A review: "Spies & Glistrup" [2013 Denmark]

Cristoffer Boe (of Reconstruction fame) originally wanted to dramatise the life of late airline tycoon Simon Spies, but upon discovering the extraordinary friendship he also had with lawyer-turned-politician Mogens Glistrup, Boe decided to make a film about their relationship instead through "Spies & Glistrup" [Eng. Title: Sex, Drugs & Taxation].

Based on and inspired by true events, this is the tale of an unlikely friendship between two larger-than-life public figures from the swinging sixties - both of them radical and perverse in their different ways. Simon (Pilou Asbæk), owner of a budget holiday travel company, is playboy extraordinaire who's also soaked in drugs-culture. Mogens (Nicolas Bro - a regular in Boe's films) is a corporate tax lawyer and family man, but with a distinctly libertarian streak - he wants to abolish taxes and the entire state system that it funds. Driven by his anarchic vision, Mogens employs his knowledge of tax law to mastermind takeovers on behalf of Simon, and exploits loopholes that won't require Simon's company to pay tax. Simon meanwhile, succeeds in making his name and company popular by exploiting his own addiction to sex, by organising stunts in public, and calling in tabloid press photographers to watch him have sex with a number of willing prostitutes, assembly line-style, and grading their vaginas based on his findings. The shrewd family-minded Mogens and a fiendishly whore-mongering Simon will compliment their skills in making Simon a billionaire airlines magnate.

Having achieved what he wanted, Simon retreats to a Mediterranean island to experiment with LSD, transcendental meditation, and of course - plenty of sex, with his retinue of 'morgenbolledamer' (morning fuck/bun ladies). But for Mogens, it's only the beginning - he wants to abolish the tax system altogether, and goes public with the fact that he had been helping companies avoid paying tax. This will draw the attention of the judiciary, that will stir old rivalries, test friendships, strain family relationships, and induce betrayals. While being investigated for tax evasion, Mogens will start a political party of his own and will also become member of parliament, even if that wouldn't protect him from being prosecuted. Simon Spies and Mogens Glistrup are but a product of their times - each hoping to start a revolution of their own. And they almost succeed...

The film is magnificently crafted despite its straightforward narrative. Cristoffer Boe's sharp direction combined with his collaboration with screenwriter Simon Pasternak has produced an engaging film with a depth in characterisation. It is not only rich in detail, but also entertaining. The protagonists' unbelievably outrageous behaviour shocks as much as it induces laughter - whether it is flashing an erect penis to pacify a gorilla, calling the very idea of tax and government immoral, or interviewing prospective brides by stripping them naked and even trying them out for sex. It is even more shocking when we learn that these are broadly based on actual events. Pilou Asbæk and Nicolas Bro vividly bring to life the outlandish characters that they play. We are endeared to their characters despite their maniacal qualities. Boe succeeds in pushing the boundaries on what can be acceptably shown to a mainstream audience - there is drama, comedy, irony, and also explicit nudity - it is imprudent, but tawdry it ain't. It is Highly Recommended Viewing..!

DVD Order Link [PAL] | Blu-ray Order Link

 

The Nudity: Pilou Asbæk, Sarahsita Lassen, Pia Lund, Camilla Lehmann, and many more
Pilou Asbæk is spectacular, to put it mildly, as he struts around as the libidinous Simon Spies, the dirty middle-aged man (he's only thirty one by the way). As for the women, there are too many of them appearing in the nude, so I'm restricting the names to those who also have speaking parts. Sarahsita Lassen is Lillian, one of the girls Simon singles out for praise after an assembly-line sex session. Pia Lund is Dorte, one of the many applicants interviewed by Simon in trying to choose a future wife - his male assistants join in the inspection too. Camilla Lehmann plays Inger, a cute blond who briefly becomes Simon's live-in girlfriend - she apparently also makes the best pickles in Copenhagen. She's seen wearing only an apron in a kitchen scene, followed by a post-coital tender moment in bed with Simon, when she's completely in the nude.



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Scenes from Thomas Vinterberg's "Festen" [1998 Denmark, Sweden]

Thomas Vinterberg is among the brilliant young directors to emerge from Europe over the past decade, and by some pleasant coincidence, I'm starting his filmography with a film where he isn't even formally credited - "Festen" [Eng. Title: The Celebration], is a fine example in Dogme 95, a film movement that I'm also gradually but surely warming up to...

Storyline:
A family gathers to celebrate the father's sixtieth birthday. One family member is however missing for the first time, after her recent suicide. Her twin brother Christian has been entrusted with toasting to her memory by saying a few words, and he had come prepared with two sets of speeches - one written on a yellow piece of paper, and the other on green. He offers the choice to the father, and after he picks the green one, proceeds to read a speech that reveals a truth that's nothing short of cataclysmic. So shocking was the revelation that the gathered family members refuse to believe it and pretend to take it as a joke. And this is where the drama begins - because Christian has his work cut out to get everyone to come to terms with it and acknowledge it openly. Only then will his burden ease, only then will he be able to pick up the pieces and move on...

