There have been a countless number of films devoted to the theme of obsession. However, there are very few that takes the approach that The Resident does to the delivery of the tale. The Resident gives a mind-blowing, unconventional approach to the frequently-told story of obsession. The story is very reminiscent of the style of the great films of stalking/fixation such as Fatal Attraction.The movie stars Hilary Swank (Amelia), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Losers), Christopher Lee (), Lee Pace (When In Rome), and Aunjanue Ellis (The Help).
The Resident is a unique, revitalizing perspective on the often told story of stalking, mistrust, and lust. It’s a direct to video film that premiered in early 2011. It’s good story that offers a revitalizing perspective on the story of stalking and obsession. What separates this take from the other obsession stories that this is one of the few stories to grant an equal amount of the tale to both the stalker and the victim who becomes the fixation of the obsession.
In many ways the argument could be made that The Resident is actually the stalkers’ story and not the object of the obsession. This is truly a different take on obsession as this story belongs to the both of the major characters within the story. The film is as much Max’s as it is Juliette’s. The film goes through extreme measures to detail the gravity of Max’s obsession. It also affords the audience a bird’s eye view of obsessive method of stalking. It was one of the few films to reveal and display the methods that are used during the story as opposed to just the end results.
A number of subtle cues are used early on to give way to this tale of stalking.
The film is very predictable but it still manages to give you a good level of entertainment. The film doesn’t contain much suspense as it is laid out for the audience in the beginning. What is does well is allow the audience to bear witness to unparalleled and unprecedented levels of obsession. In addition, it shows the deranged methods of stalking and the sick pleasure that Max gets from it. From using the toothbrush, drugging the subject of his obsession, to masturbating in the same place and method that Juliette does, The Resident offers a bird’s eye view of it.
The film attempts to join the audience with the stalker consciousness. The use of cinematography serves a dual purpose. It puts the audience into the sight of the stalker, allowing the audience to see what the stalker does. The camera is used to develop a rapport as it uses a number close ups shots on the faces allowing the audience a sense of intimacy and comfort.
Hillary Swank stars as Dr. Juliette Bliss Deveraux. This is not her greatest performance and actually somewhat below the standard that she has set for herself with prior roles. In spite of that, she still delivers a believable performance that satisfies this tale. The real treat of the film is Jeffery Dean Morgan. He steals the show as he delivers a great performance as Max. He gives one of the better deranged, psychotic portrayals. His facial cues and body language make the performance great. The dynamic between him and Hilary Swank works and gives way to one of the better takes on the obsession story. Veteran great, Christopher Lee , adds a brief but good supporting performance.
The Resident was an unexpected treat that completely exceeded my expectations. It’s a good story that avoids many of the clichés associated with obsessions. It’s by no means a groundbreaking film but it will keep your attention. It will have you engaged as you bear witness when a new tenants excitement turns to terror. Its not a great watch but it’s definitely worth the time it will take to view it. You certainly won’t be disappointed. A good movie to offset a boring night at home.
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