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Obsession + Introduction by Norma Herrmann (12)

London Soundtrack Festival

,Cinema 3
A couple in black tie dress stare forward at a party.

Norma Herrmann shares memories of her late husband, legendary composer Bernard Herrmann, in a short introductory conversation with London Soundtrack Festival artistic director, Michael Beek.

Brian de Palma’s 1976 film is a love letter to Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, featuring a screenplay by Paul Schrader and music by Bernard Herrmann. 

It was the composer’s second outing with the director, following the 1974 slasher Sisters, and had Herrmann not died in his sleep on 24 December 1975, there’s no doubt he would have worked with De Palma again, on 1976’s Carrie as well.

The film, starring Cliff Robertson and Genevieve Bujold, sees a man wracked with guilt after not being able to pay the ransom for his wife’s kidnapping that ultimately led to her horrible death. When he later meets a young woman with a more-than-striking resemblance to her, he develops a deep (and dangerous) infatuation…

Herrmann was posthumously nominated for an Academy Award for Obsession, which he recorded near the Barbican at the church of St Giles’ Cripplegate.

Tagged with: Cinema London Soundtrack Festival Young Barbican More...

A lunchtime concert featuring Herrmann’s Clarinet Quintet takes place before this screening at 1pm, in the very same church. Visit London Soundtrack Festival for details of this, and the rest of the festival events.

Film information
  • Release year   1976
  • Country of origin   US
  • Director   Brian de Palma
  • Runtime   1h 38m
LSF

Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.