What struck me after watching the film was its marvellous screenplay- a situation that would conventionally call for a melodrama is astonishingly shaped into a gripping thriller. As for the characterisation, it is so wholesome that we would get to know every family member as if we've known them for years, and this will not all be down to the script - it is thanks to some thoughtful cinematography and superb performances by the main cast. A film concept like this requires a lot of thought, observation, and reflection. It might sound a touch odd, but simplicity is one of the hardest things to achieve. This film may have its tiny imperfections, but it is still beautiful - and they only add to its charm. In the process it stirs up a beehive by holding a mirror to a society in denial. The family portrayed could be from anywhere - traditional or modern, wealthy or otherwise, and from any part of the 'civilised' world - we all do have our prejudices, ostrich syndromes, and superficiality, and this film reminds us of that. Needless to say, this is Highly Recommended Viewing..!

Amazon DVD Link (a good deal going here)




Compilation: Helle Dolleris and Trine Dyrholm
This post is actually more of an excuse to write something about this remarkable film rather than showcasing any notable nude scenes. But here it is anyway - events here happen early in the film as guests settle down in their respective designated quarters of the family-run hotel. First is of Michael, played by Vinterberg-regular Thomas Bo Larsen, very dependent on his incredibly tolerant wife Mette, played by Helle Dolleris. This is followed by a brief scene of Pia, played by Trine Dyrholm, waitress for the occasion but nevertheless well acquainted with the family. She fancies Christian, but his mind is unfortunately preoccupied with other things...

Thomas Vinterberg's excellent drama "Festen" also features some brief scenes of nudity thanks to Helle Dolleris and Trine Dyrholm in the early part of the film.

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Sonja Richter in "Elsker dig for Evigt" [2002 Denmark]

Susanne Bier's "Elsker dig for Evigt" [Eng. Title: Open Hearts] is an interesting study of love and relationships, and how they could be influenced or complicated by other feelings such as guilt. It is a terrific piece of drama, made even powerful by some convincing performances by all the sparse but impressive cast.

Storyline:
Cecille and Joachim are about to get married - they'd been living together for a while, and are truly in love. But their world is turned upside down when Joachim has a nasty accident that leaves him paralysed neck-down. By sheer coincidence, Niels (well played by Mads Mikkelsen), a doctor at the hospital where Joachim is recovering, also happens to be the husband of Marie (also well played by Paprika Steen) - the driver of the car that caused the accident. A remorseful Marie and Niel feel it's their duty to console the devastated Cecille - Marie even encouraging Niels to meet and talk to Cecille whenever she felt depressed (which is often), because Joachim refuses to see Cecille and wants to break the engagement so that she could move on and start a new life. These meetings instead lead to a full-blown affair between Niels and Cecille, complicating things further for everyone.

The screenplay and characterisation are excellent, and the cast give a commendable performance, including the actress playing Cecille, Sonja Richter. The soundtrack is appealing, but I'm however not sure about the cinematography - doesn't help that some scenes are too grainy in my DVD. That may well have been the director's intention, but I doubt if it was really necessary. This also claims to be a Dogme 95 film, but since my knowledge about the film movement is at best rudimentary, I shall refrain from discussing it, but those interested may check out this Wiki link and decide for themselves after watching the film. The DVD extras and commentary from Susanne Bier give us an insight into the director's thinking, and also the reasons for removing some of the scenes - which I completely agree with. Either way, the final cut of "Elsker dig for Evigt" is a great piece of drama, with an apt ending, and therefore, Recommended Viewing.

Amazon DVD Link (excellent deal going here - I don't work for these guys btw)




Compilation: Sonja Richter
There's only brief nudity in all these scenes, but nevertheless still worth checking.



Scene Guide:

• No nudity - Cecille hopelessly tries to cheer up a miserable Joachim at the hospital, by wearing some underwear he had bought her as a present before the accident. She had to be pulled away by the hospital staff. Cecille is played by the beautiful and equally talented Sonja Richter.
• A depressed Cecille calls Niels (the doctor) in the middle of the night - and asks him to come over. She just wanted a hug, but then things take over.
• During his next visit, Niels notices that Joachim, still at hospital had arranged for all his furniture to be removed from Cecille's flat, reason enough for Niel to administer some more TLC.
• Niels and Cecille overhear a message left on her answering machine, from the hospital informing Cecille that Joachim had finally asked to see her. Just before this scene, all hell had broken loose at Niels' household resulting in he moving out.
• No nudity, but felt it necessary to show the reunion of Cecille and Joachim when he hesitantly asks her if she could help him.

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Scenes from "Stille Dage i Clichy" BR720 [Denmark 1970]

I bet Jens Jørgen Thorsen isn't exactly a household name in Denmark, but his 1970 film, "Stille Dage i Clichy" [Eng. Title: Quiet Days in Clichy] is utterly memorable, or should I say 'unforgettable'! After watching it for the first time (it was the 80's), I found it offensive and depressing for a number of reasons. For a start, I hadn't read Henry Miller, upon whose novel this film is based. Neither could I look beyond the persistent cynicism and explicit imagery throughout the film. But I just couldn't get the film out of mind either - remembering the lines or situations as I went through my own 'quiet days'.

