Essential January

Essential viewing this January:
- "The Wrestler" is a surprising change of pace for director Darren Aronofsky. The creator of "Requiem For A Dream" and "The Fountain" returns with a surprisingly sober and subtle tale of an ageing wrestler. With a handheld camera pointed at Mickey Rurke, delivering his finest performance to date, Aronofosky shows us how vulnerable and lonely even the strongest man can be when his life has gone off course for too long. Heartfelt brilliance. And the song in the end by Springsteen, well that's just the cherry on top.
- "Slumdog Millionaire" is doing well this awards season, and rightly so. It's been a refreshing amount of good movies in the nominations across America this year. This is the new film by Danny Boyle, and it might just be his best yet. A love story set around the strangest of storylines; a gameshow. Energetic, colorful and amazingly entertaining, this is the sweetest and most breathtaking film of the season, and a strong candidate for the best film of the year. And we've only just started!
- "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" is as different from these two as anything. Woody Allen’s latest is a smart and well-written story about coincidental love. Allen moves away from his traditional New York, and recently London, to sunny Spain and delivers an irresistible comedy with top performances from Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. But the biggest laugh is probably from Allen himself, who has fooled everyone and made a highly unromantic romantic comedy. Well done.

Essential listening this January:
- “Tonight: Franz Ferdinand” is the title of the highly anticipated third album from the classy Scottish rockers. At first encounter it might sound simplistic and a bit unsatisfying considering it’s been three years since their last outing, but after a few runs this album proves itself both clever and catchy and a perfect soundtrack for dark nights at the club. Proof that it is possible to try something different, but maintain the same cool.
- Bruce Springsteen is back with “Working On A Dream”. A bit more country and acoustic than his later records, and while The Boss is still a romantic there is enough solid rock songs here to keep the dream alive. Terrific lyrics as always and when he has the worlds tightest band behind him there really isn't anyone better around.
- One of the most wonderful things about "Slumdog Millionaire" was its soundtrack. Composer A.R. Rahman goes both high and low and the score shifts from explosive fun to delicious and romantic tunes. Original and exotic, this music will surely be used in every single American commercial on TV this year.

Champagne Supernova For One

I went to see Oasis the other night and it was a surprisingly good show. Even though I thought their latest album was a terrific return to form, it has been a few years since I really appreciated their music. When I was in high school and back in the 90's they were certainly one of my favorite bands and it was a joy to see them and revisit some of the good old tunes as well as the best from "Dig Out Your Soul", which came out last year. Oasis are not longer the hottest and coolest band around, but they've been going at it for about fifteen years now and it was clear when you saw them perform that you were dealing with absolute professionals. It was a great gig.

The show took place in Oslo's major concert hall, Spektrum, and whenever you go there you have to deal with their quite peculiar bar policy. It is the only place I have ever been to where they serve by the following rule: only one unit of alcohol per purchase. Meaning that if you are there with a friend who also happens to enjoy a cold one during a smashing rock show, like me the other night, you both have to show your faces to the bartender in order for him to serve you two beers. It really is quite remarkable. If you ask the staff why they have this rule they will tell you it is because they don't want people to take up too much time at the counter by ordering several drinks at once. This of course is pure rubbish, since the rule does not count if you buy a Coke or a cup of coffee. They just don't want people to get too drunk. Fair enough I suppose. But even if they didn't have the one unit per person rule, they still have the right to refuse service if a customer appears to have had too much to drink. So that doesn't really make any sense either. I have been to a number of events in Oslo Spektrum and every time, there is a stir amongst the audience about this rule. People get upset, frustrated or worse and it can obviously take away some of the joy you are expecting from the evening. The other night there was an Englishman in front of me in line who had to ask for an explanation of the rule more than once and still could not get his head around it. For someone who has travelled a long way to be at the concert (which people often do since Spektrum is the venue where all the major artists usually perform in Oslo), or someone else who is there for the first time it can be really difficult to make sense of it all.
The problem I have with this rule is more of a practical one. If you are a group of friends and it is a concert you've been looking forward to you usually get there early in order to get a good spot in front of stage. And at all these shows there is always one or two supporting acts and you will be at the venue for several hours. Needless to say, more than one trip to the bar if often required. And instead of taking turns on the traditional beer-run, every single one who fancies a cold drink amid the sweaty and crowded audience has to leave for the bar. And it is not always certain that you will be able to get back to your spot or regroup with your friends. And if you have a seating ticket it's even worse. You have to squeeze your way out from the row of equally annoyed spectators, just to perform the same hazardous balancing act trying to get back in minutes later, after you've gotten your one overprized refreshment.
So the consequences of this rule are usually that thirsty audience members get frustrated and lose some enjoyment of the show, or that the really experienced guests spend the hours before the gig drinking themselves silly in a bar outside the venue. And that's just stupid. Just like this exclusive rule.

