The Sessions  

R

  95 min flat

Oct 14

Oct 21

Oct 28

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Oct 21

Oct 21

Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures
USA (2012) • in English

Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California-based journalist and poet Mark O'Brien, The Sessions tells the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined--at age 38--to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality.

Club reactions by city:

moderated by Matthew Bernstein

As a sociologist, I was please to see such a sex positive film, especially as it intersects with able-ism.  Sweet and tender with wonderful (even exquisite) acting.  So glad to see John Hawkes not play a creepy/violent man.

A beautiful paean to the normality of abnormality.  Makes me think of MY LEFT FOOT.

Best movie about love and sex I've seen. The setup of a disabled man and professional sex surrogate mirrored feelings of teenagers longing for and fearing sexual intimacy/falling in love.

moderated by Linda Dittmar

An incredibly moving film about transcendence on all levels. Beautifully done. Extraordinary acting. A home run.

Tender love story! The love journey requires no passport- love is available to all.

Oscar buzz. Three main roles mazing! Brave actors! Helen Hunt-- Brave!

moderated by Gilberto Blasini

Just loved it!!! One of the best from the Cinema Club. Great acting and story.

Despite my dislike of Helen Hunt, this was an absorbing, masterful story about a taboo topic. The sexual act depicted as something wonderful, triumphant and not salacious--so unlike most moives. William H. Macy was a gem!

The film humanized John Hawkes for me--no longer creepy; funny and smart.

moderated by Michael Kerbel

What an extraordinary, complex, well-crafted movie. It could have been an uncomfortable experience for many people, but it walked a delicate line with its honesty, humor, gracefulness and well-timed and executed scene breaks. The performances were nothing but stellar and spot on!

Coming in I was hesitant about the subject. But it was spectacular in handling such a delicate subject. I cried and felt connected to both main characters. The acting was superb. Loved the new digital format.

Everyone should see this amazing and unsentimental film. Bravo.

moderated by Rod Armstrong

Such a wonderful film! Perfectly placed, appropriately toned and believable wit and humor.

I was touched from the outset and silently wept throughout. I weep still in awe of all we take for granted.

One of the most tender, moving, and skillfully done films I've ever seen. So tasteful; I can't find one thing wrong with it.

moderated by Diane Carson

I especially like the cinematography—the image of the cat walking lightly and jumping upon the iron lung/window sill—and then seeing the heavy immobility. Also the last image of the casket—then the iron lung, very similar symbolically and physically. So smart—such great, great characters and I appreciated the directness and honesty.

Emotionally poignant, excellent representation of human emotion and love. Wonderful insight into the feeling and needs of handicapped. And the priest showed a wonderful caring and open feeling not usually represented by the Catholic clergy.

A work of art that is beautifully, unashamedly honest. It blends a real-like true story and creative imagination. Oscars better not overlook this brilliant little film.

moderated by David Sterritt

Liked it in spite of my discomfort with the subject matter. Helen Hunt was terrific - looked the same. William H. Macy seemed a bit too cute, but did it well. John Hawkes was utterly believable. Great acting!

Beautiful and funny - finally sex treated on the screen with beauty and sensitivity and honesty.

Lyrical, funny and touching. Wrap up the Oscars and mail them to John Hawkes, Helen Hunt and Ben Lewin. And send me the number of Helen Hunt's personal trainer.