Essential June

Essential viewing this June:
- "The Hangover" is the biggest comedy hit of the summer stateside, and rightly so. A terrific cast (mostly unknown faces, wisely), a hilarious script with clever and original set ups and the best one-liners since last years "Superbad". It's hard to believe it actually comes with a heart too, but it truly does. The best comedy of the year so far.
- Everyone was waiting for it, but no one really had any real expectations that it would be any good. After all, it was from the director of the "Charlie's Angels" movies. That makes "Terminator Salvation" this months pleasant surprise. This fresh but darker look at the billion dollar franchise is certainly worth the attention, and even though it is certainly flawed it still delivers in volume. Gritty and hard hitting, with a strong cast and a stand out performance from Sam Worthington, this just might show the series can live on even without it's original star.
- A romantic comedy about people in their fifties? Please, Hollywood would never go for it. True. So director Joel Hopkins went to London to make it. "Last Chance Harvey" is a wonderful film with great performances from its two leads Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. If you take away the "age" factor, it might not be the most original romance of the year, but for some reason a romantic comedy starring the likes of Hoffman and Thompson will always make more of an impact than say Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon. Thankfully.

Essential listening this June:
It is impossible to write about music at the end of June 2009 without writing about Michael Jackson. I will not claim that I've listened to his music frequently for the past ten years, but growing up in the 80's and 90's it is impossible to say he has not played any part of my musical life. So for the music bit this month, my three favorite Michael Jackson songs:
- "Off The Wall" ("Off The Wall", 1979). It's hard to label this track. It can be called pop, disco or r'n'b, it doesn't matter. It's a wonderful song, from the man's best album in my opinion. His vocal abilities peaked around this time and going back to it today it still sounds amazingly fresh.
- "Greatest Show On Earth" ("Ben", 1973). A rare song, one of the last ones to be recorded before his voiced changed as he grew older. An upbeat and catchy motown tribute. A wonderful sound that could have suited him well also on his later records.
- "Billie Jean" ("Thriller", 1983). Arguably his biggest hit. The somewhat bizarre chorus and catchy beat will fill up dancefloors for ages to come. A true testament to Jackson's great understanding of pop music.

Good Music

There is not enough good music around. Or wait, scratch that. There is too much BAD music around. That would be more accurate.
Last week I went to a couple of really nice concerts. First up was Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. They performed a two hours plus set at the Norwegian Wood festival in Frognerparken, Oslo. It is a terrific venue and one of my favorite festival stages in the country. The setlist had a few surprises, but there was a nice and even spread of both old and new. Having released one of 2008's best albums last March ("Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!") the focus was still on new material, but being a fan I could not have asked for a sweeter collection of songs. "Henry Lee", "Into my arms", "Stagger Lee" and many more classics found their way into the mix.
A few days later I attended an intimate show with American singer / songwriter Joshua Radin. I've mentioned him on this site before ("Essential November") and I think he is a massive talent with a wonderful voice. It was a wonderful show, played on the smaller stage at Garage, one of Oslo's many rock bars. As Radin himself pointed out, it was probably the smallest stage he had been on since starting out four years ago. The songs, mainly about ex-girlfriends and possible new ones, are elegant and poetic with beautiful melodies. After releasing his first album "We Were Here" in 2006 he left his major record label after being pushed towards making more "poppy" songs. His new album "Simple Times" is therefore the first release of the tiny and aptly named label Mom & Pop Records.
Being at a good concert is always a joy, and after seeing these two very different acts I found it thrilling to see musicians performing their own songs and delivering every word with convincing feeling. Take that MTV!

"For Sale"

the fall of a friend
screaming they have heard this song before
nothing feels natural coming from that side
black clouds but still no rain

a young heart with an old soul
everything is now for sale
trapped asleep for another night
there is nowhere to land if you jump

money for nothing like this
playful disgrace in a crowded city
another street going the wrong way
a fake smile is all i need tonight

Video Shoot

Last weekend I went to Tromsø to direct a music video for one of my favorite bands, The Considerate Lovers. Along with me was my friend and photographer Anders. The band supplied me with a few songs for a short film I did last year and this was my way of returning the favor. We didn't have any budget so it was a small production where we shot over two days. We got lots of great footage and now starts the real job of putting it all together. Hopefully we will have the finished video within the next month.
The band released their first album, "The End" last year and will have a new single coming out later this summer. They are also playing at Bukta festival in Tromsø on July 2.

Photograph by Krister Kantola

Essential May

Essential viewing this May:
- "Revolutionary Road" sees the return of the most successful on-screen couple ever, Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Set in mid-50's America this is an interesting character study with top notch performances from everyone involved. What on paper looks like a slick Oscar friendly period drama is surprisingly rough around the edges and with a shocking third act this is easily director Sam Mendes' finest hour since 1999's "American Beauty".
- The return of "Star Trek" to the big screen is impossible to ignore, despite its flaws. It is impressive when you think that this is only director J.J. Abrams' second feature film, the scale and expectations from the massive fanbase alone should be enough to terrify any rookie filmmaker. But Abrams hits the ground running and two hours later what you have left is an unashamingly fresh sci-fi thrill ride. The casting of mostly unknown faces is clever and the effects are spectacular, so you'll have to look hard to find a better piece of blockbuster entertainment. Abrams has rebooted the sci-fi genre and you can almost smell the popcorn.
- This months pleasent surprise comes from the straight-to-DVD release "Nothing But The Truth". A gripping drama with the best ensemble act of the year so far, with Kate Beckinsale and Vera Farmiga as the standouts. Usually dull director Rod Lurie employs a realistic style and wonderful dialogue. Complete with terrific cinematography this is a great movie which unfortunately will never reach the large audience it richly deserves.

