The Man Who Loved Yngve (Stian Kristiansen, 2008): Norway

Reviewed by William Conlin. Viewed at The Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Since the release of Brokeback Mountain, gay cinema in the United States has taken multiple steps forward, seeming to culminate in this year’s triumphant biopic Milk. For that reason, I found it interesting to see another country’s first step into the genre. The Man Who Loved Yngve is Norway’s touching tale of a conflicted young man in love with his classmate, Yngve.

Jarle Klepp lives a mediocre life in 1989 Norway, until he finds a best friend in Helge and a girlfriend in Katrine. After a few months the threesome has founded a rock band and are absolutely inseparable, that is, until a young man named Yngve comes along. Jarle takes a liking to him and they strike up a friendship, much to Helge’s chagrin. As Jarle and Yngve are drawn closer together, every other aspect of Jarle’s life begins to fall apart. Soon, Jarle must choose between his friends and the chance of a new love.

In my opinion, one of the most interesting aspects of this film was Stian Kristiansen’s direction. Kristiansen was hired to direct this project while still in film school (his cast was in place before he even graduated). This fresh perspective provided the perfect level of understanding to portray Jarle’s struggling nature. One of the standout moments of the film was the first scene, where Jarle delivers a non-diegetic monologue that not only sets the timeframe of the film but also immediately draws the viewer into the story.

This film is nothing without its soundtrack. The music of REM, Joy Division and other bands of the late 80’s weave together the plot with a smoothness that is hard to find in current films. Mixed with these classic hits are the songs by the film’s fictional band and songs written by Jarle for the two loves of his life. These songs reveal underlying aspects of the characters, especially the tenderness that Jarle struggles to suppress.

Much like Brokeback Mountain, this film also shows the struggles with admitting true feelings when it comes to a same sex relationship. Jarle fears violent retribution from his father and emotional disapproval from his mother. Although the director has stated he didn’t set out to make a “gay film” I feel it should be looked at in this respect.

Overall, The Man Who Loved Yngve is a touching tale of teenagers coming of age. Last year it was the one of Norway’s most successful films, taking Best Picture at the Amanda Awards (Norway’s Oscars). If you are interested in an engaging and tender story, The Man Who Loved Yngve is the right film for you.

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Published:
01.30.09 / 12pm
Category:
Films, Santa Barbara Film Festival 2009