Obsession

Obsession

Year: 1976

Runtime: 98 min

Language: Korean

Director: Brian De Palma

DramaMysteryThriller

This gripping drama explores the complexities of obsession and its destructive power through five interconnected stories. The narratives follow diverse characters, including a Japanese traveler searching for answers and a man consumed by despair. Each episode delves into the darker aspects of the human mind, examining the depths of human struggle and the devastating consequences of confronting our deepest fears.

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Haven’t seen Obsession yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Obsession (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Obsession (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1959, mid-1970s

The initial abduction takes place in 1959 in New Orleans. Sixteen years later, around the mid-1970s, the narrative follows Courtland's renewed pursuit of a life with a woman who resembles Elizabeth, culminating in a dramatic and deadly unraveling.

Location

New Orleans, Florence, Italy

The story begins in New Orleans, a backdrop of southern noir where the kidnapping tragedy unfolds. It then moves to Florence, Italy, where the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte becomes a pivotal symbol and setting for the protagonist's obsession. The film traverses these two distinct locales, highlighting a stark contrast between a lively American city and a European landmark that catalyzes the plot.

🏛️ Historic cities 🇺🇸 American city 🇮🇹 Italian settings

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:29

Main Characters – Obsession (1976)

Meet the key characters of Obsession (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Michael Courtland (John Lithgow)

A successful New Orleans real estate developer whose world collapses after his wife and daughter are abducted. Grief morphs into an obsession that propels him to pursue a second chance at a family, even if it means embracing a dangerous fantasy. His journey reveals how love, guilt, and a longing for control can drive a man toward ruin.

💔 Grief 🧭 Obsession 💼 Wealth and power

Sandra Portinari (Geneviève Bujold)

A young woman who closely resembles Elizabeth and becomes swept into Courtland’s renewed passion. She is abducted and taken toward a life abroad, ultimately revealed to be Amy, Courtland’s daughter raised in secrecy. Her presence exposes the fragility of memory and the consequences of manipulation.

💖 Love 🕵️‍♀️ Deception 🧭 Identity

Robert LaSalle (Cliff Robertson)

Courtland’s business partner and the architect of the long-standing ruse. He engineers the kidnapping to seize control of Courtland’s fortune, manipulating events and memories to keep his grip on power. His calculated plans unravel, culminating in a confrontation that reveals his true role in the family’s tragedy.

💼 Power 🧠 Manipulation 🔪 Betrayal

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:29

Major Themes – Obsession (1976)

Explore the central themes of Obsession (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗝️ Obsession

Grief over Elizabeth and Amy drives Michael Courtland into an all-consuming fixation. This obsession warps his judgment and fuels increasingly dangerous decisions. The pursuit of a perfect past blurs present reality and leads toward destructive consequences.

🎭 Identity

Deception and forged identities propel the plot: Sandra is crafted to mirror Elizabeth, while Amy’s true identity is concealed. The characters grapple with who they are versus what they are forced to become by others. The narrative continually tests truth, memory, and the bonds of family.

💰 Control

Wealth and power are weaponized to shape lives. The ransom scheme and manipulation of Courtland’s fortune reveal how money can drive betrayal and ruin. The climax exposes the fragility of love when money becomes the true motive behind manipulation.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:29

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Unlock the Full Story of Obsession

Don't stop at just watching — explore Obsession in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Obsession is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Obsession Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Obsession, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Obsession Summary

Obsession Timeline

Track the full timeline of Obsession with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Obsession Timeline

More About Obsession

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