Essential listening this May:
- "Sinful Soul" is norwegian rock band Helldorado's third album, and it might be the best one yet. Packed with terrific tunes ranging from country, blues, rock & roll this is a superb record which hopefully will make more people aware of the band. One of the best norwegian releases so far this year.
- Manic Street Preachers returns to form with "Journal For Plague Lovers". Their ninth studio album is a raw and hard exploration of alternative rock music seen through the eyes of these indie veterans. Superior to their records of recent years this is a wonderful return to the top by the Welsh band, reminiscent of their finest hour "This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours" (1998).
- Even though Juliette Lewis' return to the music scene with her new band The New Romantiques and the album "Terra Incognita" will not hit stores until September, some samples have already appeared on her MySpace site - and boy are they good! The album, produced by The Mars Volta's Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, promises to be both darker and more rough than her first two outings. A true original and old rocking soul, Lewis just might be in the process of releasing her masterpiece. Roll on autumn!

"Belong"

screams from the other room
the fear is never gone for long
these actors could never be alone
this city is no longer yours

take her photograph
take something more

leave the room with the music still on
keep your head up for one more day
all this time belongs to you
understand the words the best one can

the way you look at your friends
the way you look at everything else

Ebeltoft

In 2005 I moved to Ebeltoft, Denmark to attend the European Film College. I was there for one year and last weekend I returned for a reunion with my old classmates. We had a superb time and it reminded me what a special place it is.
Ebeltoft is a small town in every sense of the word small. Sure there are about 14,000 people living in the whole county, but you'd never know from walking the streets. It is located on the east coast of Jylland, the island which is the major part of Denmark. Whenever I go there I take the bus from Copenhagen to the end of Denmarks other major island, Sjælland and from there it is a 45 minute ferry ride before you step off, arriving in Ebeltoft. The town is small and the centre is close to the occean and on the shoreline there are plenty of beautiful beaches. On my first night back this time, me and some friends went down to the water and watched the sun set. It is quiet and calm and when you walk up from the beach, through the town centre you can just keep walking and end up in the deepest woods in a matter of minutes. The film school is located on top of the woodland hills and is almost isolated from the rest of the town. It is both a sombre and peaceful place where you can rest, get your head straight or in our case, make movies. I've been back a few times since I graduated and having lived in two big cities since I left, it is always refreshing and helpful to return. It makes you glad knowing that places like it exists. It really is a special place.


Photograph by Enqvist

Switched Off

I've been flying quite a lot lately and it amazes me that there is still a genuine concern among flight attendants that mobile phones and iPods can cause serious damage to the aircraft. First of all, if there really was such a risk you would never be allowed to even bring your phone or iPod onboard, or at least they would conduct a thorough search of each and every passenger for one. And yet, whenever I try to catch some sleep or relax with some descreet music in my ear, an eager stewardess will rush over and strictly require me to stop this illegal activity. At least during take off and landing. Curiously, you never actually have to switch off your player, it is plenty sufficient for them to see you simply take your headphones off your head. And they've done their job.
Actually sweetheart, all things considered; if you think this monster of technology that is my tiny iPod can bring down this Boeing-737 I'd rather step off and take the bus.

"Paper Heartbeats"

start this war with just two words
count the names not the blessings
these sounds are all too familiar
a flood of anything could be welcome

under your feet under the dirt
yellow flowers behind a barbed wire fence
a wall is fading but the writing sticks
the dark was always coming

paper heartbeats and colored in smiles
glowing in the dark but still not real
someone says this road leads home
a pen gone empty is an honest sign

you knew it would be hard
to walk through this world alone

Essential April

Essential viewing this April:
- Clint Eastwood is 78 years old. And he is still making some of the finest movies around. If you need more to be impressed, go look somewhere else. “Gran Torino” is his latest piece and it is indeed another one to be cherished. The script might be crippled by a simple plot with a few cliché attachments, but this is still terrific storytelling. Pure human drama where Eastwood once again proves he is a master of the genre. It is rumoured that this might be Clint’s final performance in front of the camera and if so, it is a worthy swansong for a true screen legend.
- After being stuck in distribution hell, Tom DiCillo’s “Delirious” has finally arrived. Reuniting with his old pal Steve Buscemi, DiCillo delivers a crude look at America’s need for stardom and even showcases some decent acting from Michael Pitt. A refreshing antidote to the upcoming blockbusters, a true Hollywood independent shows us all is not gold that glitters. And it has some of this year’s best dialogue in it too.
- After releasing his Bush impression onto the Saturday Night Live audience a few years ago, Will Ferrell must have known he was bound to make an impact. Now, after a successful run on Broadway, his one-man show “You’re Welcome, America – A Final Night with George W. Bush” has seen the light of day. For us Europeans it is only available the illegal way for now, but do keep an eye out for it. Ferrell proves himself worthy the praise and as a true genius of improvisation he has created a portrait that is not only hysterically funny, but with a surprisingly moving punch. Believe it or not, it might stand as quite a relevant show, looking back at the past eight years of the US government.

Essential listening this April:
- “Loyalty to Loyalty” is the title of American rock band Cold War Kids’ second album. And what wondrous terrific music it is. With thirteen tracks, the album covers quite a bit of ground but all together it might be one of the tightest and most honest releases to come out of California in a while. And the single “Something Is Not Right with Me” is already on my shortlist for coolest song of the year.
- The Setting Son is one of my favourite Danish rock bands, and with their second full length album “Spring of Hate”, they have proven themselves worthy my endless cheering. Part pop, part psychedelic rock, they are the sweetest thing to come out of Denmark since… Carlsberg? Take your socks off, go out in the rain with you favourite t-shirt and enjoy the soundtrack of spring 2009!
- The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart should score high just for their irresistible band name, but they are so much more than that. With their self titled debut album finally hitting the stands of our northern record stores, there is no turning back. Catchy pop tunes with great lyrics, there is no need to ask for anything more. These are romantic sounds for true music lovers. And it might even turn the heads of all those non believers out there.

