THE SESSIONS continues to capture the hearts of festival audiences across the world as it wins the coveted Audience Award at this year's San Sebastian Film Festival. The win cements THE SESSIONS' status as one of the most acclaimed films of the season following its first Audience Award win at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. THE SESSIONS also won the Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Acting at Sundance and stars John Hawkes and Helen Hunt are hotly tipped for individual acting nominations during the upcoming awards season.
Starring Academy Award® Nominee John Hawkes, Academy Award® Nominee William H. Macy and Academy Award® Winner Helen Hunt, the film is based on the true story of California-based journalist and poet Mark O'Brien. Portrayed by the exceptionally gifted John Hawkes - who gives a career-defining performance, O'Brien's story is the immensely poignant and surprisingly funny tale of a man, paralyzed by polio who - at age 38 - is determined to finally lose his virginity.
Directed by Ben Lewin, THE SESSIONS will open in the UK and Ireland on January 18th 2013, distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures. The film receives its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on Tuesday 16 October.
The watercolour poster artwork was specially commissioned for the international release of THE SESSIONS. Artwork by AllCity Media in collaboration with Akiko Stehrenberger for Fox Searchlight.
Premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on 16 October 2012
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"extremely powerful piece of cinema and is a fitting tribute"
The Sessions recounts the true story of Mark O'Brien portrayed on-screen by the brilliant John Hawkes , a devote Catholic who contracted Polio at a young age and lived his life in an Iron Lung, he's only able to move his head, he's paralysed from the neck down with only various helpers to aid him with his every need, he beat the life expectancy of his condition to lead as full a life as he could.
The film follows his efforts to not die a virgin, and so the title; The Sessions refers to the time he spends with a Sex Therapist, thoughtfully portrayed by Helen Hunt.
Now this film whilst laden with moments of levity is not for everyone, some may not understand what he is trying to achieve, and Mark himself wrestles with it and throughout the film he seeks advice from his local father in the form of the magnificent William H. Macy.
Even Hunt's on-screen husband displays moments of jealousy as Mark becomes increasingly attached to Cheryl. And the gravity of the situation takes its toll on her when she realises that she is in too deep.
I must mention Moon Bloodgood who completely transforms herself for this role as Mark's aid, she is very impressive going from the action hero in Terminator: Salvation to the doting aid.
In a year that has seen it's fair share of Superheroes, The Sessions stands strong, reminding us to live each day to the full.
It is an extremely powerful piece of cinema and is a fitting tribute to the dearly departed Mark who touched many lives in his 45 years.
