Essential October

Essential viewing this October:
- The Soloist is the true story of a former student at the Julliard music academy who now lives on the streets of Los Angeles. Based on the book by Steve Lopez, here played by Robert Downey, jr. it also features Jamie Foxx as the troubled genius. On paper it's this years clearest chaser of Oscar glory, but there's more to this picture than just that. The two central performances are great, top marks going to Downey, jr. surprisingly. There is a clean-cut and sober style that suits the story well accompanied with beautiful music. A real joy also is the cinematography which really does make L.A. look like the city of angels.
- Something completely different would be Observe and Report. A moronic and filthy comedy with a terrific performance from Seth Rogen. Definitely not for everyone but if you're willing to leave your good taste at the door, there is much fun to enjoy here. And director Jody Hill shold be resptected for assisting in bringing the old balls out comedy back to Hollywood.
- This past decade has not been Woody Allen's best years, but there is still some excitement to be found in his new movies. This time it is called Whatever Works and Allen has handed the acting duties over to, my favorite comedy writer, Larry David. It is certainly an acquired taste but Allen's straightforward and simplistic style, and genuine love of storytelling is bound to make you smile. With great dialogue and terrific performances all around (it is a true delight to catch David outside his more comfortable and usual TV format) with a hilarious turn from the always wonderful Patricia Clarkson.

Essential listening this October:
- British indie rockers Editors return with their third album In This Light And On This Evening and it is a real gem. A bit more electronic and dancefloor friendly than their previous outings but the quality of the songs is still stellar. Proving their worth and still willing to go new ways they are one of the more exciting bands the brits have produced in a while. And I suspect this album will only grow with each listen.
- The frontman of Madrugada, the now disolved legendary norwegian rock band, Sivert Høyem has turned out his third solo album, and this time it is finally his main project. To call it a departure from his previous work (both with Madrugada and on his own) would be an overstatement, but there is still much to collect from his musical abilities. The title of the album is Moon Landing and even though it will not send you all the way there, it is certainly strong enough to keep you satisfied as winter creeps closer by the minute.
- The idea of a second Wolfmother album seemed hopeless for a long time as the band split up a few years ago due to the classic "irreconcilable differences" problem. But one of the original three founding members has stuck around and replaced his lost friends positions around the stage, and the result is Cosmic Egg. Not nearly as good as their self titled 2005 debut, but sticking to vintage rock & roll recipes there is plenty here to enjoy. Still in the spirit of Led Zeppelin and 70's style riffs you'll struggle to find a more respectful album to the rock genre. In a word: fun.

"Last Greeting"

gone away but still not there
a beaten in door left halfway open
don't know what happens tonight
but got a plan for tomorrow

slowly not surely getting to where we are going
the last greeting is a smile in the dark
don't leave it here
torn to the very last seam

young but old enough to complain
where were you last night
the floor in this house is worn down to the dirt
someone should have said something by now

Muse: The Experience

Last night I went to see Muse perform in Oslo Spektrum, and what a performance it was! The whole concert took me a bit by surprise and in the end it turned out to be one of the best live shows I have ever been to.
Even though I've always liked the band I will fall into the category of a moderate fan. I own a few of their albums, not all of them. I had never seen them live before and I've never been close to becoming a die hard fan. Last nights show just might change that. What made the concert so good wasn't that they played all my favorite songs or that the audience was fantastic or anything like that. And Muse isn't the worlds greatest band either. But the show they put on was just so complete and whole hearted that it was impossible not to be impressed by the band's effort.
A common problem when you go to see big bands perform is that you're left wondering where the money went. Far too many bands and artists have the idea that a concert is simply plowing through a setlist of 15 or 20 songs, showing off their newest stuff mixed with something they know the audience will appreciate. And then take a bow and walk off stage, adding the numbers up and thinking about how much money they earned tonight. Watching Muse last night, there was no question where the money went. It was all up there. On stage in front of you. Ready to be taken in by the excited audience. Which is only fair. After all, we paid for it.
The stage had three massive platforms which went up and down as the band performed, the lights were overwhelming and flying everywhere and even though at first one might think it was simply too much, there was still a feeling that every beam of light had some purpose for the show. And with part of the illuminations being controlled by the bands frontman Matt Bellamy himself, you understand that with Muse nothing is ever "too much." And for the first time in a long time, the venue which is infamous for its poor sound, managed to roar out every tone pitch perfect, adding to the list of positive surprises. With the occasional shower of confetti or balloons, the audience never left the bands side.
Just shy of two hours the show came to an end. Walking out into the chilly autumn night it was impossible to feel cold. Because what made the concert one of the best in ages was that Muse wasn't simply out to impress you with their best songs. They didn't wanna score points just by playing for a long time, ensuring that the die hard fans were happy. Nor did they come simply to promote their new album and play mainly new stuff. They didn't set out just to play a decent concert. They didn't want to perform a "great live show." They wanted to offer an experience. And every rock concert or live show should be just that: an experience.

Muse at Oslo Spektrum - October 25, 2009

Photograph by Monica Strømdahl, Aftenposten

Time and Love

Today is my parents wedding day anniversairy. They have been together for a long time and I am often reminded of how blessed I am to call them my Mom and Dad.
These days there are not many people who manage to stay together for as long as my parents have. It's not always a lack of love or affection that is the problem, but being able to live in the same house and spend every day together can sometimes just be too complicated. Love is not always enough. But my parents have lived together since long before I was born and I am very proud that they have been able to take such good care of not only each other, but our entire family.

I have always been a big fan of Bruce Springsteen and his music has played a big part in my adult life. Not only does he record great music, but he has always been one of my favorite writers of song lyrics. He has a great way with words which is both poetic and lyrical. Recently I watched an interview where he talked about the songs on his new album which came out earlier this year. For those of us who know his music, it has become clear on the albums of recent years that he is very aware of the fact that he is growing older. And he is very appreciative of love and the people around him. In this interview he was asked how he felt about growing older, himself having been married for nearly twenty years. This is what he said:

There seems to be a transcendence of time in love, and I believe that there is. I carry a lot of people with me that aren't here anymore. The normal markers of the day, over the month, over the year... those are very fearsome markers. As you get older particularly. In the presence of love, and someone you care about, they loose some of their fearsome powers. And instead you're marking time by light, and the way it plays on a persons face at any given moment. That's your awareness of time over the course of that day.

Tonight my parents have been married for 35 years.

Where The Wild Things Are

I can't wait for this movie.

Essential September

Essential viewing this September:
- Steven Soderbergh's two films about Ernesto 'Che' Guevara didn't last long in the theatres, but might even be better off served as a double bill DVD, because you'll want to stay fresh throughout both as there is much to appreciate. Quite surprisingly, it works perfect as a history lesson as well as a solid piece of cinematic entertainment. Where Part I shows Guevara addressing the UN accompanied by flashbacks of his battles against Cuban dictatorship, Part II moves more slowly, just like the man himself, through the Bolivian jungle. The result is a wonderful journey. More poetic than political, more moving than lecturing and with a towering performance from Benicio del Toro.
- This September sees two classics return to American television screens. First up is Curb Your Enthusiasm. Having reached season seven it is still razor sharp, deliciously politically incorrect and with more laugh out loud moments than any other comedy series at the moment. Larry David is slowly becoming this decade's savior of American comedy.
- The other pleasant return comes from David Duchovny and Californication. The new season has just kicked off stateside and the first two episodes show it has remained fresh into its now third year. Nicely set up with a new turn of events, the writing is phenomenal and features the best dialogue around. With the main characters now firmly settled in, it allows for even more outrageous spectacle. And Duchovny is using anything available to him in seeing to that his Hank Moody is loudly casting a shadow over Fox Mulder on his way to becoming the leading man's new signature creation.

Essential listening this September:
- Pearl Jam end their three year silence with Backspacer. The new album comes as a nice surprise after some rather anonymous releases. Still proud to sport the sound of Seattle grunge, there are also more low-key and tuned down performances among the eleven tracks on the record. A straightforward and stripped down old rock album, which is always welcome on my stereo.
- After the break-up with her band The Licks, Juliette Lewis is now out on her own. But not to worry, she has found help in the competent hands of The Mars Volta's Omar Rodriguez Lopez and proves in fact that she still knows best. The result is a mixture of tracks, some fast some slow, but the overall impression is that there is more heart on display here than on her previous two albums. Filled with energy, anger and pain Lewis is a breath of fresh air among other glossy and company shaped artists. As she screms in the albums title track Terra Incognita "You gotta love what you live and give what you love before you get it back."
- Danish Baby Woodrose has almost become a veteran in the circles of scandinavian rock music. Their sixth album, simply titled Baby Woodrose is a return to the psychedelic tunes of their last outing "Chasing Rainbows", but there is also plenty of classic style rock tracks. Their sound has grown unique over the years and it is a joy to observe these self chosen outcasts who are more than happy to play in their own corner of the sandbox. To be played loud and in good company.

Mirror Discovery

The other morning I knocked my foot into the doorstep on my way to the bathroom. Overwhelmed with pain, I bit my teeth together in order to stop myself from waking the neighbours with the worst pieces of profanity they would have ever heard. That’s when it happened. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and saw something quite disturbing. As I was clinching my teeth together, a small number of peculiar lines were coming out in my skin on both sides of my face, just out of the corners of my eyes. I had never noticed them before. They also seemed to appear just as strong when I smiled. It was truly strange.
Later I asked a friend what he thought they might be. Rather uninterested he replied; “They’re wrinkles.” Still confused, I returned home and got out an old dusted down dictionary. “Wrinkles... wrinkles... wrinkles” I whispered to myself while anxiously flipping the pages. And there it was... "Wrinkles; a small furrow or crease in the skin, esp. of the face, as from aging or frowning.” Both intrigued and uneasy I remember what I had seen in the mirror. It happened when I was frowning, sure. But also when I smiled or simply clinched my teeth...

I had a birthday last week.

"No Sleep"

drawn to the light and
killed by the heat
drowning in excess with
expectations to meet
another language
i can not understand
smoke too thick to find the
talent beneath the ground

broken politics and
years of more negotiating
wake up to this dear
a temporary way of living
fear is on the right side
someone drive the getaway car
if ready to listen
to a stringless guitar

it can only cover so much
your electric rain
all is for nothing and
not all is to gain
fight to keep all the
salted wounds tended
there is no need to know
just how it all ended

no sleep 'til morning
no sleep tonight

Interview With A Navaho

A few years ago while attending the European Film College in Denmark, a large group of students were assigned to work on a project that would become a one hour TV programme. The show would be aired on Danish television and the topic of the show was the idea of "time". The title was "It's About Time" and it would feature sketches, musical segments and panel discussions on the topic of "time". A committee was established to decide and select what was to be screened on the show.
After learning from somewhere a fascinating fact about how the Navaho Indian tribes do not believe in the idea of time, a friend and I pitched an idea to the committee about one of these Indians going on an American talkshow.
For some reason it was not selected to be part of the programme.

Essential August

Essential viewing:
- Quentin Tarantino is back with his long awaited WWII fable Inglourious Basterds. Not the nonstop bloodshed many might expect, even though it certainly has its share of that too, as always with Tarantino the action here lies within the dialogue. From its dazzling opening to its gunblazing finish this picture is filled with treasures. A great cast with Christoph Waltz stealing the whole movie from under Brad Pitt's feet. The third act might be a bit weak and we don't get the massive payoff we feel we deserve, but this is still a great return to form for Tarantino, after the disappointing Death Proof (2007).
- Michael Mann returns to crime, this time in 1930's America with his new film Public Enemies. Johnny Depp plays John Dillinger and even though the story is hardly original it is an interesting study of an era where criminals were considered heroes for fighting against the bankrupt government. The style might throw you off at first (the entire film is shot on an ultra high resolution format) and you might reap more rewards upon a second viewing, but Mann once again proves himself a master of the medium.
- I Love You, Man is one of the best comedies of the year so far. Paul Rudd and Jason Segel are becoming best buddies in this sharp and informal flick and they have enough appeal between them to make you laugh all the way through. It is director John Hamburg's fourth film and easily his best one yet.

Essential listening:
- Broken is the new album from Soulsavers, the English band with strong ties to singer/songwriter Mark Lanegan. Lanegan features on several tracks on this album too alongside other contributors such as Richard Hawley and Mike Patton. A raw and lovely mixture of rock, country and (obviously?) soul. With autumn approaching this is the perfect soundtrack for long walks in the dark. And everything else actually.
- After dabbling with fellow rockmate Jack White with The Raconteurs, Brendan Benson is back on his own with his first solo album in four years, and boy is it good! My Old, Familiar Friend might be his strongest outing yet. A wonderful collection of pop and rock songs with terrific lyrics. It is obvious that after his spell with The Raconteurs, Benson has been missing the opportunity to release his own brand of catchy tunes with playful riffs and headnodding beats. One of the finest albums of the year so far.
- Arctic Monkeys return to the spotlight with "the difficult third album". The title is Humbug and might be a gutpunch to the expectations themselves. However, they have nothing to fear because they are still doing their job well. Having turned to Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme for producing duties, there is still enough rock to go around, but also a surprising amount of more old style popular tracks. The Sheffield quartet has deliverd a strong album and might be demanding to be taken a bit more serious after establishing themselves as the favorite band of urban rock teenagers. Appearantly there is more to these punks than meets the eye.

Summer Song

Summer is coming to an end and everyday life is back to normal for most people by now. I had a great summer. I spent most of it up north with my family and also got to see some old friends. The best part though is always to see my three young nephews again. I got to hang out with them quite a bit and here is one of my favorite moments from this summer. I'm with the youngest one here, who has just turned seven. He's having a swim in my uncle's pool (which is built in on the cliff by the occean, how cool is that!) and is enjoying a song. Unaware I'm filming him with my phone, he's carrying out one of his signature tracks "I Believe I Can Fly". I love how when he forgets the words he just hums along or better yet just switches to norwegian!
Guaranteed to make your day.

Upcoming Treats

One of the few things that is positive with summer coming to an end is that autumn is the high season for the release of new quality films! After a summer packed with the usual blockbusters and franchise movies there are certainly plenty of really exciting ones to look forward to. Here are some of the ones I really can't wait to feast my eyes on:
- "Where The Wild Things Are" is the new movie by Spike Jonze, the director of the truly brilliant "Being John Malkovich" (1999) and "Adaptation" (2002). Based on the book by Maurice Sendak, it is an adventure movie for kids but surely the rest of us will find plenty in it too. From the look of the trailer this really could be something special. Check out Trailer 1.
http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/wherethewildthingsare/
- "Moon" is a modern day sci-fi with another lead role for the wonderful Sam Rockwell. Directed by brit Duncan Jones, it looks to be something very deep and psychological with a thrilling atmosphere. Could very well be the finest thing to happen to sci-fi since "2001".
http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony/moon/
- My comic heroes Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant are currently shooting their first feature film together "Cemetery Junction". The creators of already legendary shows "The Office" and "Extras" are looking for a change of tone here, but I am sure it will still be one of the finest films of next year. Okay, so the trailer doesn't actually have any footage of the film in it, but if the movie itself is anywhere near as hilarious as this it should be a real kicker!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-ESq-Z8Vqc
- After his gigantic productions of spectacle in "The Lord Of The Rings" (2001) and "King Kong" (2005) Peter Jackson turns back to more low key storytelling. "The Lovely Bones" is based on the novel by Alice Sebold and looks to be a really interesting thriller with some incredible photography.
http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/thelovelybones/
- The Coen brothers achieved mainstream stardom with their Oscar loving "No Country For Old Men" (2007). After the minorly disappointing "Burn After Reading" (2008) they are going back to their roots with "A Serious Man". An independent production with mainly unknown actors, it looks to be another original cracking movie.
http://www.apple.com/trailers/focus_features/aseriousman/

"Walls"

another night in an asphalt bed
shallow days in a cold july
endless traffic in a lonely house
you say everything is fine

eyes filled with year long pain
in a face like an empty screen
carry this with you for another day
walls all around you but one has a crack

defeat in conversation
a red light in the corner
an enemy just crossed the room
tell time by this days light

come all this way to find a mirror
this will be your lesson
look out the window to see what happened
everything is fine

Essential July

Essential viewing this July:
- "Entourage" is back! Now in its sixth season some of the original heat and appeal may have worn down, but this is still one of the finest shows around. The writing is still top notch and the original cast work hard to keep the show fresh. There might not be many more seasons to come so enjoy it while it lasts!
- After its VERY limited cinematic release in Norway "Synecdoche, New York" finally arrives on DVD. Impossible to describe in just a few words, so you're better off just watching it without knowing too much. Wonderfully original with one of coolest ensemble cast of the year so far. And further proof that Philip Seymour Hoffman might be the finest thing to ever happen to his acting generation.
- The return of Sacha Baron Cohen in "Brüno" was never going to be anywhere near as big as "Borat". And it isn't. But it still has its moments and one has to respect the balls of Cohen (which get plenty of screen time by the way) for going to places no other mainstream comedian would ever dare. And in a summer of CGI blockbusters and rubbish teen movie sequels it should be appreciated for just what it is: a silly, silly comedy.

Essential listening this July:
Since summer is a gruelingly slow season when it comes to new album releases, this month I've had a look at some festival highlights. After a spell at Norwegian Wood (Oslo), Bukta (Tromsø) and the upcoming Øyafestivalen (Oslo), here are the best kicking festival beats of summer 2009:
- Bob Hund had the ungrateful task of opening this years Bukta festival, and they couldn't have done a better job. In the crisp summer air in Tromsø (it was freezing!) they performed a marvellous set and made sure everyones festival experience got off on the right foot. Never been played on a regular basis in my house, but after seeing them in Tromsø and knowing I'll catch them again at Øya soon, Bob Hund is slowly becoming the soundtrack to my summer this year.
- Another fairly new acquaintance was The Sadies from Canada. This quartet provided some deliciuos country and rock tunes, perfectly suited for both a nice summer party or just chilling in the background. And the greatly titled track "Stop The World And Let Me Off" should be track # 1 on every summer compilation the record companies are so eager to put out this time of year.
- When August has passed and autumn has arrived I am sure that one of my summer highlights will be that I finally got to see Band of Horses. This wonderful band from North Carolina has only released two full lenght albums, both with beautiful melodies and poetic lyrics. It's been a while since their lovely sophmore record "Cease To Begin", so hopefully there is another one on the way and a strong chance of hearing some new material when they take center stage at Øya in a few weeks time. I can't wait.

Newspaper Article

Newspaper "Bladet Tromsø" have done a nice little article about the music video. There are some comments from me and Henry, the lead singer in the band. The video is embedded in the article, but seems to have been a bit compromised in the process as a slight part of the window on the right side is missing. Therefore, if you haven't seen the video I recommend you head to its original YouTube page. You can get there by clicking on the video image twice.
You can read the article here: http://www.itromso.no/kultur/article275811.ece

Also, the video is featured on a website about "what's going on in Tromsø", that kinda thing. You can check that out here: http://www.tromsoby.no/node/7683

Music Video

Here is the music video I did for the norwegian rock band The Considerate Lovers. The song is called "Winter Ain't So Cold When You Got Someone On Your Mind" and is taken from their debut album "The End".

Producer & Director: John-Kristian Dalseth
Photographer & Editor: Anders Nettli
Thanks to Morten Rognli, Fargerike Tromsø, Torkel Riise Svenson and Krister Kantola for helping out.

# 50

Post number 50.
This basically started as a joke, but has now become something I enjoy doing and hear that people appreciate. So thanks for the positive feedback and kind words. And thanks for reading.
More to come.

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.