 PRODUCTION
NOTES:
Filming began at the end of March 2009 in Alnabru, Norway, an industrial
section of Oslo and continued through mid-May. The director and his cast
first held a press conference. The photo below shows (left to right):
Bjorn Sundquist, Bjorn Floberg, Aksel Hennie, Moland's wife, Hans Petter
Moland, Jannike Kruse, Stellan, Kjersti Holmen
and Gard Eidsvold.
The script lanquished for a long
time before the director recognized the potential in it. Moland says,
"This film is something I had to do. It is an irresistably funny dark
comedy." He has nothing but praise for his lead star - "I think Stellan is an incredibly gifted actor.
I will be very content working with him. I
can dare to be bold because
we have a chemistry with each other and we're able to
take chances that will affect the outcome."
Stellan jokingly announced, "I do
not have to sing and dance this time!" This film was an easy choice for
Stellan who greatly admires Moland. He says, "We're like an
old married couple and I have separation anxiety... I think the script
is incredibly funny and I have
time now. Hans Petter and I have expected that we would find
something together. I think
he is one of the world's best directors. He gives clear
direction, knows what he wants and you still have
a large degree of freedom when you work with him..
He lets you know what you are when you stand in front of the
camera." As far as his co-stars, Stellan
explains, "It will be nice to work with the
two Bjorns and Gard again. Showing no traces
of disappointment in having to leave Hollywood for Alnabru, he adds,
"What matters are the people I work with."
Moland on the script:
I've never been very protective of dialogue in a script, but in this
case, I have been very Nazi with the actors that they should stick to
what is written.
Stellan on Moland:
His casting is fantastic. Here are some of Scandinavia's best actors
doing things they've never done before. He gives the actors enough
freedom while keeping his control. He does not say how to do the scene,
he talks about what it should contain, what must come forward tone and
so on. Then you have a tremendous freedom and can create life.
IMAGES
PRAISE:
"Skarsgård is in class with his great timing and
his laconic expression." ...Kai Arne Johansen,
Cinerama.no
"Norwegian director Hans Petter Moland and Swedish actor Stellan
Skarsgård are a match made in
cinema heaven... In the criminal comedy 'A Somewhat Gentle Man' they
achieve a cool, deceptively simple minimalism which is both
perfectly timed and brilliantly pared-down... In one hilarious
scene, an arhythmic Ulrik tries to dance alone to the Latin music.
In case anyone hasn’t realised it, Skarsgard is an excellent
physical comedian." ...Howard Feinstein, Screen Daily
"Played for laughs drawn from
characters rather than funny lines, the Norwegian film is a
charmer... It's the kind of film that sneaks up on you and leaves a
warm smile. It should do very well in international markets and
festivals will line up to offer applause... Skarsgård,
who uses his heavy body and seen-it-all eyes to portray a man whose
acceptance of the way the wind blows can give way to sudden and
matter-of-fact brutality. His face also lights up in delighted
bemusement when he realizes now and then that he really hasn't seen
it all." ...Ray Bennett, The Hollywood Reporter
"When Skarsgård
takes a break from the great American films and sets out with
Moland, he adds character to the film as well as an extra dimension
of professionalism and credibility. Through a unique presence, he
communicates largely through body language, and it works perfectly!"
...Simen Beck, Filmbyen.no
"Skarsgård
delivers a good performance... He is a master of comic timing. At
the same time he manages to convey the soreness and uncertainty in a
convincing manner." ... Svein Rune Nyland, Rbnett.no
"Hans Petter Moland's new film will be remembered
for some of the time funniest sex scenes in Norwegian film
history... The humor is direct and raw, but also subtle. Writer Kim
Fupz Akesson has done the preliminary work with the creative script.
But Moland has processed the goods through an ensemble that adds
heart and soul into the characters. Skarsgård
doesn't talk much, but portrays a gamut of emotions through small
eyes, a smile, a frown or a worried glance... This is funny, crazy
and entertaining." ...Borghild Maaland, VG Nett
"Stellan Skarsgård makes his third major role in
a Moland film, and shines in the role of the rather nice man."
"The combination of Hans
Petter Moland and Stellan Skarsgård
is extraordinarily successful. The fact is there is good chemistry
between the director and actor and Stellan Skarsgård
has never been better as he carries the film, helped by a handful of
veterans of Norwegian film." ...Geir Kamsvåg, Film &
Cinema
"It's a particular pleasure to
see Skarsgård centerstage for a
change after a long run of character roles in Hollywood fare,
particularly the frothy likes of "Mamma Mia!" and "Angels and
Demons," in which his talents have been a little wasted. He anchors
'Man' with morose docility, a gentleness per the title, that
beautifully sets off the rest of the ensemble's flashier displays."
...Leslie Felperin, Variety
"Charms with quiet humor... Stellan Skarsgård
is irresistable in the role of Ulrik... His contrived raised
eyebrows and timid body language portray a subdued man through
precision acting, and sent this reviewer into fits of laughter time
after time." ...Håvard
Lund, OA Norway
|
Hans
Petter Moland
