Why 'Obsession' won't reach classic film status

Fifty years after "The Exorcist" captivated audiences with its groundbreaking horror, the film "Obsession" is experiencing a similar surge in popularity. Released just after the Christmas holiday in 1973, "The Exorcist" became a cultural phenomenon, with audiences reporting extreme reactions. Today, "Obsession," made for under $1 million, has achieved significant box office success, even surpassing "The Exorcist" in worldwide gross before inflation.

Despite comparisons to "The Exorcist" and praise for its leads, "Obsession" is argued to fall short of classic status. True cinematic classics, such as "Titanic" and "Citizen Kane," possess a sharp correlation with their societal context. "Obsession," while relevant to the digital age, offers commentary without posing new questions, lacking the depth to be considered eternal.

While "Obsession" entertains and boasts strong performances, its screenplay is criticized for lacking the imagination and ambition of timeless films. Its relevance to dating in the digital age is noted, but the film's message is seen as derivative of other recent works. Ultimately, only time will reveal if "Obsession" achieves enduring classic status, mirroring how "The Exorcist" endured through its unique impact and influence.