iProblems

I am addicted to my iPod. I have been since I first got it three years ago. I use it every day and it is one of the few things I absolutely can not leave the house without. The other day it broke down and my life has not been the same since. I am hopelessly distraught and don’t seem able to appreciate anything anymore. When I’m waiting for the bus and hear the birds singing, it doesn’t make me think about how beautiful the simple things in life can be, it reminds me that my iPod is useless and I should be tapping my foot to the sounds of my favourite rock tunes right now.
I will try to get it fixed and if that fails I simply will have to acquire a new one, which raises a whole other bunch of problems, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. Now, in desperate need for music in my ear as I go through my days, I have cleared out my closet and dug out my big box of old miscellaneous things. Including a lost treasure called the MiniDisc. The MiniDisc, or simply the MD as we used to call it, was a piece of miraculous technology I got my hands on in the late 90’s. When the Walkman was obsolete and the Discman was too big to carry around. Can you believe people walked around with those things? Teenagers today will never get their heads around it. What was great about the MD was that you could buy these tiny discs and store any music, and best of all in any order you desired and make your own little compilations. It was truly astonishing. Unless you wanted more than 25 songs on each one. I’m still waiting for that massive size disc. So during those blissful times I put together a bunch of compilations consisting of songs and music that rocked my world at the time. And now, it is serving its purpose once again. Who needs an iPod when I’ve got MiniDisc classics such as “Summer 2004 Awesome Mix”, “Springtime Rocks 2002” and, still my personal favourite, “Great Ass Walking Songs 2003”. In your face, Apple!

"A Million Mondays"

streets with too familiar names
a different taste to what once was sweet
not enough words to tell a lie
an empty house can never be a home

a funeral behind a gas station
all can be found but not over here
drunken poetry with too much truth
these words may never die

a saturday can have a million mondays
picture this without the sound
not a sign never a miracle
this air is yours to breathe

Easter

Last night I returned home after a terrific easter holiday. I had divided my break into two parts, spending half of if up north in Troms, and the rest in Røros. Both idyllic spots for enjoying lazy days in the sun with skiing, good food, cold beer and good company.

Faksfjord, Troms April 5, 2009
In Troms there was beautiful weather all week long and I got to hang out with my family, and in particular my nephews. Sliding downhill, roasting hot dogs on an open fire in the mountains, eating ungodly amounts of candy and of course skiing. My nephews are actually far better skiers than I am. Here is the youngest one, who is an absolute pro. Until there is a slight turn...


While in Røros I took a trip into town. I've been there before and I enjoy walking around in the streets. It is a small town with just over 5,000 people, and it is actually on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for its authentic old wooden buildings and history. There are plenty of odd shops, cafes, museums and stores that show the history of its industry, mainly coal mining, which has lasted for over a hundred years. It is a lovely place.

Røros, Sør-Trøndelag April 11, 2009

Essential March

Essential viewing:
- "Blindness" is the second English speaking feature from Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles. Like his previous films "City of God" and "The Constant Gardener", the focus is still on people in extreme surroundings. It's an interesting thriller with an apocalyptic feel fitting for the director. It may turn out a little over ambitious, but should still be appreciated for trying to be different.
- Director John Patrick Shanley is hard to figure out. His first outing was the extremely dark comedy "Joe Versus The Volcano" nearly twenty years ago and now he is back with the award friendly "Doubt". It may still be better served in its original stage play format, but this is still engaging stuff with top notch performances. And more proof that Meryl Streep is still the finest actress of her generation.
- After the breakout of cable television a few years ago, featuring shows like "The Sopranos" and "Sex In The City" it is refreshing to see there is still room for long time running network shows like "24". Now in its seventh season, it may have lost some of its original impact, but with Kiefer Sutherland still breathing fire in his now sure to be signature role, this is still great fun and exilarating television.

Essential listening:
- "Kicks" is the title of Scottish band 1990s second album. After their wonderfully welcome debut "Cookies" in 2007, one might label this as simply more of the same. But with cracking tunes, terrific lyrics and songs that are just dying to be performed live, its the kind that makes you want to dance around your living room while shouting to your neighbours; "Don't you just love pop music!" Completely irresistible.
- The Gaslight Anthem is a group of New Jersey rockers kickin' it old school. Their second full lenght album "The '59 Sound" is a joy from start to finish. Clearly inspired by heroes such as Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, this is rock music in its purest form. Not pretending to be anything they're not, simply trying to make you feel good!
- Washington is a norwegian band that has been floating below the radar for several years. With more success outside the borders of their own country than within, they are still a secret to many. Now with the release of their third album "Rouge/Noir", (three usually being the maximum number of albums a band is allowed to release before being labeled a flop or a hit) it is impossible to imagine they will remain a secret for much longer. A bit more edgy and instrumental than their previous records, this is still musical melancholy that should be cherished by anyone with a heartbeat. Their third, and arguably finest album to date.

Broken Angel

Last year I received a wonderful gift from someone in my family. It was a decorative glass angel, complete with wings and holding a star. I placed it on my window sill, thinking it would be a perfectly safe place for it to stand. However, the first time I opened my window, the wind blew it over and broke off one of its wings. I was upset, but still thought the thing looked nice so I kept it, but placed it more in the corner, away from the wind and in safe surroundings. But the other day I managed to knock the poor thing over myself, breaking its last and only wing. Now the thing is surely destroyed and ready for its final resting place in the garbage can, but I think it looks even cooler now. There is something poetic about having an angel without wings standing in my window.

Heia TIL!

