By Krista Liebe
Spring Break is coming up, so we better get our next film in before everyone leaves town.
On Thursday, March 10, the Williams Lake Film Club is showing Elling, a very special Norwegian film. The screening will be at the Gibraltar Room, 7 p.m. Back doors open at 6:30 p.m.
We had to make a quick change as the film we had planned to show is already available at the video stores.
Elling is a bit older. It was a huge audience favourite at the Cannes Film Festival in 2002 and subsequently nominated for an Oscar.
It is a darkly funny and heartwarming film, sexy too.
Having lived all his life with his overly protective mother, the 40-something title character Elling is sent to live in a state mental institution after his mother dies. There, he has to share a room with Kjell Bjarne, a large, middle-aged dimwit whose own dysfunctional upbringing left him just as socially inept as Elling.
However, whereas our hero is extremely sensitive, anal, and meticulous, the imposing but harmless Kjell Bjarne is woman-obsessed, loud and messy.
After being released from the institution, the unlikely duo is sent to Oslo to meet their social worker, who turns out to be an encouraging but tough motivator. Placed in a temporary state-subsidized apartment, these two borderline characters must prove that they can live independently and eventually integrate into society. Suddenly, Elling and Kjell are faced with overcoming their compulsions and phobias for real — and together.
The film is deep and genuinely moving, as Elling and Kjell discover their unique strengths and talents.
And in some ways, they find that the very experiences which have impeded their social development turn out to be advantages when it comes to helping others and forging friendships with “normal” people.
The film is based on the best selling novel by Norwegian writer Ingvar Ambjornsen and it has become the most popular film ever in Norway, also winning many awards right around the globe.
I have seen this film when it was first released and I remember it vividly. This is one film you will definitely not forget — and that is why I want to share it with you. I am truly looking forward to seeing it again!
