Films & Schedules

  • O'Horten

  • Bent Hamer


Country:
Norway
Year:
2007
Language:
Norwegian
Runtime:
90 minutes
Format:
Colour/35mm

Production Company:
Sony Pictures Classics
Producer:
Bent Hamer
Screenplay:
Bent Hamer
Production Designer:
Kalli Juliusson
Cinematographer:
John Christian Rosenlund
Editor:
Pål Gengenbach
Sound:
Morten Solum
Music:
Kaada
Principal Cast: Bård Owe, Ghita Nørby, Espen Skjønberg, Henny Moan, Bjørn Floberg

Canadian Distributor:
Mongrel Media
US Distributor:
Sony Pictures Classics
International Sales Agent:
The Match Factory

PUBLIC SCREENINGS
Thursday September 0408:45PM VARSITY 2 Add Film to MyTIFF Filmlist
Saturday September 0612:15PM SCOTIABANK THEATRE 3 Add Film to MyTIFF Filmlist

Award-winning Norwegian writer-director Bent Hamer returns to his native land, having recently completed his first English-language feature, Factotum, based on the novel by renowned poet and author Charles Bukowski. O'Horten (the “O” stands for the commonly used Norwegian first name “Odd'') is another whimsical foray into the absurd irrationalities of the mind. The film is a gently deadpan comedy that exudes a real affection for its eccentric central character.

After forty long, hardworking years, sixty-seven-year-old Odd Horten (veteran actor Bård Owe, frequently cast by Lars von Trier) retires from his dutiful, comfortably routine position as a train engineer. With his new-found freedom and lack of daily structure, Horten finds it increasingly difficult to adapt to his new and unruly existence as a pensioner. Little does he know that his uneventful way of living is about to take an invigoratingly quirky turn, as he will soon discover that life still has much more in store for him. Instead of sitting back and enjoying his well-earned retirement, he finds himself wedged in the centre of gradually more awkward affairs. Horten becomes increasingly involved in the bizarrely unconventional as he meets new friends, rekindles old flames, wears sexy red high heels and finds himself accepting a ride from a blindfolded automobile driver.

Similar to Hamer's previous feature films Eggs and Kitchen Stories in terms of observational acumen, O'Horten is an intimately crafted slice-of-life tale that is both sincere and absurd. The film injects a comedically straight-faced sense of humour into its humane, sympathetic narrative and appropriately inventive stylistic sensibility. Owe's intriguingly amiable appearance, well-intentioned attitude and overall charismatic demeanour provide an even greater sense of elegance and vitality, making O'Horten an all the more gratifying and unique cinematic experience.

Dimitri Eipides


Bent Hamer was born in Sandefjord, Norway, and studied literature and film theory at the University of Stockholm and Stockholm Film School. In 1994, he founded the Oslo production company BulBul Film. His films include Eggs (95), Water Easy Reach (98), Kitchen Stories (03), Factotum (05) and O'Horten (07).



Cadillac People's Choice Award