Watching the film again recently, I could see where Miller was coming from, and why the particular novel drew interest even from the likes of Chabrol (that's a different film which I'll post later). The novel is largely autobiographical when Miller, between the wars, was living penniless in Clichy - a grotty corner of Paris which unfortunately still draws negative news in the press these days. It was a decadent period - and he wanted to be part of it. While reflecting on his experiences, he illustrates the sexual aspect rather vividly.

Revisiting this film, I find that Thorsen had imaginatively managed to recreate the rawness of Miller's prose, whether through design or serendipity. Conventional film making rules were either discarded or couldn't be afforded. What we have is an unapologetically amateurish-looking production with carefree editing and patchy screenplay, disguising the fact that it is exquisitely photographed, with an awesome soundtrack containing original scores from legends such as Ben Webster and Country Joe. It has a dry (and sometimes wicked) sense of humour, includes some interesting philosophical musings, along with some rubbish rantings too. The film will never enter the cinematic hall of fame - it was never intended - but it is outrageously entertaining all the same. I wouldn't recommend this film to everyone, but if you want to experience something unique, watch it - with an open mind..!

Even though this is a Danish film, it is made in English, so the scenes need little description. I've cut these from a recently released Blu-ray edition - decently restored, but would have been even better if they had mastered it in its original aspect ratio, which was full-screen. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable viewing experience.




Scene 1: Louise White
A hilarious scene where a weird woman enters Carl and Joey's apartment looking for some 'rent money'. The woman is played Louise White.








Scene 2: Ulla Koppel
Nys is one of Joey's sexual exploits - he reminisces his first experience with her. Nys is played by the rather cute Ulla Koppel (credited as Ulla Lemvigh-Müller). If you're a 'breast' man, you'll love this..!








Scene 3: Elsebeth Reingaard, Lisbet Lundquist, and others
A classic - with some rather 'earthy' lyrics by Country Joe. Fifteen year old Colette somehow ends up in Joey and Carl's apartment - they keep her there even when aware they could end up in jail if found out. Colette is played by Elsebeth Reingaard. Character names were not included for the actresses in the middle scenes. The Herald Tribune girl is Jeanne, played by Lisbet Lundquist. I haven't forgotten the images nor the lyrics from this scene after so many years.








Scene 4: Petronella and unknown actress
This scene comes the closest to pornography - Joey and Carl pick up two 'enthusiastic' prostitutes from a bar (where you can also see Ben Webster performing), and have some fun in their apartment, even if they don't have the means ot pay for them. Only one character is named - Adrienne, played by Petronella - the one given the 'speaking' part.








Scene 5: Susanne Krage and Anne Kehler
Christine is Joey's only serious love-interest in the film, here he recollects meeting her for the first time. I've included an earlier scene where Christine is played by a stunning brunette, but who turns into a blonde (a different woman altogether) in the sex scene - I believe this isn't careless film making, but intentional as Joey's remembering the woman he 'kinda' loved through rose-tinted glasses. Christine (the blonde one) is played by Susanne Krage. Carl also invites over his 'cunt' Corinne to the apartment, and they end up having a foursome, until Christine comes to her senses and decides to leave. Corinne is played by Anne Kehler. But beware of Carl's 'bits' getting a good airing towards the end. I've also included some additional non-nude footage to illustrate the scene better.





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Charlotte Gainsbourg in "Antichrist" BR1080 [2009 Denmark, Germany, France]

I'd cut these clips nearly a year ago but had been hesitant about posting it, for a number of reasons. It is one of the most depressing films I've seen in a while, and I really hated the idea of having to watch it again while taking screen caps. It is also a controversial film that depicts scenes of sexual violence and mutilation, in addition to explicit sex. Besides, it is a film that is hard to recommend to anyone, unless they're completely open-minded.

I ultimately realised I'm being unfair to Lars von Trier's honest attempt to explore extreme grief due to familial loss, and the accruing mental illness due to perceived guilt, and after a lot of deliberation, decided to make this post.

His 2009 film, "Antichrist" has had wildly mixed reviews, and caused a sensation when von Trier was nominated for the Golden Palm at Cannes that year. Even in IMDB, reviewers were trying hard to read too much into the film. Yes there is symbolism, but as far as I can see, it is a simple story dealing with trauma, and how it puts even committed relationships to the test. But the film itself is beautifully done, with some exquisite cinematography and challenging interpretation by the main characters - the husband and wife, played by Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg respectively.

Most of these scenes may be found elsewhere, but these are cut from Blu-ray, and possibly among the better quality versions floating around. But use your own judgement before downloading these as they can be hard to watch, high quality notwithstanding.




Scene 1:
There is only brief nudity in this scene but it is beautifully made, even if it is a sad one. Contains explicit imagery.








Compilation 2:
The remaining scenes of Charlotte Gainsbourg from the film. The explicit scenes however uses body-doubles, both for Ms. Gainsbourg and Mr Dafoe. But I've left the scenes largely uncut - so download at your own discretion. To put your mind at ease, no clitoris was injured during the making of this film!





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