Sentimental Value Review: A Bittersweet Comedy of Family and Film
The latest film from Norwegian director Joachim Trier, known for his romantic drama "The Worst Person in the World", has premiered at the Cannes film festival. "Sentimental Value" is a self-aware, exuberant, and garrulous picture that explores the complex relationships between an ageing film director, Gustav Borg, and his two grown-up daughters.
According to a review by The Guardian, the film stars Stellan Skarsgård as Gustav Borg, a preening auteur whose career is on the slide. Many years ago, he abandoned his wife and two young daughters, leaving them to pick up the pieces. Now, with their mother’s passing, Gustav’s daughters, Nora and Agnes, are struggling to come to terms with their complicated family history. As reported by The Guardian, Nora, played by Renate Reinsve, is a famous stage actor suffering from anxiety attacks, while Agnes, played by Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, is more grounded but still affected by her childhood experiences.
The film takes a complex turn when Gustav, who still has legal rights to the family home, decides to use it as a location for a biopic about his mother, who took her own life due to the trauma of being tortured by the Nazis during the war. As noted in The Guardian‘s review, Gustav begs Nora to take the lead role of her own grandmother, but she angrily refuses, and the part is eventually taken by Hollywood superstar Rachel Kemp, played by Elle Fanning. This development sparks a series of emotions, from jealousy to upset, as Nora grapples with her complicated feelings towards her father.
As described by The Guardian, "Sentimental Value" appears to be an uproarious but bittersweet black comedy about the film industry and show business, with a touch of "All About Eve". However, the film also explores more serious themes, including the changing industry and the emotional toll it takes on those involved. The cinematography, handled by a veteran cinematographer, adds to the film’s nostalgic feel, but also highlights the impact of technological changes on the industry.
Throughout the film, Trier incorporates various cinephile in-jokes, which add to the movie’s complexity. One notable example is the scene where Gustav brings his grandson a set of DVDs, including Michael Haneke’s "The Piano Teacher" and Gaspar Noé’s "Irreversible", only to realise that they don’t have a DVD player. As noted by The Guardian, this scene serves as a commentary on the way technological changes have robbed films of their power to shock.
In conclusion, The Guardian notes that "Sentimental Value" is a long and slightly indulgent film, but one that ultimately delivers a fair amount of sentimentality. The film’s exploration of family dynamics, the film industry, and technological change makes for a complex and engaging watch. As Trier navigates the complexities of Gustav’s relationships with his daughters, the film provides a nuanced and thought-provoking commentary on the human experience.
The film screened at the Cannes film festival, and its premiere has generated significant buzz in the film industry. With its complex characters, nuanced themes, and nostalgic cinematography, "Sentimental Value" is a film that will linger in the minds of audiences long after the credits roll.
