Presença de Ellena

This is a good movie, very intriguing. Jenna Elfman is a very good actress. She is totally believable in this dramatic role.

It's a he said/she said film (except that the real story is eventually revealed) but I'm not sure I believed the ending. Without giving anything away, I will only say I'm not sure I buy the ultimate decision or what happens to the Elfman character. I'm not saying it's incorrect - only that I don't buy it. I think there would have been some doubt. As far as other elements of the story, on legal grounds, it is incorrect. Nevertheless, this movie is watchable, entertaining, interesting and has strong performances.

I'm a 60+ old retired dude who's into sports, CSI, Law & Order, Bones, Bourne movies, etc. God knows, I'd NEVER watch a Lifetime Movie Network program! That's a "ladies' network," right? But I just happened to turn on this program and found it totally engrossing and entertaining. The twists and turns in the story surprised and captivated me. Until near the end, I never knew where this very interesting plot would unfold. The writing on this show is A+. Jenna Elfman (who I'd only seen as Dharma) was far more talented (and sexy) than I'd realized. She was totally believable in all aspects of her character(s). Kate Burton as her attorney was superb as was Sam Robards who played her "lover," Dr. Stillman. This movie was a real surprise treat. Guess I'm a new Lifetime fan, and I may even start tuning into Glee. :-)

What a tantalizing look at the talent of Jenna Elfman. She moves with ease from trait to trait of a multiple-personality character. The young lady's performance certainly surprised and delighted me. Anyone accustomed to Jenna's comedic roles needs to get out of the box to truly appreciate this offering. She has serious acting skills!!!

Kate Burton presents an intriguing view of an Attorney whose feelings for her client range from compassion to exasperation. While about it, she also provides the lighter moments of the movie. The bedroom scene and computer moment are hilarious.

This is a nicely paced, character-oriented drama that makes for an entertaining evening of television.

This movie is very entertaining. I was invested from the moment Elena (Jenna Elfman) started telling her story about how she and David (Sam Robards) met.

I only know Jenna Elfman from Dharma and Greg. I was surprised to see her acting skills had such range. She played her role as a scorned woman very well.

Sam Robards also did a great job.

I was up and down during the entire movie. First I'd believe Elena's side of the story, then I'd believe David's side. I went back and forth.

This movie rates in my top ten of Lifetime movies. In fact, I forgot I was watching a Lifetime movie.

Great directing by John Badham.

I really was not prepared for Charlotte's (Lisa Edelstein) true identity. You really fooled me.

Good movie.

Obsessed (TV Movie 2002) 6 out of 10 stars Time to Read: 1:57 min

BASIC PLOT: Ellena Roberts (Jenna Elfman) has finally found the man of her dreams. David Stillman (Sam Robards) is a world renowned neurosurgeon, who's handsome, accomplished, and learned. The only problem? He's married to someone else, and he's just had Ellena arrested for stalking. Is he trying to conceal their secret affair from his wife, Claire (Jane Wheeler), or is Dr. Stillman right in thinking Ellena is hiding a dangerous secret?

WHAT WORKS: *THIS MOVIE PROVIDES BOTH SIDES WELL It gives a plausible account to what could have happened, on both sides. Quite frankly, if men would like the benefit of the doubt in these types of situations, they should speak up more, when they see other men behaving badly - in whatever form. Men are punished as a whole, because they tend to cover for, or pretend they don't see, or outright lie for, other men, who are behaving badly. A good example of this is when Dr. Stillman (Sam Robards) lies to his wife, Clare (Jane Wheeler), about a note slipped under the hotel room door. Why does he lie, if there's nothing going on? Because he thinks his wife won't believe him? If men realized lying was the ONE cardinal rule not to break with women, they'd be more likely to just tell the truth, and face the music. Lying is the unforgivable sin, NOT cheating.

*THIS MOVIE USES MUSIC WELL It has two main songs, "Fallin" by Alicia Keys, and "Siren" by Red Delicious. They both fit well, and are used as a metaphor for Ellena's erotomania, throughout the film.

*THE ANCILLARY CHARACTERS PROVIDE A GOOD FOUNDATION TO AN INTERESTING STORY Kate Burton does a fantastic job as Sara Miller, Ellena's lawyer, who takes the assignment, without knowing all the facts of the case. Sara's journey to uncover Ellena's "lives", while still trying to provide her with a decent defense, is laudable, and well portrayed by Kate Burton.

Lisa Edelstein gives an authentic performance as Charlotte, a journalist Ellena meets in jail, who becomes her confidante, and constant companion.

And last, but not least, Mark Camacho gives another fine performance as Sam Cavallo, the prosecutor. He's a great character actor, and never phones in his roles.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: *VISUALLY, THIS FILM HASN'T AGED WELL Meaning, when you watch it on a modern TV, you can tell it's from 2002. This doesn't make it bad, it's just a bit grainy.

*LOTS OF THE SHOTS ARE BIZARRE There's lots of shots that are looking up, and are too close. It's distracting, and odd. It may be because it was shot in standard, not widescreen. Either way, it's not a deal breaker.

TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION: *I would definitely recommend this film to fans of Jenna Elfman, and fans of movies that are based on a true story. The filmmakers did a fine job of unraveling the narrative, in an enjoyable, postulating way, without giving away too much. Jenna Elfman does an excellent job as Ellena Roberts, an erotomaniac who's dissembling disguise is so believable, even the omniscient viewer doesn't know what the truth is. It is a low budget, made-for-tv movie, so if you're not a fan of that type of entertainment, give this a pass. But if you love a good melodrama, then pop that corn, sit back and enjoy!

CLOSING NOTES: *This is a made-for-tv movie, please keep that in mind before you watch/rate it. TV movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.

*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. This review was NOT written in ANY way by a bot. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews, and better entertainment. Hope I helped you out.