January 9, 2010 - The Boss of it All; The Celebration

Watched another Lars von Trier film, this time in the wee hours of the morning, and another Thomas Vinterberg film much later in the day.

(11) The Boss of it All (2006): A genuine comedy from the not-so-funny guy, von Trier. An actor is hired to play the role of company president to affect the sale of a Danish software company to a company in Iceland. There are some truly funny moments, which I thought was awesome for two reasons. First, because it's billed as a comedy. Second, because it's written and directed by Lars von Trier (who also hilariously narrates in a handful of spots throughout), who is best known for his non-comedic offerings.

Anyone who's seen High Fidelity (2000) with John Cusack will recognize a familiar face. Iben Hjejle, who played Cusack's love interest, Laura, plays a fairly prominent and hilarious role in this film as Lise, the director of Human Resources for the company said actor has been hired to sell.

Anyone looking for a really good comedy would do well to catch this one. Totally Scandinavian.

3.5 Stars

(12) The Celebration (1998): This film was utterly depressing throughout, which I don't mind at all, and was extremely well acted and presented. The grimness is strengthened by the Dogme 95 filmmaking style to which Vinterberg held himself to as he created this truly great film. Note: The Celebration is the first film created under the Dogme 95 Manifesto created by Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg. You'll notice that Vinterberg is uncredited as the director, which is one of the Dogme stipulations.

The "celebration" is the 60th birthday party for Helge, father and husband, and his friends and family are in attendance. This family is perhaps one of the most dysfunctional families ever to make the silver screen, which makes what transpires entirely believable.

I found great sympathy for son, Christian. I won't give it away as it's your job to seek out good films and discover the joy, beauty, and tragedy for yourself. Suffice it to say, this is a must see film for anyone who considers themselves any sort of serious lover of real cinema.

4.5 Stars