.
En route to consummation, the pair
simultaneously forge a friendship in spite her fears that he might develop an
attachment to her. After all, she is married. But Mark emerges from the
experience, a changed man, as he develops the confidence to flirt with other women
and he even ultimately finds a wife (Robin Weigert).
The Sessions’ subject-matter might strike
some as salacious, given the film’s frequent, full-frontal nudity. But the picture
actually plays out more as a compassionate tale exploring a variety of themes,
including faith, friendship, relationships and the indomitability of the human
spirit.
Written
and directed by Ben Lewin, himself a polio victim, the movie is based on Mark O’Brien’s (1950-1999) life
story as chronicled in his autobiography “How I Became a Human Being: A
Disabled Man’s Quest for Independence.” The late author was already the subject
of Breathing Lessons, a biopic which won an Academy Award in 1997 in the Best
Documentary category.
Rather than resort to manipulative sentimentality,
the production resists the temptation to follow a Hollywood
formula in favor of a realistic plot that Mark undoubtedly would have
appreciated. As a journalist and longtime civil rights advocate, he never
looked for pity but lobbied for legislation and equality on behalf of the
handicapped.
Co-stars John Hawkes and Helen Hunt generate
an endearing chemistry, here, turning in a couple of virtuoso performances
deserving of serious consideration come Oscar season. A poignant,
character-driven drama depicting the disabled as complicated individuals with a
full range of emotions.
Excellent
(4 stars)
Rated R for graphic sexuality, frontal nudity and frank dialogue
Running time: 95 minutes
Distributor: Fox
Searchlight
To see a trailer for The Sessions, visit:
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