I saw two films last night. 101 Reykjavik was a comedy, mostly. 30 year old slacker still lives at home with his mother in a tiny house (their bathtub has a lid that turns it into bench seating for their kitchen table!). His mother brings home her Spanish friend and over New Year’s, he has a fling with her. Then his mother confesses to him that she is a lesbian and that her friend and she are lovers. Much confusion ensues, but this ends up a story about a guy who finally gets a life. Music by Damon Albarn of Blur. Not sure if this will get US distribution, the director said that’s why they’re in Toronto. I’d give it 7/10.
Chopper was another first feature, and features one of Australia’s best known standup comedians in the role of Mark “Chopper” Read, one of Australia’s most notorious criminals. This guy got his nickname from having someone slice his ears off in prison. Sound gruesome? The movie has lots more nastiness in store. Excellent acting from Eric Bana and innovative cinematography from director Andrew Dominik. Although violent, the film does leave us wondering about the relationship between criminal behaviour and fame. The real Chopper Read is out of prison now and has written 9 best-selling books based on his life and crimes. I’d give this one 8/10.