This different perspective, along with an
endearing cast of characters and a surprising humor is what make this film a
touching and provocative study of complicated love. Sex is the subject but what
actually engages is the relationships amongst characters which showcase the
therapeutic effect of human connection.
The Sessions, a film about a handicapped man and his
unorthodox search for love, gets you thinking about things you’ve probably
never thought of before. The sex life of people with severe physical
disabilities, for instance. What does it mean for your romantic life when you
have the desire but not the ability to have sex? Do you remain in a state of
perpetual innocence? Do you try not to think about it or is it all you think
about? These uncomfortable questions are explored in the film and an obvious
answer quickly emerges. Most handicapped people’s lives are not much different
from anyone else’s, but just as they must approach tasks such as opening doors
in a different way, love and sex come with their own unique approach. |
| The real Marc O'Brien |
The story is based on the life of writer/poet Marc O’Brien.
O’Brien contracted polio as a boy and became unable to move anything below his
neck for the rest of his life. He isn’t exactly paralyzed; he can feel
everything, it’s just that his muscles don’t work. An iron lung does 80% of his
breathing. He’s only out of the machine during outings with his attendant Vera
and at church. Despite these difficult circumstances, Marc at 38 views his
condition with a wry sense of humor that is charmingly self-deprecating. But
though he has
reached a level of acceptance, one area of his existence still fills
him with wistful regret. Marc as a writer has always had a hazy romantic vision
of love, but he has never actually been steeped in its reality. That is until
he hires Amanda whose unabashed affection for him sends him head-over-heels in
love for the first time. Unfortunately his love remains unrequited. Marc does
not blame his condition for this rejection, but his own innocence. He confides
to his priest, played by William H Macy that the feelings generated by loving
this girl has made him want to explore his sexual side. He asks Father Brendon
if God would disapprove if he hired a sex surrogate. Father Brendon doesn’t
take long to reply, “I think He’s going to give you a free pass on this one. Go
for it.”
For the record, a sex surrogate, a very popular profession
during the 1990s when the real Marc O’Brien wrote his article “On Seeing A Sex
Surrogate” on which this movie is based, is not a prostitute. Helen Hunt’s
Cheryl explains the difference to Marc. “A prostitute wants your repeat
business,” she says, “I only need to see you for 6 sessions.” The professional
relationship quickly takes a turn towards the sentimental when Marc and Cheryl show
feelings for each other beyond physical lust. Cheryl, an underappreciated mom
and wife, is touched by Marc’s adoration for her and his poetic, romantic
actions. And Marc is in awe of this woman who provides access to a world of
physical and emotional ecstasy that he thought he could never know. The fact
that they know that their relations together must end makes their interaction together
intense, passionate and tinged with a delicious injection of longing and
regret.
I found John Hawkes to be just a marvel in this movie. I
have loved him since his bone-chilling performance in “Winter’s Bone,” but
considering the physical challenges of this role I’m surprised that he was
recognized by the Academy in 2012. As Marc, Hawkes had to stay stationary on a
flatbed and contort his body so that his chest jutted out sharply while keeping
his stomach sunk in. He portrayed a good-natured, loving individual while obviously
in pain. That’s an incredible dedication to one’s craft. It really paid off. He
was the light of the movie and everyone else was illuminated by his warmth.
Marc Together with Helen Hunt I can not imagine a couple you would want to root
for more. I am so happy to see her in
films again, btw. There is realness and warmth in her every performance. To be
honest, I wasn’t really sold on her Boston accent here, but those cares are
quickly melted away by the sincerity of her words and how genuinely she conveys
her emotional journey as her client becomes an unlikely contender for her heart.
This movie is so beautiful and shares such an enduring message about love and relationships;
I seriously hope that it is widely seen and appreciated for its crowd breaking
material.