Last weekend the top norwegian football league, Tippeligaen, started its season. And as always, my heart and soul roots for the team of my hometown Tromsø. We've kept all our players from last year, have a new manager and by some act of miracle we have signed Mark Dempsey as the new manager of talent development. Dempsey was in charge of educating and managing the young talents in Manchester United, and is now gonna help out in the northernmost club in a top football league. How did that happen? Who cares, it's bliss! Although we kicked off the season with a modest 1-1 draw away against Aalesund, I still believe this could be one of the best seasons in the club's history. And with our smashing third place from last year, we'll even get a stab at the UEFA cup this season!

Here we go! Heia TIL!

Shock Value

Last week in Winnenden, Germany there was a shooting at a local school. A seventeen year old boy shot and killed fifteen people before taking his own life. It was a horrible tragedy and it was featured in every news show for the following days. Now, with the high number of news websites and TV networks, news from the event travelled the world rapidly. Details on the city, the school, the victims and most of all the shooter were being distributed through various channels quickly. Sadly, events like these happen quite often and there is never a lack of information coming from the news. But over the course of the weekend something else appeared on all major news websites.
After the shooting, the gunman was followed and surrouned by police at a nearby parking lot. He fired off several rounds, before turning the gun on himself. This was filmed by a bystander with a mobile phone camera, and is now featured on most news websites. By clicking on headlines such as "The Gunman's Final Shot", "His Last Moments" and "This Is Where It Ended", the audience can watch the final minutes of this persons life. In my opinion this is both obscene and wrong.
By reading the articles and seeing the photographs there is more than enough information for the reader or audience to understand what has occurred. You get nothing more from seeing what actually happened, through the lense of a grainy mobile phone camera. It was a tragedy that struck the victims, their families, the community of the city and the whole nation of Germany. And in the end, it was also a personal tragedy for the boy responsible. To show video footage of a person taking his own life can never be classified as "news". It is morally irresponsible and disrespectful, not just for those involved in the event but also towards the audience. There is no reason for such a thing to be shown for anything other than shock value.

There is a new term that is being used frequently in several English speaking news channels like CNN, BBC and Sky News. Before or after a major event, such as a top politician's speech, a televised public demonstration or the marking of a national or global occasion, the reporter might say something like "This will certainly be a big YouTube moment" or "There were plenty of YouTube moments". This website, where all videos imaginable are availbe at your fingertips has become an institution. If there is something you want to see, or something you want to see again and again you can always find it.
But there are still certainly things that do not need to be seen.

"A Possible Song"

this sight is worth a million words
it grinds you down it sinks like a stone
streetlights and covered tracks
every name is another possibility

a little less every night
it fills you up and beats them down
the best has gone away this time
this next corner could be the one

get the car hit the gas
the road is crowded with strangers
over this hilltop you know this place
speed up i think i heard a sound

these words could be for you tonight
a misplaced poem or a possible song
never show it to anyone
swear tonight this time

this time this time

Bloopers

Last year I made a short film called "A Helping Hand". My friend Anders, the photographer and editor on the film, has put together a nice little blooper reel from the shoot, which took place over a few days last summer. It features the actors, Kenneth and Kristina, our sound recordist Ane, myself and the voice of Anders struggling behind the camera.
This gives you a good idea of the small size of the production and how it was really just a group of friends having some fun.

"Pretenders and Clowns"

a cry or a question
is there a reason to believe
does it matter where you come from
a life alone is still a life

pitch black midnight
the radio keeps saying
everything is going to be alright
a light will get lost in here

pretenders and clowns fall together
letting go will be the easy part
speak up my quiet friend
this pain will never be real

Essential February

Essential viewing:
- With Oscars for Sean Penn and Best Original Screenplay under its belt, "Milk" is finally getting the attention it lacked when it first came out. The gong was well deserved for Penn, but the supporting cast is also terrific, with stand out turns from James Franco and Josh Brolin. Director Gus van Sant is direct in style and keeps focus on the human aspect, instead of opting for the political getaway. Wonderfully put together and thought provoking, it certainly is worthy of all its recent praise.
- "Role Models" is another comedy featuring members of the so-called "Brat Pack" Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott. Deliciously ridiculous and well packed with laughs, it also features one of the best child performances in ages by newcomer Bobb'e J. Thompson. It's a joy to hear him dish out his lines. "You're white, so you're Ben Affleck." Priceless.
- With both "Entourage" and "Californication" on hiatus, the only thing really worth watching on TV these days is "30 Rock". Well into its third season, it is still fresh and original. Although it is now packed with stars, the real punch still lies in the writing. Tina Fey is becoming more and more like the female Larry David, and her scripts are by far the best thing on the tube since David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Essential listening:
- The Airborne Toxic Event is a young American band who deliver catchy indie rock tunes with a touch of melancholy. There are plenty of bands who offer that, but the difference here lies in the quality of each single song. Great lyrics and terrific arrangements. Their debut album is not released in Europe until mid-March, but for now the wonderful tracks available on their MySpace site should be plenty sufficient.
- The Whitest Boy Alive is the new project by norwegian wunderkind Erlend Øye, from Kings of Convenience. After the success of the first album "Dreams", the follow up, "Rules", is now just around the corner. Having gotten a taste of it at a concert last week I can assure you it is still catchy electro folk rock tunes with firm beats and a mellow party atmosphere. Hard to dismiss and even harder to dislike. Surely another hit with the critics and fans alike.
- After their incredible concert in Oslo a few weeks ago I've been revisiting some of the classic Ac/Dc records. And "Who Made Who" is still the best rock album ever made. Simple as that.

