Super debut for Norwegian writer/director Joachim Trier, now known from THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD/’21* and currently in theaters with SENTIMENTAL VALUE/’25 (not seen here). This first feature a bumpy journey-to-adulthood for a tight group of ‘bros’ (girls mostly on the side and some of the male sexism surprising for 2006), but mainly concerned with a pair of yin/yang BFFS, bound by their shared literary bent. Sunshiny in looks and personality, Eric (Espen Klouman Høiner) is the one with natural talent while the perpetually overcast Phillip (Anders Danielsen Lie) shows promise but no follow thru. Falling into clinical depression, Phillips’s manic side comes out when he begins a hot & cold relationship with Kari (Viktoria Winge). Whisking her off to Paris for romance when he’s not bailing out entirely for months at a time. Eric not much more constant with longtime steady Lillian. Trier playing mind games with all relationships thru spot on character detail and linear tricks in continuity by developing episodes that only might be happening. Listen up for the use of narration to clue you in when we jump between what’s real and what’s narrative fancy. Even using the technique right at the end to add poignance to possibility. As if he were saying ‘isn’t it pretty to think so.’ A remarkably confident introduction from Trier.
DOUBLE-BILL/LINK: * As mentioned, WORST PERSON. https://maksquibs.blogspot.com/2021/12/verdens-verste-menneske-worst-person-in.html
ATTENTION MUST BE PAID: *As with many debuts, Trier’s influences float to the surface like gnocchi announcing they’re ready to eat. I’d reckon Truffaut/French New Wave are on the menu.
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