The Sessions

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 – Sat, Apr 6, 2013

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Directed by: Ben Lewin
2012 | USA | Rated R

Based on an essay by the poet and activist Mark O’Brien, The Sessions is the story of a man in an iron lung who decides to lose his virginity. He enlists his therapist and priest’s help to contact a sex surrogate.

“The Sessions is a heartfelt dramatic comedy that addresses the erotic longings of a disabled man. Director Lewin, a polio survivor, knows precisely how to tell this story, and he’s aided by stunning performances. John Hawkes pours himself into the role of Mark. Lying immobile throughout the film in a bed, a gurney or a respirator, he delivers a humane, soaring performance. Mark’s body is atrophied, but his wit is electric and his soul is expansive and poetic. Mark has the serendipity to meet Cheryl (Helen Hunt), a compassionate sex surrogate. Their encounters are shot frankly, clinical at first but with an increasingly warm sensuality that never feels exploitative. Consistently surprising, this is a crowd-pleaser of the finest sort.”

Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Tickets and Info: http://www.culvercenter.ucr.edu/film/The-Sessions

Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts
3834 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Tel: (951) 827-3755