The Sessions by Ben Lewin. This is a film were pretty much everything you can appreciate about it is right in front your face thorugh comedy, directing and writing. And honestly, it's kinda confusing how John Hawkes didn't get an Oscar nomination for this, because this is one of the better performances in the year.
In this film, he plays Mark O'Brien, a man paralyzed from the neck down because of polio. What follows on screen is his struggles with romance, and eventual decision to hire a sex surrogate. Aside from the fantastic performance from John Hawkes, this is a film that I'm mostly appreciate for its subject matter. I mean, most people simply wouldn't tackle this type of story, just because they don't have the balls. What it tried to do, it was successful at, and I'm glad it understood what its capabilities were. It's crowd-pleasing, heartfelt, and somewhat dramatic, but mostly, it's a comedy. 1And its respectable that they were able to make one out of a somewhat serious subject matter without it seeming immature or insincere.
If you're looking for entertainment with minimal interpretation, then I have no issues recommending this to you, and I hope you enjoy it.
I'm not sure why Helen Hunt was nominated for an Oscar for this other than that she does full nudity. And if she's nominated, I don't understand why John Hawkes wasn't as he puts in such a strong performance with such limitations. This movie was seriously misadvertised. The trailer makes it seem like a comedy, which it is far from. And frankly, it's a huge let down. So much more could have been made out of this movie, and you walk away feeling that it's a failure of unrealized potential. I know it's based on a true story, but still, it could have been so much more.
Quirky comedy with some heart. Recommend it.
Totally agree with sp1ti.. the fact that it's based on a true story makes it even more heart felt.. great movie :)
Great, charming little movie that even got me to shed a tear (or two).
Shout by IHateBadMovies.comVIP 8BlockedParent2021-04-15T23:35:32Z
Don't let the subject matter fool you - this was a charming and very funny movie. I saw The Diving Bell and the Butterfly a few weeks ago and while there are obvious similarities this movie felt more accessible (this is not meant to be a criticism of that movie). Of course, it doesn't hurt that it starred the criminally underrated John Hawkes. More than anything that movie is about the human experience. While the story is obviously about the lead's desire to experience what it is like to be a sexual human being if for just a moment, there is a fantastic sub-plot that stars William H. Macy as a priest. At one point Macy's character is asked to put aside his collar and give Hawke's character as a human being and friend. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and would not have changed a minute of it.
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