Sick of myself

No pun intended - we are talking about two individuals who need to be the center of attention. And while that may sound like a match made in ... well not heaven, but also not hell. Their attitude though ... especially hers ... the title suggests that she hates herself - but it is the perception of herself that she hates.

On the other hand, if someone goes to the lengths she goes through ... if you have seen the trailer you know what I mean. If not, don't worry I won't say what I mean. Suffice to say it is something amazingly crazy. And if you thought she was unlikeable before ... well let me tell you, you will not like her more after that inciting incident. That of course as anyone can guess spirals out of control.

The introduction the director gave (video message) before the movie began was funny. Suggesting that only smart people will understand and like the movie. That said, of course he is not insulting anyone not liking the movie. There are quite a few reasons why some may at least mildly annoyed at the movie. Or at least the characters and their poor decision making.

Make up is really good, the diving into the head of the main character and seeing a version of what she thinks her future holds for her appears as sudden as it goes away. And you can't always tell when it begins - you can mostly tell that it is a dream sequence though.

Suspend your disbelief and go on a ride with a person that thinks she deserves attention ... remember: this is just a movie and do not try this at home.

There's a girl who likes to exceed expectations, just to grab, grasp, claw, pluck, seize, the world's attention, a girl whose boundaries are so wide, it's hard to even give a guide, as she smashes, crashes, bashes her foundations.

Original for sure, as Signe, superbly performed by Kristine Kujath Thorp, captures the eye, refocuses your gaze, turns your head at an angle and distracts with dismay, all for the sake of the brainwashing world so many have come to be seduced, deceived and ensnared by, and the rewards it invariably fails to deliver, as the clock tik toks and the masses fail to take stock, lock and flock.

When Signe's artist boyfriend finds fame for the sculptures he makes out of furniture he's stolen from businesses, she will stop at nothing to get the attention of the crowd back on her. Munchausen's syndrome: that's what they call it when a person makes an art-form out of malingering. Or when they go so far to fake illness that they're no longer really faking.

"Sick of Myself" is a comedy so dark it's almost a horror story. Not only a horror story: a *body* horror story. I wonder what David Cronenberg or Clive Barker would think of it.

It's also a challenging viewing experience. The tone is so troubling and uncomfortable that it reminded me of another Scandinavian flick from last year, "Speak No Evil" - but that one certainly wasn't a comedy.

I often had to take breathers while watching it.

It also reminded me of "Ingrid Goes West", another dark comedy about a mentally ill young woman and the place society holds for crazy people, which it finds easy to exploit. The difference is that "Ingrid" had a stronger sense of plot and I always knew what it was trying to say. "Sick of Myself" feels more organic and unstructured, which gives you the feeling that anything can happen.

This is very uncomfortable viewing for any human being who has ever been ignored and wants to be seen and recognized; so probably most in the 7 billion + will be triggered here out of humanity :]

• It truly is a comedy which shows flaws and unbalances in couples and also in society at large
• It makes fun of The Art World The World of Fashion; it makes fun of TV programs Newspapers The Realm of The Internet; nothing is left out ...
• It is clever funny disturbing but not too much of either of these 3; it also has that odd Scandinavian detachment which probably Scandinavians do not perceive and non-Scandinavians do not comprehend.

• I thought that it would be too serious but then the humour started to seep in and out like the main character's face at times; the acting was adequate but not striking
• Is it a comedy; a social commentary; a horror tale? A bit of all of those in a bright nicely furnished story

• Watch it for yourself and decide ...

I watched the entire movie speechless, I had to watch 2 episodes of "bake-off, the professionals" right after to smell the flowers... I do not agree with some reviews here which empathize with what they describe as a human who wants to be seen and recognized. To me, this is all about attention-obsession and the lack of basic morality and self-respect - everyone else is to a degree victim, but not the 2 lead characters in this movie.

The impact it has on the viewer makes the movie successful, and I recognize it is bold and courageous also because it touches the subject of the superficiality of social media and diversity models (although I find the hint of humor in the blind-assistant scenes not acceptable). Technically, the acting was good (convincing and natural a lot), the plot is keeping you engaged from start to finish, and it was well worth the time (and money if applicable) somebody spends to see it.

I recommend watching this movie either alone or with people who are equally willing to sit and watch carefully and discuss it afterwards. Its not a light Saturday night movie to "enjoy with friends" while ordering pizza and beers.