What drives a man to fall for a woman he barely knows, her image constantly haunting his thoughts?  Are these men simply loners who feel so alienated from society they have to create interpersonal bonds, sometimes just with imaginary women? And behavior like this isn’t limited to men -- how about the female stalker who invents a sensual, romantic relationship, but only in her mind? Though these questions are seldom answered, the idea of “obsession” has been a popular movie theme since the beginning of film. 

Three movies that focus on obsession come to mind, but each depicts it in a different way. Otto Preminger’s Laura (1944) portrays a detective deeply fascinated by the portrait of a dead woman. Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) also features a detective, though retired, who is obsessed with an old-friend’s wife in life and in death. Finally, Clint Eastwood’s 1972 thriller, Play Misty for Me focuses on a psychotic stalker. Yes, you may have seen it all before, but you won’t forget this trio of films. 

In Laura, Detective Mark Mc Pherson (Dana Andrews) is assigned to the murder case of young advertising executive Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney), the apparent victim of gunshot wounds. We are then taken back to the events prior to the murder and learn that so many close to her have a motive to kill her. Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb), a self-absorbed elder journalist, acts as Laura’s mentor and confidant. He masks his intense feelings for her but manages to squelch any of her romantic liaisons early on, in the guise of benevolence. Waldo succeeds until Laura meets opportunist playboy Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price). Not only is he another suspect, he’s also the friend of Laura’s aunt, Ann Treadwell (Judith Anderson) -- as well as her object of desire. Ann then becomes the third suspect.

If you’ve seen this film, please tell me what sophisticated Laura saw in shallow Shelby? After all, he wasn’t the mesmerizing suave character Vincent Price usually portrayed. In any event, Det. McPherson -- who is detached from the superficial New York elite as well as from emotion -- seems to have been burned by love at some point in his life. When asked by Lydecker if he’s ever been in love, McPherson answers, “A doll in Washington Heights got a fox fur out of me once.” Sharp dialogue like that is steady throughout this film. Shot in black and white, the camera acts as McPherson’s eyes, examining Laura’s apartment. He feasts upon her portrait, which become his obsession. However, he never completely looses his emotional detachment. Laura remains a stylish mystery, a very typical film noir.

In the next film, Scottie Ferguson (James Stewart) retires from the San Francisco police force as his acrophobia, (hence the title Vertigo), contributes to the death of a fellow officer during a chase. After retirement, an old college buddy hires Scottie to trail his wife Madeleine (Kim Novak) who appears to be possessed by an ancestor's spirit. As Scottie follows her and his obsession builds, Madeleine jumps into the San Francisco Bay, attempting to commit suicide. Scottie jumps in, saves her and takes her to his apartment to rest. Though he has an old friend, Midge (Barbara Bel Geddes), who adores him, he is stricken with the illusive Madeline. As their relationship begins to flourish, a tragedy occurs that leads Scottie to a nervous breakdown.  With the help of old reliable Midge, he gets his life back together. Ah, but here’s the twist; on second thought, I won’t give it away for the few of you who have never seen this film. I’ll just mention that, as in most Hitchcock thrillers, the woman pays for her sins. 

The first two films can be called “suspense thrillers,” because they reveal the story at a methodical pace with a certain amount of apprehension. Although our last movie makes no use of suspense, it’s definitely a thriller. Clint Eastwoods’ directorial debut in Play Misty for Me (1971) features a one-night stand turned into a terrifying real-life nightmare. If this sounds a lot like the 1987 movie, Fatal Attraction, you’re right on target; however this one is better. Set in beautiful Carmel, California, the movie was shot near Eastwood’s home. Radio disc-jockey Dave Garver (Clint Eastwood) is stalked by an obsessed psychotic fan, Evelyn, brilliantly portrayed by Jessica Walter. There’s definitely trouble in paradise, as violent psychotic episodes take place in between beautiful scenery and relaxing sounds of nature and jazz. Clips from the Monterey Jazz Festival bring us back to the communal feeling of the late 1960s, and a brief musical interlude with the late alto saxophonist, Cannonball Adderly, is alone worth the price of admission. Though there are no surprises here, Play Misty for Me comes across as a “slasher” movie without all the gore. 

Fortunately, these highly recommended films about obsession are still available from video/DVD rental companies, as well as from your local library.

(Photo: Jacqueline Jung)