Is Obsessions Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1969)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Crime, Thriller cinema, the 1969 release of Obsessions stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A hole in the wall of a rented room in Amsterdam is the starting point of this English-language 'sex and suspense mystery', as Pim de la Parra defines his first feature film, inspired by Hitchcock and a variation on the Rear Window theme. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime, Thriller are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A hole in the wall of a rented room in Amsterdam is the starting point of this English-language 'sex and suspense mystery', as Pim de la Parra defines his first feature film, inspired by Hitchcock and a variation on the Rear Window theme. The film's events pick up when a painting falls from the wall. The tenant of the room, a medical student, peeks through the tiny opening at his neighbour. What he sees quickly makes him get his text books. It is not only sex that stirs his curiosity. Hidden out of sight, he witnesses puzzling and disturbing events, all pointing to crime. While the student gets more and more involved in the mystery, his fiancée, a journalist, receives an assignment from her newspaper to report on a murder case. Before long it appears that they are both involved in the same event. Happenings follow one another with increasing speed until a completely unexpected twist in the story brings it to a surprising conclusion."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Dieter Geissler, the performance in Obsessions feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Pim de la Parra is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 87 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Obsessions truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, Thriller, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Obsessions explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1969 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Pim de la Parra respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Obsessions is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dieter Geissler or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Obsessions is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.