The short answer – YES, Possessed is a Movie.
Overview of “Possessed” Films
2000 Film
Possessed is a 2000 American horror television film directed by Steven E. de Souza.
The film is based on the 1993 book Possessed by Thomas B. Allen, inspired by the exorcism case of Roland Doe.
It aired on Showtime on October 22, 2000, and was released on DVD in the United States on October 2, 2001.
The film has a runtime of **111 minutes**.
The main character, William S. Bowdern, is a World War II veteran played by Timothy Dalton.
Other notable cast members include Henry Czerny as Fr. Raymond McBride and Christopher Plummer as Archbishop Hume.
Possessed (2000 film) explores Bowdern’s struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder as he performs an exorcism on a boy in 1950s St. Louis.
The film consists almost entirely of a plot summary and covers supernatural themes including exorcism and possession.
Robbie Mannheim, a child suspected to be possessed, experiences various supernatural events, including violent behavior and speaking in Latin.
The exorcism process involves two other priests assisting Bowdern.
The film highlights the skepticism of a modern Catholic Church regarding ancient practices like exorcism.
Dalton delivers a powerful performance, showcasing his acting skills. The film is recommended for both believers and non-believers, offering insights from both perspectives.
1931 Film
Possessed is a 1931 film starring Joan Crawford.
The film features an ambitious factory girl who meets a wealthy lawyer interested in her as a mistress, not as a wife.
It is noted for its great cinematography and includes a quote from Marian Martin: “You don’t own me. Nobody does. My life belongs to me.”
This film is regarded as a pre-Code film and reflects the societal changes of the time.
Additional Information
The 2000 film is based on Thomas Allen’s book about the only recorded exorcism ever conducted in the US. The presentation of the boy’s “affliction” is described as realistic, and the exorcism scene is noted for being deftly handled.
Possession/exorcism films form a distinct genre within horror cinema. Joan Crawford received an Oscar® nomination for the 1947 “Possessed.” Crawford is recognized for appearing in two completely different films with the same title.
The film quality may vary in versions available for viewing, with some being poorly restored. The 1947 film “Possessed,” directed by Curtis Bernhardt, features stars like Joan Crawford, Van Heflin, and Raymond Massey.
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