Two films that I watched over the weekend had similar themes. La Nouvelle vie de Monsieur Horten, Norwegian with French subtitles (a past Cannes selection and a future TIFF selection), and Nos 18 ans were good films, developed smoothly (and promptly), and talked about how to set priorities and enjoy life.
La Nouvelle vie de M. Horten, was an intelligent version of The Bucket List. It is a quiet film with moments of absurd humour. Odd Horten is a train conducteur who is forced to retire and doesn’t know what to do with himself. Single and living near the train tracks, Horten had lived a life focused on his job. He has several regrets, such as his fear of ski jumping and a sporadic relationship with an innkeeper on his train route.
Still wearing his railway uniform as he begins his retirement, Horten encounters characters in various stages of their lives. One of the characters, later revealed to be a schizophrenic, tells him that “it’s never too late in life” to do anything.
The film benefited from several subtle performances and an airy soundtrack that suited the film perfectly. On the other hand, the director Bent Hamer used such obvious symbolism it was as if he was breaking rocks with a sledge hammer. It’s very good but moments like when Horten observes the neighbourhood bakery making a wedding cake were like a Dummies Guide to the film. ***
Nos 18 ans tells the tale of a group of friends who have graduated from high school and must write their Baccalaureate examination. One character Lucas, took the trouble to tell-off his least favourite teacher (Prof. Martineau) before he left school, only to find out that that the teacher would be his examiner for the “bac” and happened to be the father of the girl that he was in love with.
Throughout the film, the friends balance celebrating their graduation with studying for the “bac” and realize how the test is not the alpha and the omega in life. As he tutors Lucas, Prof. Martineau realizes that he has missed some opportunities in life and decides to change his philosophy somewhat. Lucas and his peers all head of in different directions and must realize that they are now adults and fully responsible for their actions.
The film was humourous but also dealt with serious issues. It focused on how young people chose their path in life and how they live with it afterwards. Some of the performances were less than average; it seemed that aside from Prof. Martineau and his ex-wife, there were only two types of characters in the film, depending on the sex of the performer. The ending seemed thrown together as a more detailed conclusion would have better wrapped up the film. **½
Both films emphasize that work and school aren’t always paramount; it’s paramount to remember Orbital’s philosophy regarding regret. Ski jumping, that extra mille-feuille, the visiting Place de Grand Marché on a whim, an extra folly. Putting friends first and developing a support group. Carpe Diem (encore).