Shoot To Thrill

A few nights ago Ac/Dc kicked off their European tour with the first concert ever to be held at Oslo's brand new Telenor Arena. I was there and it was a smashing reminder of what a great rock show should be.
After making my way through the awful traffic and long lines outside the arena I found myself inside and ready to take in a concert I had been looking forward to for a very long time. Ac/Dc was one of the first hard rock bands I ever listened to, after my brother had introduced me to them with their "Ac/Dc Live" album in 1992. They have been on my list of "must-see" bands ever since and earlier this week the pleasure was all mine. My expectations were unreasonably high and yet I walked away from it thinking that what I just saw could just be the finest live performance from a hard rock band I had ever seen. With founder and front man Angus Young pushing sixty and lead singer Brian Johnson having already crossed that bar a few years ago, it is nothing short of astonishing the amount of energy and professionalism they put into their performance. Their approach is simply to deliver a no-nonsense show where the main point is to keep the audience involved and satisfied. No unnecessary chitchat between songs, no long pauses to drink beer and no foolish attempts to screw with the formula that has worked wonders thus far. With the exception of the awesome "rock 'n roll train" displayed on center stage there is simply a drumset, three guitars, a few extra microphones and plenty of room for Young and Johnson to run around. With most of the stage crowded with huge loudspeakers and amplifiers, it is all about music and it is all about rock & roll.
The concert was a terrific statement on what great rock shows are all about and should serve as a lesson to all other bands. Most who's main concern is image, wardrobe, appearance and egoistic vanity.
Classy and old school. Respect your elders. Because Ac/Dc is still the best and biggest there is.

Ac/Dc at Telenor Arena February 18, 2009.

Cph

I spent the weekend in Copenhagen and everytime I go there I am reminded what a great place it is. I lived there a few years ago and was sad to leave, but I've been back there several times since. When I first moved there it was a bit frightening since it was the biggest city I had ever lived in. But it didn't take too long for it to feel like a place I had known forever. There is something very suiting about the place and it is very simple to feel at ease. As soon as you arrive you feel comfortable and welcome. There is always less to worry about when you're in Copenhagen. I have lived in quite a few places in my life, but Copenhagen is still the closest I am to a home away from home.

These are a few photos from Studiestrædet/Larsbjørnstrædet, one of my favorite places in town.

Fargo Film Festival

My latest film "En Hjelpende Hånd" ("A Helping Hand") has been announced in the official selection of the Fargo Film Festival in the US. It will be screened alongside seven other films in the Narrative Shorts programme. The festival takes place in Fargo, North Dakota from March 3-7.
It is the second time I've been featured at this festival. My previous film "Alene" ("Alone") won the award for Best Student Film at the 2007 edition. The festival is fairly small and it is known for its focus on independent productions and discovering new filmmakers. It is a popular festival with a large audience and a very cool profile. I am very excited to have a film of mine screened there once again.
You can check out more about the festival at their website www.fargofilmfestival.org

"Late"

a hundred stories from a single voice
feel a tender handshake with a fake touch
leave the water running and the lights on
have a drink and say nothing is over yet

will a broken body rise back up
does anyone pretend it is going to last
trust the liar or pay the millionaire
a dull knife can still leave a scar

lost lovers or prostitution
an unfinished game but still a winner
early morning or late last night
love only works when it hurts somebody else

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

Essential 2008

In spirit of all the listings that appear around this time of peoples favorite things of this ending year, I thought I'd join in with my top picks of this years finest treats for our eyes and ears. So here it is. The best 2008 had to offer:

Viewing:
1. "There Will Be Blood" came out early in the year and really set the bar on fire. P.T. Anderson delivers his best work to date in this adaptation of Upton Sinclair's novel "Oil!". Stunning cinematography, a haunting soundtrack and flawless performances from everyone involved. Daniel Day-Lewis is a study of monumental acting and this role will surely stand as his career high. It's a remarkable performance. The film is an instant classic and one of the most impressive pieces of cinema I have ever seen. Hands down, the best picture of the year.
2. "The Dark Knight" is Chris Nolan's second instalment in the Batman series, and it's the best one yet. Both darker and more complete than any of its predecessors it stands as one of the best comic book adaptations ever made. Amazing set pieces and a gritty realism adds to the effect and the pitch perfect casting is tremendous. What great movies are all about.
3. "The Visitor" has been mentioned here earlier. Tom McCarthy's second feature is a brilliant story of lonely hearts and open minds. It is a humanly original fable about unlikely friendships and second attempts. Richard Jenkins is terrific in his first real leading role and if there is any justice in this world he should win every award out there the next couple of months.
4. "The Diving Bell And The Butterfly" by Julian Schnabel requires patience and tolerance, but if you're willing to let yourself go in it the payoff is well worth it. This true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby and his unbelieveable journey from a life as a successful magazine editor to the confines of a hospital bed enlights and celebrates the best and worst things in life.
5. "Juno" is everyone's favorite. A hilarious and orignal story with smart directing from Jason Reitman. Arguably the best cast of the year and without a doubt the finest soundtrack. This film is exactly what Hollywood needed and hopefully it will inspire more films ABOUT something and with REAL people. Qute and filthy at the same time and sharp around the edges.

Listening:
1. Vampire Weekend from New York created the years best with their self titled debut album. A smart and fresh pop album with classic and cathy tunes. Sounds like The Clash, and Bowie if he still allowed himself to have fun. And the single "A-Punk" just might be the coolest track of the year too.
2. The Music's third album "Strenght In Numbers" elevates this Leeds quartet from basement electro rock to stadium sounding and larger possibilities. A great collection of songs and a sound that no one else has at the moment. After a four year break they are certainly back on track and this album leaves you with the wonderful feeling that their best work might be yet to come.
3. "Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!" is a smashing return to form by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Raunchy and funny tracks with some of the most memorable lyrics by the aussie. Not quite enough to compete with his early work but a solid reminder that Cave is still alive. And he wants your soul.
4. "Walk It Off" is americans Tapes 'n Tapes sophmore record and a different take on the alternative rock scene they explored in their brilliant debut "The Loon". A delishious sounding band with enough energy to blow the door off the room to stardom. Warning: Contains guitar riffs that require air guitar participation.
5. Madrugada is dead, but at least they left us a beautiful soundtrack for the funeral. Their final album, simply titled "Madrugada", only contains nine songs but it is more than enough to confirm their status as the finest norwegian rock band of all time. Sivert Høyem is friends with both God and The Devil and will sing his heart out for any of them. A perfect swansong for a perfect band.

