by Jo Johnstone
Film can often be accused of neglecting tales of the elderly. With Hollywood and the mainstream mostly concerned with the young and beautiful our elders are often pitted to the side lines of film. Yet with the release of Swedish comedy The Hundred-Year-Old Man who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared, an elder takes centre stage.
Film can often be accused of neglecting tales of the elderly. With Hollywood and the mainstream mostly concerned with the young and beautiful our elders are often pitted to the side lines of film. Yet with the release of Swedish comedy The Hundred-Year-Old Man who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared, an elder takes centre stage.
The film follows the adventures of Allan Karlsson, (Robert Gusstafsson) who lives in a retirement home. On the day of his hundredth birthday party, Allan decides to leave his home by climbing through his window. When catching a bus Allan is forced to watch a strange man's suitcase. Rather than miss his bus, Allan takes the case which just happens to be filled with money. After finding travelling companions Allan sets out on the run while recounting his life and his profound effect on historical events.
Adapted from the Swedish book of the same name by Swedish author Jonas Jonasson; the film is a faithful adaptation of the novel directed by Felix Hernren. In the main role is comedian Robert Gusstafsson who is often described as Sweden's funniest man.
The stories centre around the eccentric but charming Allan; flipping between hundred year old Allan's present day adventures and his life from boyhood. One of the films main strengths is that it does not adhere to a sense of realism. This is a film where anything can happen and, indeed, does. The audience follows Allan on his great adventure to reclaim his youthful freedom.
Adapted from the Swedish book of the same name by Swedish author Jonas Jonasson; the film is a faithful adaptation of the novel directed by Felix Hernren. In the main role is comedian Robert Gusstafsson who is often described as Sweden's funniest man.
The stories centre around the eccentric but charming Allan; flipping between hundred year old Allan's present day adventures and his life from boyhood. One of the films main strengths is that it does not adhere to a sense of realism. This is a film where anything can happen and, indeed, does. The audience follows Allan on his great adventure to reclaim his youthful freedom.
The easiest comparison for the film would be to Forrest Gump. An eccentric and slightly naive individual's life and effect on history told in flashbacks. This comparison may stand but it understates just how unique a film this is. Whereas Gump flipped between comedy and drama this film is pure, dry comedy. The comedy is situational in the film with brief moments of slapstick. The scenes in which Allan shares a prison with Albert Einstein's truly ignorant brother is a highlight.
The film is carried in its many bizarre and strange directions by the charisma of its leading man. Gusstafsson gives an electric performance portraying naive Allan with wit and humour. Audiences will begin by thinking that Allan's naivety and akwardness is due to his age. As his past plays out in flash back you relalise these traits have always been part of the character. Blessed with a go-getter attitude that leads the film on its wondering path.
Do not let the films overly long and unmarketable name put you off. This is a witty film that will consistently makes you smile.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared is out from Friday
The film is carried in its many bizarre and strange directions by the charisma of its leading man. Gusstafsson gives an electric performance portraying naive Allan with wit and humour. Audiences will begin by thinking that Allan's naivety and akwardness is due to his age. As his past plays out in flash back you relalise these traits have always been part of the character. Blessed with a go-getter attitude that leads the film on its wondering path.
Do not let the films overly long and unmarketable name put you off. This is a witty film that will consistently makes you smile.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared is out from Friday
RSS Feed
