The Sessions (2012)

A man in an iron lung who wishes to lose his virginity contacts a professional sex surrogate with the help of his therapist and priest.

Director:

Ben Lewin

Writers:

Ben Lewin (written for the screen by), Mark O'Brien (article)

Stars:

John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 18 wins & 63 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Hawkes	...	Mark
Helen Hunt	...	Cheryl
William H. Macy	...	Father Brendan
Moon Bloodgood	...	Vera
Annika Marks	...	Amanda
Adam Arkin	...	Josh
Rhea Perlman	...	Mikvah Lady
W. Earl Brown	...	Rod
Robin Weigert	...	Susan
Blake Lindsley	...	Dr. Laura White
Ming Lo	...	Clerk
Rusty Schwimmer	...	Joan
Jennifer Kumiyama	...	Carmen
Tobias Forrest	...	Greg
Jarrod Bailey	...	Tony

Storyline

At the age of 38, Mark O'Brien, a man who uses an iron lung, decides he no longer wishes to be a virgin. With the help of his therapist and his priest, he contacts Cheryl Cohen-Greene, a professional sex surrogate and a typical soccer mom with a house, a mortgage and a husband. Inspired by a true story, The Sessions, follows the fascinating relationship which evolves between Cheryl and Mark as she takes him on his journey to manhood.

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Plot Keywords:

ejaculation | sex in bed | oral sex | masturbation | cunnilingus | 

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Taglines:

THE FESTIVAL HIT OF THE YEAR!

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality including graphic nudity and frank dialogue

Details

Official Sites:

Fox [United States] Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 November 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Surrogate

Filming Locations:

San Francisco, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$113,467, 21 October 2012, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$6,002,451, 14 March 2013

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$9,138,338, 14 March 2013

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fox Searchlight Pictures, Such Much Films, Rhino Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie is based on the article "On Seeing a Sex Surrogate", by 'Mark O'Brien (III)', from the May 1990 issue of The Sun magazine.

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Goofs

Rhea Perlman's name is spelled Pearlman in the end credits.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Bill Hillman - Reporter: Mark O'Brien has been going to UC Berkley since 1978. That's O'Brien in the motorized gurney heading for class last week. He had polio when he was six years old. The disease left his body crippled, but his mind remained sharp and alert. And since he wanted to be a writer, Mark O'Brien entered Cal to major in English and learn his trade. He wrote this poem for us about school here and about graduation.
Mark O'Brien: Graduation. Today I hear the crowd's applause. Receive the congratulations from ...

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Connections

Referenced in The Oscars (2013)

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Soundtracks

Fine Wine Tasting for Two
Written by Brad Hatfield (as Bradley P. Hatfield)
Performed by Brad Hatfield Quintet
Courtesy of Heavy Hitters Music Group

User Reviews

Brilliant

This is an absolutely superb film! If you see a trailer it won't show how brilliant this film is, the only way you can actually experience how good it is is by actually seeing it. The only way that it can be advertised to actually make you want to see it is word of mouth. I see loads of films each year and I can tell you as a true critic, not biased by any specific genre, this film is brilliant. It's original, funny, shows the true awkwardness of the situation and work with it. It's fun, no matter how serious the condition or serious the illness is. The guy is fun. The best line, "Are you religious?" "Yes, I need someone to hate and blame for my problems". It's so true!