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Photo ©
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After The Wedding
Drama
1hr. 56 mins.
March 30th, 2007 limited U.S.; platforming
MPAA:R for some language and a scene of sexuality.
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Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Rolf Lassgård
Directed By: Susanne Bier
Produced By: Sisse Graum Jorgensen
Screenplay By: Anders Thomas Jensen. Story by Dir.Biels and Jensen.
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Reviewed
By: Wellington Lee
Rated 2.77/5
Screened Sept.'06, Toronto Intl. Film Fest.
In a Nutshell:A Bombay based, Danish expatriate runs a struggling orphanage. He returns to Copenhagen, lured by a
generous but conditional offer, of 4 million dollars, for his cause. Lyrical beginning about the weight of family secrets,
and the release and gifts, that time can bring.
Don't miss it at an Indie, Art theater or Festival near you.
Feature Review:Danish Dir. Susan Bier("One and Only" 1999 Danish sensation) collaborates again with '99 Oscar ® Short Winner Anders Thomas Jensen, in this wonderful, gripping work. The plot of an altruistic hero, returning to affluent Denmark
from the squalor of his Indian orphanage, to raise money and be surprised with shocking news; could have been rendered as
sentimental mush. Bier and Jensen avoid the trap, with careful preparation of the actors, and tight close ups(D.P.Morten
Soborg),woven with near lyrical editing(1st Act). The reveal adds another figurative dimension: emotional orphan.
Serious and sincere Jacob returns from brief scenes in his beloved Mumbai(formerly: Bombay, India), to pitch a major gift
request to a wealthy businessman. Dir. Bier and D.P. Soborg, show the contrast of his clean, outfitted Hotel room, to the
color and chaos of urban India. Donor Jorgen listens politely listens to the former's visual presentation and request for
what would be several million Kroner, to sustain about 50 more children a year. Bier and Jensen quickly throw a curve, when
this busy, imposing man, insists that clueless Jacob attend his daughter's wedding. We are soon shown a flinch of
recognition
by Jacob, upon seeing Jorgen's wife Helene. Jorgen's noble manipulation is set, as Helene finally reveals that the bride is
her and Jacob's daughter, from a twenty year ago affair. She left Jacob before he knew that she carried his child. He wrenched himself out of a post break up drug bout, to find his calling.
Mads Mikkelson as Jacob, grasps his character's knotty background. He turns out a brilliant yet understated, nascently
energetic, performance. The former man who takes care of forgotten third world children, is now a father himself.
Millionaire Jorgen at first shows a deceptively magnanimous, forgiving side. The stereotype of many cinematic modern,
resigned and forgiving, Western European spouses. The creative team jars us and the characters from simple nobility and
comfort, when Jorgen gets drunk and shows his passive anger and jealousy. Rolf Lassgard plays character Jorgen's facets
perfectly: matter of fact businessman, magnanimous father and husband; then the understandably angry, biologically childless
man. Knudsen as Helene, and Christensen as Anna(especially in the touching, awkward scene of her and newly discovered Dad in
his Hotel room), understand their characters in equally competent performances. Original soundtrack by Johan
Soderqvist(Sweden)is nuanced and lyrical; and hits the right notes, conveying a scene's anticipation.
Run, don't linger, to catch this marvelous work at a limited venue near you.
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