In this latest episode of Making Sense of Movies, Clare and Alaina discuss movies about obsession. Since this can be a broad category, we specifically focus on characters obsessed with being the best at their profession or personal project. Hear us talk about the juggernauts of this category, Whiplash, and Black Swan. We compare the journeys between the two protagonists, focusing on the abuse of power, social isolation, and descent into insanity. When we meet Nina (Black Swan) and Andrew (Whiplash) they’re both fighting upward to prove themselves to a person of seniority within their prospective fields. In the other movies, we focus on, Rope and The Skin I live In; we are introduced to characters who are already at the top of their fields and abuse their position of power. On a lighter note, we also talk about hidden gems like Jiro Dreams of Sushi, a documentary that centers on 85-year-old Jiro Ono and his goal of perfecting the art of sushi making. Join us as we rank these movies and much more! Movies Mentioned Jiro Dreams of Sushi: 1.30-14.53 The Skin I live in: 14.53-37.30 Rope: 37.30-54:05 Black Swan: 54:05-1.18:26 Whiplash: 1.18:26-1.47:03 Intro and outro music: Kevin MacLeod. "Dark Hallway". 2008