I have been following Norwegian film for i while now, and in my opinion, there is a development in the right direction. With "Detektor", The Elling Movies,"Gymnaslærer Pedersen" and especially, with "Den Brysomme Mannen", Norwegian film just gets better and better. And after reading the book a couple of years ago, i had my expectations towards "Tatt av Kvinnen". But this one does not disappoint either.
Trond Fausa Aurvaag plays the man with no name. He has seemingly settled down as a young bachelor in a quiet apartment in Sofies Gate, Oslo. But just two minutes into the film, the idyll gets interrupted by a young woman, Maryanne, who starts talking and talking about the beauty of silence. Furtheron, the movie develops into a nice plot where he tries to fall in love with Maryanne, although it looks like he feels he is from another world than her.
Some may say this film includes only stereotypes, and with those I agree. However, the film uses the stereotypes in the belief that every stereotype has an origin. And for that, they succeed. In here also lies the beauty of the film. It has been criticized, especially by feminists, for putting females in a bad light. In my opinion, that is not true. Maryanne is put in this light so that Aurvaag's character is more distinct, and easier to recognize one self in. He feels that he cannot relate to his girlfriend, and he feels puzzled by the situation. He decides to go swimming in the pool, where he meets Glenn, played by Petter Stormare, his soon-to-be mentor. He totally opens up to the resolute and concrete Glenn, who gives him advise on how to develop the relationship with his girlfriend and his life. The film explores the relationship between man and woman in a great way. You can really feel the sensation from the book throughout the film.
The film is one of the best Norwegian films in years. Although it may seem easy and plain on the surface, if you dig deeper there is so many aspects of the film, exciting to investigate. I loved it, and i think everyone should go see it.
8/10. Great acting, nice plot. Go see it!
