“Obsession” An anti-moral love story where all sorts of obsessions intertwine *Note! Contains spoilers.

Bernard Herrmann's “Obsession”

Bernard Herrmann is a famous composer who has provided music for many films, including " Citizen Kane " (1941) and " The Day the Earth Stood Still " (1951). He also supported the music of Alfred Hitchcock, such as " The Man Who Knew Too Much " (1956), " North by Northwest " (1959), and " Psycho " (1960). Of course, " Vertigo " was also scored by him.

The composer that producer George Litto had in mind was John Williams, whose popularity had risen with the huge success of Jaws (1975). However, De Palma thought, "Since this is a film inspired by Vertigo , we should hire the composer who composed Vertigo ." He inserted music from Vertigo into the sequence in which Michael follows Sandra and wanders the streets of Florence. The somewhat unstable and melancholic melody emphasized Michael's intense love, proving to the producer that the film's emotions would be dramatically heightened.

Bernard Herrmann was surprised to receive an offer to work on a film similar to one he had worked on before. He was completely fascinated by the project. There is also an anecdote that when he handed the score to Brian De Palma, he wrote a thank-you note saying, "Thank you for the most wonderful film in my musical career." For Bernard Herrmann, this film was not an imitation of " Vertigo ," but something much more.

“Obsession” (c)Photofest / Getty Images

There was another reason why Bernard Herrmann was attracted to "Obsession." It was Geneviève Bujold, who played Sandra. Herrmann saw her performance in the rushes and was instantly captivated. Or rather, it might be more accurate to say that he "fell in love through the screen."

There is an anecdote that goes like this: Geneviève Bujold suddenly appeared in the recording studio and thanked Herrmann, saying, "Robertson (who played Michael) didn't love me (in his acting), but you loved me with your music." He was so moved that he was moved to tears. Bernard Herrmann's insistence on changing the scenario may not have simply been due to the quality of the work, but because he had too strong feelings for her.

This was to be the first and last collaboration between Brian De Palma and Bernard Herrmann (it was De Palma who recommended Herrmann to director Martin Scorsese), who died at the age of 64 after completing the score for his next film, Taxi Driver (1976).

After his death, his wife found a photo in Herman's wallet. It wasn't a photo of his family or friends, but of Geneviève Bujold. Like De Palma and Paul Schrader, he was also driven crazy by a movie called "Obsession".

※ https://cinephiliabeyond.org/obsession-de-palma-stepped-hitchcocks-shadow/

Text: Rui Takeshima

A pop culture writer who wants to be kicked by Hit Girl. Host of the web magazine "POP MASTER".

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(c) Photofest / Getty Images