Obsession (1976): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Obsession is a 1976 drama thriller directed by Brian De Palma, starring John Lithgow, Cliff Robertson and Geneviève Bujold. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 59 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 38m (98 min)
- Director
- Brian De Palma
- Original language
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Korean - Studio
- Columbia Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Obsession About?
The premise of Obsession without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
This gripping drama explores the complexities of obsession and its destructive power through five interconnected stories. The narratives follow diverse characters, including a Japanese traveler searching for answers and a man consumed by despair. Each episode delves into the darker aspects of the human mind, examining the depths of human struggle and the devastating consequences of confronting our deepest fears.
Obsession Cast
John Lithgow leads the cast, with Cliff Robertson and Geneviève Bujold. Directed by Brian De Palma; 10 actors are credited in all.
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Director Brian De Palma
Also Starring in Obsession
· 6 moreMore from Brian De Palma
More films directed by Brian De Palma, best-rated first: Blow Out, Carrie, The Untouchables and Carlito's Way.
Obsession Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Obsession 59 on Metacritic.
-
Metacritic 59 Metascore
User score 5.9
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 66% User score
See on TMDB
Obsession Plot Summary
What happens in Obsession from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 1959, Michael Courtland, a prosperous New Orleans real estate developer, wakes to a nightmare when his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Amy are kidnapped. The police propose a chillingly clever tactic: instead of paying a traditional ransom, Courtland should hand over a briefcase filled with ordinary paper cut into currency. The idea is that the kidnappers will be cornered into surrendering when they realize they’ve walked into a trap, not a windfall. Courtland reluctantly agrees, and the plan spirals into a catastrophic misfire. A dramatic car chase ends in a spectacular explosion, wiping out the abductors and the victims alike. Traumatized by the loss, Courtland blames himself for what happened and becomes consumed by guilt and grief.
Full summary
The whole story of Obsession, scene by scene
Obsession Awards & Nominations
Obsession was nominated for 1 Oscar.
1 nomination1 ceremony
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Oscars 1977 1 nomination- Nominated Music (Original Score)
Obsession Trailers & Videos
5 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser, 1 clip and 2 featurettes.
- Teaser ABC Friday Night Movie promo Obsession 1979
- Clip Ransom Note
- Featurette Bonus Clip: Producer George Litto Discusses The Casting Of The Film
- Featurette Mark Kermode reviews Obsession (1976) | BFI Player
How Well Do You Know Obsession?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In which American city does prosperous real estate developer Michael Courtland live and work?
Cars in Obsession
27 cars on screen, including the 1953 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon and the 1952 Buick Super Estate Wagon.
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1953 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon Important role -
1952 Buick Super Estate Wagon Important role -
1969 Chevrolet Impala Important role -
1949 Ford Custom Important role
Obsession Also Known As
21 alternative titles, including “Obsessão” and “De Vrouw die Twee Keer Leefde”.
- Also known as
-
- Obsessão
- De Vrouw die Twee Keer Leefde
- Painajainen
- Obsession - Complesso di colpa
- Schwarzer Engel
- Complesso di colpa
- 迷情记
- Fascinación (Obsession)
- Megszállottság
- 愛のメモリー
- Обсебвaне
- Наваждение
+9 more Show fewer
- Obsesja
- 강박관념
- Posedlost
- Gastkramad
- Naisen kahdet kasvot
- وسواس
- Obsessió
- Trágica Obsessão
- 迷情記
Seen Obsession?
Obsession FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, awards, post-credit scenes and language of Obsession, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Obsession?
Obsession runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).
When was Obsession released?
Obsession was released on August 1, 1976.
Who directed Obsession?
Obsession was directed by Brian De Palma.
More films by Brian De Palma Who is in the cast of Obsession?
Obsession stars John Lithgow, Cliff Robertson and Geneviève Bujold, among 10 credited actors.
How is Obsession rated?
Obsession has 59 on Metacritic and 66% on TMDB.
Was Obsession nominated for any awards?
Obsession received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.
Does Obsession have a post-credit scene?
No. Obsession has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Obsession in?
The original language of Obsession is Korean.
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