R.I.P. - Juliette And The Licks

One of my favorite bands for the last few years has been Juliette And The Licks. They exploded onto the rock stage in 2005 with their first EP "... Like A Bolt Of Lightning". I first paid attention to them when I came across their debut album "You're Speaking My Language" later that year. The band was started by actress Juliette Lewis (a favorite of mine in that area as well) and a Los Angeles based trio called The Licks. Their first album was critically acclaimed and people were impressed with Lewis' abilities in front of a microphone as well as on stage. They became known for their wild live shows and attitude. I saw them perform on several occasions and they never disappointed.
This is a photo of me and Juliette after their gig at Kulturbolaget in Malmø, Sweden in October 2006.
In late 2006 they released their second album "Four On The Floor". It was another success and proved that their terrific debut was not a one-off. They played catchy and engaging music and possesed a very welcome take on the whole rock scene. It was all about having fun, playing great shows and making rockin' albums. They became one of my favorite bands. This week I was sad to hear the main character announce that Juliette And The Licks was no more.
But before anyone had time to get too depressed, the announcement that a new band was underway got us all excited and giddy again. Lewis will continue to write music and has got a new band together, for something that should both look and sound different. The name of the new born is Juliette And The New Romantiques. If the music should prove to be anything close to as cool as the first promo photo, I think we're all in for a treat.

Festival Diary # 4

It's sunday and the final day of the film festival. It has been a long week with plenty of movies, beer and shoptalk. All the screenings of my film have gone well. Three out of four shows have been sold out and people seem to have enjoyed the film. There has been a few newspaper articles to help get some attention to it, but it has not been reviewed anywhere yet which is a little disappointing. But all in all it has been a succesful display for the film.

I went to the closing ceremony last night and saw the awards being handed out. I did not win and it was no real surprise that the award in my category went to the norwegian film "Varde", which has already done well and picked up several awards elsewhere. Other winnners of the night were "Revanche" (Austria), "It's Not Me, I Swear" (Canada), "Waltz With Bashir" (Israel) and "Jernanger" (Norway).
The closing film of the festival was Darren Aronofosky's "The Wrestler" and it was smashing! A completely different turn from the director of "Requiem For A Dream" and "The Fountain" and a tremendous performance from Mickey Rourke, which surely will make him the frontrunner for the Oscar in March. The film has a very fluent and sober style and even though the story is hardly original it makes a profound impact and it is surprisingly touching. Along with "Slumdog Millionaire" it is my top pick of the festival.

I am leaving town tomorrow morning and it's back to work. A week like this certainly leaves you wanting more and hopefully I can come back with another film next year.

