Reprise (movie review)

Reprise (drama) (2006) (1 hr 45 mins)
This Norwegian film was the debut feature from Joachim Trier. It tells the story of Erik and Phillip, two friends who dream of being successful writers. When they both submit their manuscripts, Erik’s is rejected but Phillip’s is accepted and he becomes a celebrity in Norwegian literary circles. Things seem to be going well for him.

Fast-forward six months and Phillip has suffered some kind of nervous breakdown. He is collected from the psychiatric hospital by Erik and we learn that Phillip’s troubles were triggered when he fell in love with a young woman named Kari. Phillip tries to restore his relationship with Kari and in a moving passage of the film he takes her back to Paris, scene of happy times they had enjoyed together, and tries to recreate the closeness they had before.

 The film uses flashbacks and switching viewpoints plus imaginative visual devices reminiscent of Tom Tykwer. They help to give the film a welcome freshness. It’s greatest strength, however, is to make us care about the characters. Phillip’s mental illness casts a shadow over both his relationship with Kari and his friendship with Erik and this tinges the film with a lingering sadness. The subject of mental illness is dealt with in a sensitive way, helping the viewer to sympathise with all three characters.

The script, co-written by Trier and Eskil Vogt, is full of sharp dialogue, believable situations and interesting twists. The up and down relationship between Phillip and Kari is particularly moving, as they struggle to find their way. Viktoria Winge’s performance as Kari is especially poignant.

 Rating: 9/10