2009 has got work to do.

Home For Christmas

I woke up this morning at 5.30am. Which meant I had only slept for two hours. I had gone to bed around 1am, but struggled to fall asleep. I woke up half an hour before the alarm clock was set to go off. I got dressed, drank two glasses of orange juice, brushed my teeth for less than ten seconds, grabbed my bag and left. Today I'm going home for christmas.
I took the bus to the airport. It was crowded and full of frustrated children and stressed out parents. I turned up the volume on my ipod and tried my best to let The Doors drown out all the madness. It seemed every family with an infant was travelling today. But nothing will get me down, because I'm going home for christmas.
At the airport, I check my bag and find the nearest coffee machine. Medicine for the insomniac. I buy some fruit in attempt to jumpstart my body along with the coffee, but there is no fooling this temple. I need sleep and my body is not afraid to tell me. I rest my head back against the wall and try to catch a few minutes, but it does not work. I tell myself I will write a letter to Apple on monday. If Nick Cave turned to the max on my ipod can not block out a family of four, three tables down from me, something needs to be done volume wise. But it's okay. I'm on my way home for christmas.
The plane is packed. Not a single seat to spare. I'm the aisle man, next to a fifty something male passenger who is either talking a lot to himself or trying hard to strike up a conversation with me, even though I've pulled my beanie over my eyes in a demonstrative attempt to show that my priority is sleep. Not chitchat about the lack of leg room on airplanes this day in age. Leave me alone old timer, I'm going home for christmas.
Arriving in my hometown, something magical happens. I'm in my late twenties and have done my share of air travel. I've travelled light, heavy, with skiis, my old dog, my bike, once I even checked in six pieces of luggage. And yet, something is happening right now that I've never seen before. My bag is the first one out on the belt. I really must be asleep. I've never even heard of something like that happening before. I mean, you always see the first bag that comes out but I've always just assumed it belongs to a man who died long ago and the bag has been travelling on that worn out conveyor belt since aviation was a new and sensational form of travel. I take my bag and look around at all the suckers who are shaking in their boots in fear that their luggage will not arrive and that there will be plenty of free space under the tree this year. I walk outside and it is snowing. Finally, a sign that christmas just might be around the corner. My Dad is here to pick me up and we drive straight home. I open the door and the smell of freshly baked bread and dinner in the oven hits. My Mom comes out in the hallway and gives me a kiss. She says; I'm glad you're home for christmas.

Merry Christmas! Will That Be Cash Or Credit Card?

I'm always amazed at the amount of money we spend on christmas shopping every year. It's nothing new and if people do have money to spend I suppose nothing is better than to spend it on gifts for the people closest to you. Christmas only comes around once a year, and all else aside, it is a nice opportunity to show your appreciation of your loved ones.
What gets worse though is how it has become more and more of an industry. We're used to seeing more commercials on TV for products that would make wonderful presents for your friends and family and the mailbox fills up with flyers and magazines advertising the perfect present for whoever it may be. This starts in the early days of November even. It is a business and for certain stores it is their most important time of year. I haven't started my limited christmas shopping yet, but I have noticed how the stores and advertisments have gotten more ruthless and whatever tiny bit of shame there ever was in the business, it is certainly gone by now.
The other day I was in a shopping mall, and outside a toy store there is a Santa with an alarmingly fake beard and highly visible pillows under his worn out red jacket. He is shaking the hands of the passing children and their parents and working hard to fool at least the youngest with an occasional attempt at a jolly ho-ho-ho. He's asking what the little kid wants for christmas and gets an uninteresting reciting of his wish list in return. Interupting the slightly overeager youngster he puts his hand on a tower of boxes containing some kind of toy crane building sets. "Wouldn't you love to open up one of these on christmas eve?". The kid lights up and immediately turns to his mother with wanting eyes and a, I imagine, much rehearsed smile. "Please mommy, can I get it?". Santa the Sales rep. discreetly leans forward and says to the mother; "It's on sale. Only 399." The parent is both surprised and slightly upset by this approach from Santa and starts to walk away. "We'll see, sweetheart." Needless to say, not a good enough answer for the kid who starts screaming and crying as his mother gently pulls him away from the store. Santa Claus scrathes his beard in dismay and starts canvassing the mall for his next mark.
Imagine the lovely car ride home the mother has with her child yelling and kicking at her from the back seat. What kind of a mother wouldn't let her son have a present from Santa Claus himself?

On my way out I passed a decorated christmas tree with a price tag on it. It does not get more symbolic than that.

"Another Quiet Room"

tired of being still but nothing moves
hear the voices outside the door
need to speak but follow the rules
the streets will be crowded just once more

clear your throat don't raise your hand
no one cares who the last one is
all things are set to self destruct
the glass is empty so get the bottle

don't bring keys and don't be late
stay on your feet and trust the light
another quiet room with the windows shut
everybody! don't look now

Giggsy # 2

As promised, here is the photo of me alongside Ryan Giggs and the Premiership and Champions League trophy of last season. It was taken at the Supporters Club galla dinner on November 16th. I'm the second one from the left, in case you were in doubt. The other guys are fellow supporters whom I shared a table with that night.


And here is an old one, from when I first met the man back in 1999. It's nine years ago and as you can see, Ryan has let himself go a bit.

