Ever seen a film so intense it rattled your mind for days? Now think about making one. Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 horror-drama Possession not solely messed with audiences but additionally broke its lead actors.
The French actress Isabelle Adjani gave a efficiency so uncooked that it price her years of remedy. And what about Sam Neill? He barely walked away along with his sanity. Żuławski, identified for pushing boundaries, had an insane directing model.
In accordance with Buzzfeed, he reportedly “hypnotized his performers and put them right into a fugue state earlier than taking pictures sure scenes.” Sure, the filmmaker went full mind-bender mode. And the outcomes have been brilliantly disturbing.
The Possession Scene Which Drove Actress Isabelle Adjani To An Intense Breakdown
In Possession, Isabelle Adjani performs Anna, a girl who’s coping emotionally (and presumably bodily) after separating from her husband, Mark (performed by Sam Neill). What begins as a breakup spirals into full-blown horror with blood, monsters, and one deeply disturbing subway miscarriage scene.
Żuławski filmed that at 5 a.m., when the Paris metro was shut. “There have been two takes,” he stated (quoted by Far Out Journal). “It was unthinkable to repeat this scene endlessly.” Most of what made it to the display got here from take one.
Adjani’s efficiency in that scene is the stuff of cinematic legend. In it, she thrashes and loses her thoughts. And it wasn’t simply an act. This scene was not solely bodily freezing however emotionally draining as effectively. Żuławski knew it. “It was value a whole lot of effort for her, each emotionally and bodily as a result of it was chilly there,” he stated.
After seeing the ultimate minimize, Adjani spiraled. “When she noticed the movie,” Żuławski recalled, “she tried to commit suicide – took a shaver with two blades and minimize her wrists.” It’s a direct quote from the director.
Possession Left Sam Neill Shaken Too
Sam Neill wasn’t immune both. He performed the stoic spy Mark, however the movie’s psychological chaos acquired to him. He later stated, “I name it essentially the most excessive movie I’ve ever made. In each potential respect.”
Żuławski pushed him to locations he by no means wished to go once more. “He requested of us issues I wouldn’t and couldn’t go to now. And I believe I solely simply escaped that movie with my sanity barely intact.” Coming from the man who later fought dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, that claims lots.
Adjani, who went on to grow to be a French performing powerhouse, nonetheless considers Possession one in every of her most difficult experiences. And but, it introduced her accolades. She’s the one actor in historical past to win 5 César Awards for Finest Actress, together with one for Possession. Żuławski had promised her it could repay.
“I advised her, ‘Your efficiency will convey fruit when it comes to your future.’ And that’s precisely what occurred.” Possession is a psychological journey that left scars on everybody concerned. However it additionally turned a cult masterpiece, because of the daring performances and fearless filmmaking.
For extra such tales, take a look at Hollywood Information
Should Learn: When Eva Mendes Revealed Her One Remorse Over On-Display Kiss With Johnny Depp: “I Was So Intimidated By…”
Comply with Us: Fb | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Google Information