Thursday, October 30 - Movies

The Age

Thursday October 30, 2008

SCOTT MURRAY

Dark Horse (2005)

SBS, 12.45am

There is a lot not to like about Daniel (Jakob Cedergren): he is a lethargic layabout, a graffiti dabbler, reckless abuser of traffic rules, dissembler of mistruths, uncaring impregnator of women and unrepentant provider of alcohol to small children. Despite all that, you might actually like him. After all, when the anti-social havoc of his inactivity has nothing to do with you, his approximation of a black hole begins to assume a kind of charm. However, while Daniel intends to stay exactly as he is, society (and a determinist writer-director) has him slowly and fitfully morph into a more rounded and useful human being: that is, one who cares for someone or something other than himself. Whether you like him more or less is up to you. Made in Denmark, this is the second feature of Dagur Kari, who was born in France of Icelandic parents (his father is a famous novelist). The film is lovingly shot in black and white, with atmospheric near-empty streets and a cast of few. It looks a lot like a student film, except that the quality of its images suggests a major production (as do the lengthy end credits). If you give it even half a chance it may just win you over.

Manslaughter (2005)

SBS, 10.05pm

This story of a university professor who abandons all for his radical mistress is the third film in a trilogy examining modern Danish society from director Per Fly. -- SCOTT MURRAY

© 2008 The Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home