The Sessions: Sex for Disabled
This film is based on the real life of Mark O’Brien, a severely disabled man who was a poet and journalist. Because of polio he could only move his head and spend much of his time breathing with the help of an iron lung.
This film is based on the real life of Mark O’Brien, a severely disabled man who was a poet and journalist. Because of polio he could only move his head and spend much of his time breathing with the help of an iron lung.
At age 38, Mark decides that it’s time he finally lost his
virginity. As he goes on this unique life journey, he finds support from a
Catholic priest, portrayed with humor by William H. Macy. I must share with you that I think Macy is great as the priest and I think he's such an under-rated actor who has played so many interesting characters with great sensitivity. I really must review some other films that he's acted in. So be sure to watch for some reviews on films that includ him in future blog-posts!
After interviewing a few disabled people about their sex
lives for an article about disabled people and sex, Mark finally talks to a sex
therapist who suggests that he might try seeing a sex surrogate.
Over a number of sessions with Cheryl, a sex surrogate,
played sensitively by Helen Hunt, Mark finally achieves his goal. By the way, viewers
will get to see Helen Hunt fully in this film. I think it’s relevant to the
story and tastefully presented.
Viewers will be amused, educated and touched by this film.
John Hawkes is brilliant as Mark, especially as he's an able-bodied man who I think is quite accurately portraying a severely disabled character. The featurette of how he portrayed him so
realistically is very interesting and it includes that real Cheryl!
Watching this film might make some people appreciate being able to breathe and move easily on their own. How often do we take these abilities for granted?! Just the ability to be able to touch another human being without assistance is such a precious thing to be able to do. The longing to be able to perform such a simple act was something that Mark achingly expresses in this film!
Ben Lewin was the director and screenplay writer for this film which was somewhat based on Mark O'Brien's original article which was title On Seeing a Sex Surrogate.
Ben Lewin was the director and screenplay writer for this film which was somewhat based on Mark O'Brien's original article which was title On Seeing a Sex Surrogate.
Some favorite quotes from this film:
“Maybe intercourse
would prove that I’m an adult. Maybe I want to cross that line.”- Mark
“Forget the psychobabble. I grew up on a farm. Even the
animals need a couple of tries to get it right.”-Father Brendan
“May I suggest you try to enjoy it more. Don’t worry about the
technical stuff. You’re a poet. Be romantic.” –Father Brendan
“Stop being sorry. And stop reading those stupid sex
manuals.”-Cheryl
“Some people find motels exciting.”-Cheryl
“I guess that’s off
the menu until further notice.” -Cheryl
“She either forgot to close the bathroom door or didn’t
bother to close it. I found the sound of her peeing incredibly erotic. And the sound
of her tearing off the toilet paper incredibly intimate.”-Mark
Here are some scenes from this film:
Here's the official trailer:
