David AllsoppVoskne mennesker (2005) aka "Dark Horse"
December 16th 2008 08:57
Directed by:- Dagur Kari.
Starring:- Jacob Cedergren, Tilly Scott Pedersen, Nicolas Bro.
Dark Horse is an interesting little film coming from the mind of Icelandic director Dagur Kari, who is also known for 'Noi the Albino'.
The story follows the life of down and out spray painter Daniel, who, sometimes accompanied by his larger than life friend 'Grandpa', is forced to confront a variety of life's challenges.
'It's sunset in the summer garden, children run through the grass, grandpa's playing the mandolin between quiet sips of tea'. - Grandpa.
Daniel's life changes when he meets Franc, a girl that works at the local bakery who initially tells Grandpa that she loves him whilst she is on magic mushrooms.
Whilst introducing us to sections entitled ''Guinea pigs' and 'The Ten Commandments', the film follows Daniel's journey as he deals with death, love, court, poverty and sleep experiments, all while crossing paths with others that give his life more meaning.
It is throughout its seemingly random journey that Dark Horse manages to deliver moments of profundity. A solicitor that crosses paths with Daniel several times throughout the film tells us what Daniel could be, and what he is not. One memorable scene involves a tour guide who is showing a bunch of tourists though the desert when he says, ' How can a desert be excellent?'. He then goes on to give us a speech about the size of stones, which illuminates the different ways of looking at life in general.
There is also some great symbolism in the film where Daniel is stuck momentarily at one side of a bridge and has to make a life changing decision, the result of which is then beautifully revealed to us in colour right at the end. Yes the film is shot almost entirely in black and white, and is accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack which adds a great mood to the film.
At times a little insane, Dark horse is a funny, quirky, insightful, romantic comedy (I'm sure you could throw a few more genres in there) that contains many messages for the thoughtful viewer. And yes, music lovers won't be disappointed.
Four bananas out of five.
Starring:- Jacob Cedergren, Tilly Scott Pedersen, Nicolas Bro.
Dark Horse is an interesting little film coming from the mind of Icelandic director Dagur Kari, who is also known for 'Noi the Albino'.
The story follows the life of down and out spray painter Daniel, who, sometimes accompanied by his larger than life friend 'Grandpa', is forced to confront a variety of life's challenges.
Daniel's life changes when he meets Franc, a girl that works at the local bakery who initially tells Grandpa that she loves him whilst she is on magic mushrooms.
Whilst introducing us to sections entitled ''Guinea pigs' and 'The Ten Commandments', the film follows Daniel's journey as he deals with death, love, court, poverty and sleep experiments, all while crossing paths with others that give his life more meaning.
It is throughout its seemingly random journey that Dark Horse manages to deliver moments of profundity. A solicitor that crosses paths with Daniel several times throughout the film tells us what Daniel could be, and what he is not. One memorable scene involves a tour guide who is showing a bunch of tourists though the desert when he says, ' How can a desert be excellent?'. He then goes on to give us a speech about the size of stones, which illuminates the different ways of looking at life in general.
There is also some great symbolism in the film where Daniel is stuck momentarily at one side of a bridge and has to make a life changing decision, the result of which is then beautifully revealed to us in colour right at the end. Yes the film is shot almost entirely in black and white, and is accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack which adds a great mood to the film.
At times a little insane, Dark horse is a funny, quirky, insightful, romantic comedy (I'm sure you could throw a few more genres in there) that contains many messages for the thoughtful viewer. And yes, music lovers won't be disappointed.
Four bananas out of five.
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