De Levande (You the Living, Roy Andersson, 2007): Sweden

During a morning Q & A discussion with Roger Durling (SBIFF head director), I asked what film I should see that day, his first choice was “De Lavende” (You the Living). Taking Durling’s advice and seeing De Lavende, I can stand by his suggestion as I now recommend this film to you as well. A film such as this is truly a breath of fresh air that proves to have a sort of avaunt-garde sensation. This film appears to follow the roots of classical German expressionism; in which the cinematography, set design, and mise-en-scene dominate the film’s visuals which represent inner emotion opposed to a realistic realm. The Film has an eery subject matter to it during the brief introduction, however establishes a rather dark comedy theme instead. The editing also remains historically traditional, having long takes with only basic cuts. Within these sequences however, much humanism and symbolism is presented.

As if to be an almost art cinema “docudrama”, the film portrays humans as they are today in an underlining social perspective; yet in a manner that has reminisent to “Baraka” (only with much more humor, charisma, and dialogue). Nearly every aspect of modern human accomplishments and failures, insecurities and pride, irony and…….. well…Irony, is poetically portrayed. De Levande has a gift of severely mocking our human ways, yet keeping an emphasis on our lovingly co-existing everyday life.

Taking place in an unstated location (appears to be North eastern Europe), the film provides glimpses of multiple people and their interactions with others. Each interaction also gives way to a subtle yet grander notion of modern deterioration of culture and compassion. Such as one character who is a psychiatrist, who gives a monologue to the viewers as to his position in today’s world as a contrast to the past. He explains how his job used to make sad and mean people happy again; however he no longer can because people no longer seek happiness, they “Demand happiness”, they want to get away from the same inflictions that they cause others to weather. “I cannot make a mean person happy, all I can do now is give the impatient people pills to satisfy them in time….. The stronger meds the better I suppose”. Although dark, the film portrays each protagonist in a victimized manor, full of sarcasm and an “oh well” persona. The film begins as it does end; with a nightmare that proves true.

De Levande is a film that will be difficult for many to embrace. Not due to grotesque language or visuals, but due to it’s unfamiliar-ism to wide accepted story telling. My deepest advice is for viewers to try something different, think different, for this is a film that exposes a different portrayal of our actual reality. Embrace the dry humor and dare not resist your laughter, for much of the content is true, and who better to laugh at then yourself?