John Hawkes withdraws from his psychotic redneck ways (Winter’s Bone, Martha Marcy May Marlene) and takes on the juicy character piece that is Mark O’Brien in The Sessions. O’Brien is a poet who lives a life in an iron lung after being stricken with polio as a child. Still wishing to live his life to the fullest, O’Brien enlists the help of sex surrogate Cheryl (Helen Hunt , As Good As it Gets, Cast Away) to lose his virginity.
While the film is incredibly personal, told mostly through Mark’s perspective, The Sessions still conveys an objective tone. Much of the movie weaves exposition punctuated by voice overs of Mark’s poetry and thoughts. The ever dreamy Mark acts as a quiet specter of his world, subtly taking notes, never judging, only wishing to learn and grow.
Helen Hunt certainly delivers an Oscar worthy performance, portraying the conflicted therapist, struggling to remain professional and fight her growing attachment to the innocent and hopeful Mark. The incredible amount of reserve in her emotion is palpable; resulting in a nuanced and well crafted performance.
There’s a wonderful quietness to Hunt and Hawkes’ relationship. Obviously the story involves them getting literally naked, but their ability to really show their warmth is what really makes these roles human and dimensional.
However, the film is Hawkes’ vehicle, and he knocks it out of the park. Taking a cue from Javier Bardem from Mar Adentro, Hawkes is able to add layers and layers into his character despite not being able to move from the neck down.
Hawkes, takes full advantage of his physical limitation, manifesting every emotional fiber within facial expressions.
In his face alone, he is able to wear Mark’s emotional history; petrified by guilt and fear, yet thrusted into action through a strong sense of mortality and tremendous inner courage. In a heated Oscar race featuring Daniel Day-Lewis, Joaquin Phoenix, and Denzel Washington, Hawkes has certainly made his case.
The closing moments of the film point out that despite his limitations, Mark was still able to live a life full of love. In a world with such a linear definitions for love, The Sessions explores the many facets that love has to offer. Whether it be friends, lovers, partners, or something beyond simple labels, these relationships are what carve the landscape of our being and give our lives emotional fertility. The results can be equally diverse; passionate, humorous, tragic, or just beyond words. Trying to sort these themes and motives can be difficult, but if you’re willing to test your philosophical and mental depth, class is in session.
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