Atle Antonsen does his most sentimental role as formerly distinguished success author severely affected by alcoholism in this feature film by Arild Fröhlich, his fifth feature, though only second not being focused on a younger crowd.
The essence of the film is a formerly successful writer, Axel, having troubles in coming up with new ideas for a novel, ten years after writing his big success novel. Still living on former glory, he has a severe drinking problem, still trying to keep up his old life style. He takes in at a well known luxury hotel to be able to write his new novel, and while doing so he meets up with 10 year old Noah, which have both ADHD and Tourette syndrome.
The odd couple meeting soon entangles to more. Noah is a bullies kid due to his diagnose, and stays at his mothers work place to get away from the bullies, basically making troubles for her with his lively behavior. The two personalities both clinch and develops to common gain in a way which is both unsentimental and believable. The tragic setting is still made on a base on a light comic scale. The tired writer with his experiences with high society life, and the young ten year old boy's fascination with anything new as an escape from his dreary school life.
Young Håkon Bøhmer does a good role as the troubled kid, and manages to give both a charming, funny and sad expression. The only time the instruction doesn't function is a couple of lines which really doesn't sit well in my ears. But this is soon forgotten, and the film manages to fascinate enough to make you want more.
This is one of these films which is a very pleasant watch, without giving you any change of life, or even will make you remember it for more than that - a pleasant watch. The subtle and under-expressed humor is a very Norwegian film language, and will please many. Still there was a couple of laugh out loud moments - strangely enough in scenes which a really quite tragic. I think this largely adds to the film's sophistication.
I didn't like Fröhkich last feature film made for grown ups - "Fatso", which I found both annoying and unfunny. But this is in a different league. Well done!
