Chrysanthemum

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Sunflowers II

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 Pinks

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 Poppies

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 Voynich's

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 Sunflowers

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Purples II

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Pinks

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Violets

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Wands

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 Fleurs

 

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 Purples

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 Lotus Flowers

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 Maple Leafs, Deux

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 Roses

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 Dendrons

 

 

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 Maple Leafs

 

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 No Pots

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 Lotus

 

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Gripped by Possession

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Recently, I had the privilege of revisiting the film Possession (1981) on the wide screen, courtesy of "Thrillema," a film club in Halifax that occasionally screens curated selections, typically of the horror and sci-fi variety. As a naturalist, a unique twist to the experience is the venue itself — the screenings unfold within the confines of the museum where I happen to work. Tucked away in the projector room downstairs, the setting adds an ironic layer to the cinematic experience. The films that we show young visitors are far removed from the kind of viscera and disturbing subject matter so often featured in Andrzej Żuławski's oeuvre. And yet this change of pace is a welcome one, at least for me (I somehow doubt that youngsters would be all that entertained). I love the film, and it encouraged me to reconsider some particular aspects of it.

In Possession, Isabelle Adjani delivers a tour de force performance that is simultaneously haunting and mesmerizing. She portrays Anna, a woman caught in the throes of a tumultuous divorce and otherworldly possession, with a raw and visceral intensity that is truly awe-inspiring. Her ability to convey the despair, madness, and an inexplicable connection to the supernatural is nothing short of uncanny. 

Adjani's physicality in the film is striking; her contorted movements and agonizing expressions create an atmosphere of palpable tension and unease. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the disintegration of the self, and Adjani's performance serves as the linchpin that holds these complex elements together.

What makes Adjani's portrayal truly remarkable is her willingness to delve into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. She fearlessly explores the complexities of her characters, inviting audiences to witness the unraveling of the human soul in its most vulnerable state. In doing so, Adjani elevates the concept of possession beyond mere horror tropes, transforming it into a profound exploration of the human condition. Adjani's masterful performance in "Possession" stands as a testament to her unparalleled talent and dedication to her craft. Her ability to embody the essence of her characters with such depth and authenticity solidifies her status as one of the greatest actors of her generation. Possession becomes not just a film, but a haunting and unforgettable experience, largely due to Adjani's exceptional artistry.

Through her nuanced portrayal, Adjani not only transcends the conventional boundaries of acting but becomes a conduit for a multi-layered exploration into the depths of human psyche and existential quandaries. The film serves as a cinematic paragon, prompting scholarly inquiry into the ontological implications of selfhood and the complex interplay between the corporeal and metaphysical realms. Adjani's embodiment of the enigmatic and tumultuous aspects of her character invites an academic examination of the psychological ramifications inherent in the pursuit of one's authentic identity and the unsettling consequences of succumbing to external forces.

Blues

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 Stigmata

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 Red Clouds Pink Sky

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