Festival Diary # 3

My film has been screened two times so far and it has gone down well. At the first one I had to say a few words and I emphasised that this film stands out since it has been produced without any funding and that it was always a collaboration with some good and talented friends. That got a nice round of applause. There was another screening last night and it was sold out. My family and some friends have been able to go see it, something I really appreciate.
It really is something else, to see your work in a theatre filled with a bunch of people you've never met. After working on the film for months and seeing it endless times, also after it was completed it sort of takes on a whole new life when you see it on a big screen in front of an audience. I watch the film and notice new things (mostly because everything is bigger!), but mainly I watch the audience. Hoping to get a giggle here or there and maybe a slight cheer. There is also the moment after the film when the crowd breaks into applause. There's always one person who starts it off and once in a while it starts with a shout; "yeah!". I love it. It is something deeply profound with sitting in the back of the theatre and just observing. Nobody knows who you are, but everyone is watching you. Up on the screen. You're completely exposed and you realize you have absolutely no control. This is it. The film is done and I can't change it. If they don't like it then it's all over. They'll walk out, shake their heads and go find a better movie. Or they'll clap their hands, put their coats on with a smile on their face and check their programme once more to remember your name. It is exhilarating and insanely scary at the same time. A great feeling.

I've seen some more good films. "Elegy" by Isabel Coixet took me by surprise and "Milk" just makes you think how different people are and how frightening it is to think how some can't accept that. Sean Penn is amazing and it is nice to see Gus van Sant trying to act human again. I saw a freaky documentary called "Man On Wire", about a frenchman and his dream of walking on a tightrope between the Twin Towers in 1974. It was very entertaining and has some really extraordinary footage. Didn't help with my fear of heights though.

My film is screened again today and for the last time tomorrow, but I don't think I will attend any more. It is just too much.
It is so nice to walk around the city this week. This festival really does turn the whole place upside down and there is people everywhere. Rushing to catch the next movie, drinking beer and talking about the last one and just people stopping each other in the street to give you their opinion. It's a shame it only lasts for a week, even though I'm sure that's all I have in me.

The town square late last night.

Festival Diary # 2

Had a good run of films yesterday. Saw "Slumdog Millionaire", "Frost/Nixon" and the norwegian "Jernanger" ("Shooting The Sun"), which was the official opening film of the festival. "Slumdog Millionaire" was absolutely brilliant. Danny Boyle has yet to make a poor film, and this one is certainly one of his finest ever. A wonderfully absurd and curious story with terrific performances. Playful camerawork and a great soundtrack. Both heartbreaking and exhilarating. "Frost/Nixon" is the new Ron Howard film, and although it is nowhere near his best work (it's actually been a while since that) it is still a decent movie. Great turns from Frank Langhella and Michael Sheen but the film takes too long to get going and in the end you don't really walk away with anything other than a political history lesson. "Jernanger" was good, but not as good as one had hoped after the terrific trailer and the return of Pål Jackman, director of the excellent "Detektor" (2000). It has its share of great moments but the film feels a little like bits and pieces and doesn't really stick together.
Ended the evening with a good rock & roll concert at my favorite bar in Tromsø, Blå Rock. King Khan & The BBQ Show played a decent set and was a nice antidote to all the quiet hours spent in the theatres.

The articles that I've mentioned in "Nordlys" and "Bladet Tromsø" are available to see if one buys the newspaper online and read it as a PDF file. Here are the links:
https://www.buyandread.com/mediaport/buy.htm?pub=221&date=20090110
https://www.buyandread.com/mediaport/buy.htm?pub=8&date=20090114

The first screening of my film is today and I'm excited about the response. Off to the cinema for day three!

Festival Diary # 1

I arrived in Tromsø late monday night. I went out to see some old friends but decided to make it an early night and get some rest. Found out that I was mentioned in an article in a local newspaper "Nordlys" on saturday, about "young and promising" filmmakers from the north of Norway. That's cool. There was a four year old photo of me in the article, which was not my finest hour, but still... it's publicity. They also featured me in their regular column "My Favorite Film", where I talk about,- you guessed it- my favorite film. It's an impossible question, but I went with "Badlands". God, I love that movie...