Essential November

Essential viewing this November:
- "Burn After Reading". The Coen brothers' latest is a wonderful return to their offbeat quirky comedy after last years dark "No Country For Old Men". It has it's flaws sure, but we should be thankful there are still people in Hollywood who create more than your average type comedies. Custom-fitted for its cast this is insanely enjoyable and further proof that George Clooney should do comedy more often, and that Frances McDormand should be in every movie ever made.
- "Henry Poole Is Here" is a slow burning and quiet dark comedy with a surprisingly subtle performance from Luke Wilson. It gets a little sobby towards the end, but up until then, the director of the extremely overlooked "Arlington Road" (1999) and "The Mothman Prophecies" (2002) has created one of this years finest surprises.
- "The Visitor". At last a leading role for the immaculate Richard Jenkins! The director of "The Station Agent" returns with another delicate and sober take on the conditions of the lonely human heart. Jenkins is incredible and the ending, not to mention the final scene, will haunt you for ages. My favorite film of 2008, alongside "The Dark Knight". How is that for variety!

Essential listening this November:
- Glasvegas is a young band from Scotland and their self-titled debut is one of the most exciting albums to come out of the UK in years. Rock and roll melancholy with massive soundscapes, added with a cinematic rise to each and every track. Delicious! Can't wait for the next one.
- Joshua Radin is an American singer/songwriter and his second album "Simple Times" is a wonderful collection of lovely guitar driven songs with some beautiful lyrics. If there is a better record to put on in the early hours of the morning, I don't want to know.
- The Killers are back, and it is sounding surprisingly fresh still. Their highly anticipated third album "Day & Age" is a clever mix of classic The Killers and a touch of 80's Pet Shop Boys. And who on earth would believe that to be a good thing? It is.

Film Festival

Earlier this year I made a short film called "En Hjelpende Hånd" ("A Helping Hand"). It was a non-budget film, with no public or private funding and I was only able to make it thanks to the help of some very talented friends. We shot it over two days back in May and spent the better parts of the summer putting it together. Then I got my favorite band from my hometown to give us a couple of awesome rock tunes for it, and bam - there was the movie.
The goal when you make a movie like this is to be able to show it to as many people as possible, so as soon as it was finished I started sending it around to various film festivals. And a few days ago I learned that it had been selected for competition at the Tromsø International Film Festival. It will be screened as part of a programme called "Films From The North". I had my previous film shown at this festival two years ago and it was truly a terrific experience. It's something very special to have your work shown in your hometown, in front of a massive audience including your friends and family. The festival takes place in January and has rapidly grown to become the biggest film festival in Norway, when you look at the number of visitors. I will travel up north and be there for the screenings and I expect it to be another great experience.
The entire programme will be announced towards the end of the year and I will post more info on the time and place of the screenings if anyone is interested in checking it out.

Born In The U.S.A.

I went to see the new Oliver Stone movie “W.” the other day. It’s a portrait of George W. Bush and his road to the White House. Part human drama, part political satire. It was quite an interesting movie, and I enjoyed it. I rarely pay attention to audience reactions when I go to the movies (mainly because I’m working really hard to block out all the annoying sounds of chitchat and bags of candy). But I noticed that even though the film is full of dark humor and clever dialogue, the audience was only laughing at the obvious jokes. Like Bush mispronouncing a word, the look on his face or his laugh. It wasn’t really a surprise, but it got me thinking about the recent U.S. election and in particular the media’s coverage of it.

It’s three weeks ago today since Obama won the election. It was the most significant, and arguably the most important win in the country’s history. Leading up to the election the media’s involvement was massive. Everyone knows that a major part of any presidential campaign is not only to make your own policies known, but also to shame or even better, embarrass your opponent. This election was no exception. During the endless months of campaigning there wasn’t a day that went by where the republicans were not battering the democrats, or vice versa. It even started before the nominees of each party was decided. In the republican camp there was a mighty war of words going on between McCain and Romney. And the democrats were even worse, as the battle between Obama and Clinton didn’t just limit itself to verbal arguments, but attempts of public humiliations of each candidate. It would be exploiting rumors of a personal nature and photographs of the candidates in “unfortunate” situations. But the worst of it all was yet to come.

When McCain announced Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate things would really get ugly. There was no stopping the endless attacks on the Alaska governor. Some were innocent while some quite serious. And when it came to this, no one was worse than the TV shows. Letterman, Leno, Jon Stewart and Saturday Night Live to mention just a few, pretty much based their entire fall schedule on the ridicule of this, until recently, unknown woman. Since I have laughed out loud at many of the jokes on some of these shows I have no right to say “that’s wrong!” But I am amazed that even now, almost a month after the election this is still going on. Jokes about McCain, Palin and Bush are still what keep the audience tuning in.

I am sure that if you were to ask a group of American voters what they remember the most about the 2008 election, the most important one in their lifetime, very few would say McCain’s promise of tax cuts or Obama’s pledge to withdraw soldiers from Iraq. They would laugh and say Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin impression on SNL, Conan’s joke about how McCain is so old he can’t remember what he’s doing at this debate, or the time Obama went on Letterman to do the Top Ten list.
I’m watching a movie about what people call the worst administration and president in American history. Eight years which have seen horrible terrorist attacks, endless years of war, a US economy in crisis and a world struggling and fighting due to oil prices. And yet, just have George W. Bush say “nucilar” and people laugh their asses off.
If it is all just a joke, does it really matter who wins?

My Favorite Spot

Everybody has a favorite spot in this world. A place where you feel completely comfortable and at ease. A place you can return to when times are hard. Or where you would wish to be if the spot you happen to be in at the moment isn't that great. It can be in the corner of your couch. Underneath a blanket in your bedroom. On top of a mountain you once climbed. On the beach where you had your best vacation. Or maybe on the street outside your childhood home.
My favorite spot in this world is on the deck outside the house where my mother was born. It's a remote place, quiet and peaceful. A small community where everybody knows everybody and with just a few dozen inhabitants. Whenever I come there, I always spend the better part of my first day or night out on that deck. And I just sit there. The house is surrounded by mountains and right in front of you is the occean. There is a river on both sides of the house and you can hear them run so smoothly you could easily fall asleep. There is a big garden with my mother's favorite flowers. Tall trees and green grass. We have a big red barn and behind it you can see the neighbour's horse walking about. It can be quite windy, particularly in the fall, and you can hear the whistle from it through the odd cracks of the old house. I moved away from home about three years ago and since then I don't get to visit this place as often as I would like. But it is always there and I will always come back to it.

