Passion In Preminger’s 1994 film, Laura, there is a great presence of obsession. Obsession can be defined as, someone frequently thinking about someone or something in an unnatural amount. The idea of obsession is present so frequently in Preminger’s Laura, that it is considered a main theme of the film. Throughout the film the characters obsess over one another. For example, Ann Treadwell is always obsessing over her love, Shelby Carpenter. Treadwell was Shelby’s kept woman, or the woman who kept him in the lavish lifestyle, and was always telling him to leave his fiancé. Some other examples, and perhaps the most notable obsession are those of Mark McPherson and Waldo Lydecker. Both of these men where deeply obsessed with the main character of the film, Laura Hunt. But both had different ways of showing their obsession towards Laura. Mark McPherson, was the tough detective that was in charge of the murder case of Laura Hunt. Towards the beginning of the film when McPherson and Lydecker are talking, Lydecker asks McPherson if he has ever been in love. McPherson then replies that he has dated a couple of women, but it was never anything serious. Also during this talk, McPherson goes on to talk about the women calling them dames and dolls. This showing McPherson’s view of women at the beginning of the film. But once McPherson lays eyes on…show more content… McPherson read Laura’s letters and journal, making him feel more connected to her, but the fact that he could not have her made his obsession grow for Laura. But, it was Lydecker’s obsession that was the greatest of them all. Unlike McPherson, who showed his obsession for Laura emotionally, Lydecker showed his obsession physically. Believing that if he could not be with Laura then no man could, so he tried to kill. Showing the viewers a good example of how love can really