Got all my credentials and a festival pass, which gets me into all the films I wanna see (easily the best part of being invited to the festival) and a bunch of invitations for social and professional events, where you get to spread the word about your movie, but basicly what you are doing is kissing anyone who is anyone's ass. For once I would like to be the one who gets kissed.

Saw Werner Herzog's new documentary "Encounters At The End Of The World". A bit dissapointing. When it's Herzog you always expect it to be controversial and disturbing, but it turned out it was just a movie about some slightly weird people living on the south pole. Some beautiful footage, but nothing really happened and I kept waiting for someone in the film to jump out and have a crazy fit, but it never happened, so it just came and went. The End. What?

Did an interview for another newspaper "Bladet Tromsø", alongside the band who did the music for my film, The Considerate Lovers. It will be in the paper on wednesday and if it's possible to view it online I'll post it here later.

It's good to be home. And it's good to be a part of it all.

Always Up For A Fight

Over the last few days there has been several dramatic demonstrations in Oslo due to the conflict in Gaza. I am not going to make any statements on the conflict itself, but I find it interesting that a war fought halfway across the world has consequences for the streets in which I walk every day.
Almost every demonstration, with intention to be peaceful or not, has broken out into massive fights between the authorities and the protesters. I understand that for someone who is passionate about a cause and only wish to execute their right of free speech, the heavy involvement from the police can be considered provocative. But after the fighting the last few days many have said they believe that a large number of the protesters have no interest in the cause at all and are there mainly to encourage conflicts with the authorities and provoke a reaction from the police. I also believe this to be true.
Last night I was out in Oslo, after the worst part of the demonstrations and riots had settled and I saw the damages around the city. Broken windows, burned out garbage cans and vandalism on buses and subway cars just to name a few. Whatever the reason for these demonstrations, I doubt that McDonald's or the Oslo bus companies have any part in the violence that is taking place in the middle east, but they are certainly suffering with the consequences.
I lived in Copenhagen during the closing and demolition of the infamous "Ungdomshuset" a few years ago. The reaction from a certain part of the community was overwhelming and the fights and riots in the streets were much larger and more dangerous compared to the ones in Oslo these last few days. The damages to the city and innocent peoples property was incredible and many stores and businesses had to shut down due to the constant unsettlement. The violence was horrific and it even went so far that lives were lost. The motive of the protesters was questioned at this occasion too. After one night of riots a danish police officer was quoted in a newspaper saying: "If you show up for a peaceful demonstration with a shopping cart full of bricks it is obvious that your intentions are anything but peaceful."
I have never been a politically engaged person and I respect other people's opinion and fully understand that our views and beliefs of this world can be different. And I don't pretend to know more than I actually do about anything. But I do know this: if you don't know what you are talking about it is best to keep your mouth shut. And if you don't know what it is you are fighting for, you should put your hands down.

Film Festival Details

The 19th annual Tromsø International Film Festival takes place next week, and as I've mentioned here before, a film I made last year is participating in a competition for short films and documentaries, called "Films From The North" (FFN). The name of my film is "En Hjelpende Hånd" (A Helping Hand) and it will be screened alongside four other films in a group called "FFN - Shorts/Docs". For those interested in checking it out, it will be screened at these times: thursday 15th at 13:30, friday 16th at 20:30, saturday 17th at 13:30 and sunday 18th at 15:30. All the screenings will be at the festival main cinema Fokus, in theater no. 4. It's marked in the programme as Fokus 4. All the other films in the group are short films and documentaries, so the whole screening takes about 80 minutes.
If you need any more information you can check out the entire programme on the festival website www.tiff.no where you can also download the festival catalogue and read a bit about the film on page 120.

"Shelter"

from here to the end
without touching the ground
hold on to something if you can
love lets go when the lights come on

out there it is night
not a pulse not a breath
walk a straight line if you can
footprints will disappear in the rain

an empty house in the dark
with no doors or windows
make a sound if you can
there is no shelter

a face both cold and warm
neither real or truthful
ask me to stay if you can
never go back never go home