This photo shows you just what you see when you sit down on the deck and look out.

007 Has Great Hair

I hate the advertising campaign for the new James Bond movie. All the posters and magazine ads look like lost footage from a Vogue shoot. Daniel Craig has a bit of filth on his face sure, but his hair is groomed perfectly and his eyes seem to have emptied out the entire stock of steele blue this world has to offer. His skin is perfectly tanned and his lady friend of the season looks more like a contender for America's Next Top Model than a dangerous femme fatale, as a true Bond girl should. I've posted some pics at the bottom so you can see what I'm talking about. What ever happened to the good old Bond posters with Sean Connery in a sharp suit and a stupid smirk on his face, surrouned by explosions, Aston Martins, long legs, the scary yet hilarious villain and some weird invention by Q in the background?
On top of all this, I am currently watching a commerical on TV where ex-007 Pierce Brosnan is telling us he needs L'oreal lotion to treat his skin the way it truly deserves to be treated. What the hell is going on?! If James Bond is no longer a real man, what hope is there for the rest of us?

The movie is not that great either. But at least shit blows up.

Bond feels pretty, oh so pretty

Any idea what the new Bond movie is about?

Giggsy

I have been a supporter of Manchester United my whole life. It started when I got old enough to follow football and was able to watch the games on TV every saturday alongside my dad while my mother was upstairs frustrated and calling us for dinner. My first big memory as a Man Utd supporter was when they won the European Cup in 1991. I was at a friends house, the only one who had cable television at the time, celebrating the sweet sweet victory (see photo above). Since then I have followed the reds through thick and thin, watched every game possible and been to Old Trafford for the real thing about a dozen times.
Last night I attended a galla dinner in Oslo in honor of the clubs longest serving player: Ryan Giggs. When he came on in last seasons Champions League final he broke the record of appearances for the club, and since his debut back in 1991 he has played over 770 matches for Manchester United. A record no man in England is even close to matching. Giggs attended the dinner last night and I got to meet him for the second time. I first met the man in Manchester in 1999 on my first trip there. I stopped by the training ground and was lucky enough to shake his hand and get my picture taken with him. But it was just as exciting last night as I got to do it one more time. The event was put together by the scandinavian branch of the official supporters club and a few lucky members were selected to attend. It really was a terrific night. Giggs not only had dinner with us, answered our questions and signed autographs for us, he also brought the fruits of last years amazing Manchester United season, the trophies from the triumphs in the Premiership as well as the Champions League. I got my picture taken with the man himself alongside both trophies, but have not yet gotten it onto my computer so for now I will just post a photo below of myself along with the Champions League trophy. If you look closely you can see the hairs on my neck stand up.

Ryan Giggs - a true United legend.

Madrugada

About ten years ago I turned 18 and could finally enjoy all the things that become available to you at that age. Many people look forward to getting their drivers license, be able to drink and go out to clubs and such things. For me one of the biggest things was to be able to go out to concerts where you had to be of legal age to enter. Around this time, the late 90's, there was a norwegian rock band that were starting to get some serious attention from both critics and audiences nationwide. The name of the band was Madrugada.

When the band released their first album in 1999 it was in many ways the start of a new age in norwegian rock music. The band of three young men from the north of Norway represented a breath of fresh air in a business that had seemed to wear itself out. Their songs were dark and melancholic and had some of the finest lyrics ever written in Norway surely. I first saw the band just after the release of their first album. It was an awesome and mindblowing experience and it would mark the beginning of my forever lasting love for this band. Since then they have released four more studio albums, one double live album and countless singles. Each of their album releases has gone to the top of the norwegian chart and they remain one of the most successful bands in Norways history.
In the summer of 2007, one of the founding members of the band passed away at the age of just 31. This was a big shock for the entire norwegian music industry, but the band insisted on releasing their final album, which at that time was already completely recorded. It would become their biggest selling album to date. After touring the following year the two remaining founding members of the band decided to call it a day. Last night they performed their last ever concert and I was there (Scroll down for photo). It was an emotional and powerful night.

When you've followed a band from their very beginning and listened to their music on almost a daily basis for years and years, you can't help but feel connected to it. The band has been a part of my life for nearly ten years now and many experiences, both good and bad, have been accompanied by this music. I've seen them live more than any other band, around Norway and abroad and it is one of the few acts I can say have never given a less than stellar performance. Which is a rarity in these times. Now the amount of attention a band or performer gets depends on the look of the band, the music videoes and the money that is thrown around in order for big companies to capitalize on the success. With Madrugada it was never about that. The band have been composing music and frequently releasing albums with outstanding high quality and toured both small and major stages to play for their fans. Now that they have retired it is indeed a loss for all people who appreciate good music, and they leave behind an impressive track record that I doubt will ever be matched by any norwegian act. Madrugada has been the soundtrack of my life for the last ten years and I will miss them deeply.

You know I'm far from satisfied.

Madrugada, Oslo Spektrum 15 November 2008

The First One

Why?

There are a million blogs around. Plenty of websites for people to express themselves. A bunch of forums where you can talk about how much you hate or love this and that. Comment on what is going on in the world, or maybe just in your own living room. Talk about a movie you just saw, a trip you just had or maybe you've accomplished something spectacular and want to share it. Brag about some stuff, sulk over everything else. All this is already out there. So why another one?

Why not?

I'll get back to you when I have something.