For some reason, I think Hollywood is scared of making movies about sex. I have no idea why; it is not as if sex is a controversial issue. Everybody has sex. Some people have it more often than others, but everybody does it. The Sessions is an example of a movie that is about sex, but at its heart is a beautiful and emotional story.
The Sessions is the story of a man who uses an iron lung, and his wish to lose his virginity. The thing that I love most about this film is its refusal to be cliche. This story is not about two people falling for each other. It is about one mans wish to experience the physical act of love. This film is filled with snappy dialogue and great characters. I would have liked there to be just a little more explanation into Mark's (John Hawkes) troubled past, but other than that this is truly a beautiful film.
John Hawkes plays Mark. I love Mark as a character because even though he is extremely disabled, he has such a wonderful sense of humor about life. His character goals in the film are also very clear: he does not just want to have sex with random women. This is a man who does not know when he is going to die, and he wants to experience sex before that time comes. The fact that he contacts a professional sex surrogate shows how seriously he takes this issue. Hawks plays the role beautifully, and gives a wonderful physical performance that shows how troublesome life can be for a person of limited means.
Helen Hunt plays Cheryl. Cheryl is a woman who is not ashamed of what she does for a living. In fact, she embraces it. She is also a woman who understands and accepts Mark's physical condition. Helen Hunt plays the role perfectly, right down to the Boston accent. We see her go places emotionally that you always knew she could do, but we have never seen from her until this film. The scene where Mark and Cheryl decide to end their sessions is filled with emotional tension. Also, just when you think that this movie is going to become cliche and Cheryl and Mark are going to end up together, the story takes an abrupt left turn and leaves the viewer pleasantly surprised.
William H. Macy plays Father Brendan. Even though Macy's character is funny from time to time, he is far from being the film's comic relief. Mark is a religious man, and he seeks guidance on his issue and he gets that from Father Brendan. However, Father Brendan does not give him guidance as a priest; he gives it to him as a friend. He understands Mark's physical condition, and because of that he suggests that the big guy upstairs just might be okay with what Mark wants to do. Macy gives a very wholesome performance in the role. He takes what would ordinarily be a cliche religious part, and makes Father Brendan a genuinely likable man right to the very end. It is also quite humorous to watch his expressions while Mark is talking to him about his sessions with Cheryl because we know that Father Brendan is sexually inexperienced. This may go down as my favorite William H. Macy role.
Ben Lewin is the director of The Sessions. This film has an incredibly emotional and intimate story, and the way Lewin directs is a reflection of that. Every frame of the film is so close in on the characters that you automatically feel the closeness and the personal bond between them. In fact, I do not recall a single wide shot in the entire film. You feel everything in this film, from the pain and awkwardness that Mark goes through and Cheryl's emotional journey, while also feeling the bond of friendship between Mark and Father Brendan.
The Sessions is another one of those rare pieces of cinema that is near perfection. It is also one of those films that you have to be in the right mood to watch. This is a great film, but not one to watch on movie night at your house.
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