I saw this film as part of the Ghent filmfestival 2011. Though having no personal experience with drug addiction or rehab clinics, I heard second hand stories of others who have (mostly with alcohol, but the dilemma's seem similar). The announcement of the film looked interesting and instructive to learn more about related issues. The openings scenes, in and around the rehab clinic including an attempted suicide, made not immediately clear in which direction the story was heading. But soon after that, we got several chances to get involved with the main character (Anders) on his first steps back into a normal life.
Firstly, he visits an old friend. A revealing dialog follows on a park bench, away from the friend's wife and kids, just the two of them alone while meandering through past, present and future. This is the way trusted friends can speak with each other. Of course, good intentions all along and some wise advice for the days to come. It all seems to start in an optimistic mood.
Secondly, a job interview that started off very well. Anders showed interest in the magazine he would write for, had formed an opinion about its profile, and was very able to put that in words. But there was the inevitable question about some years on his CV that were left blank. He answers truthfully, the interviewer seems to accept the answer after am awkward silence, and nevertheless tries to restart the conversation. Alas, Anders is too defensive and ashamed about his past. He does not take the hint that the interview is not over, and runs away.
Back on the street, Anders decides to sit in a cafe, where he hears the conversations around him. It seems an alien world to him. This does not bode well for his rehabilitation, and his intentions to make a fresh start. We see him go down hill, hour by hour, and no sufficient incentives to turn around on his steps. What happens next is predictable. We can only observe, and hope that something strong enough is going to happen to put him on track again. I won't reveal how the film ends, if only to prevent spoilers.
All in all, I am very positive about this film, adding up the quality of the script and the main actor. It demonstrates very clearly how difficult it can be to pick up the pieces after a few destructive years. Though the main character of this film is very well educated, and in no way resembles the average drug addict we see in most films, it proves still not easy to return to a normal life. It was very involving how the story line develops and is brought on screen, hence I gave the maximum score for the audience award when leaving the theater.
Firstly, he visits an old friend. A revealing dialog follows on a park bench, away from the friend's wife and kids, just the two of them alone while meandering through past, present and future. This is the way trusted friends can speak with each other. Of course, good intentions all along and some wise advice for the days to come. It all seems to start in an optimistic mood.
Secondly, a job interview that started off very well. Anders showed interest in the magazine he would write for, had formed an opinion about its profile, and was very able to put that in words. But there was the inevitable question about some years on his CV that were left blank. He answers truthfully, the interviewer seems to accept the answer after am awkward silence, and nevertheless tries to restart the conversation. Alas, Anders is too defensive and ashamed about his past. He does not take the hint that the interview is not over, and runs away.
Back on the street, Anders decides to sit in a cafe, where he hears the conversations around him. It seems an alien world to him. This does not bode well for his rehabilitation, and his intentions to make a fresh start. We see him go down hill, hour by hour, and no sufficient incentives to turn around on his steps. What happens next is predictable. We can only observe, and hope that something strong enough is going to happen to put him on track again. I won't reveal how the film ends, if only to prevent spoilers.
All in all, I am very positive about this film, adding up the quality of the script and the main actor. It demonstrates very clearly how difficult it can be to pick up the pieces after a few destructive years. Though the main character of this film is very well educated, and in no way resembles the average drug addict we see in most films, it proves still not easy to return to a normal life. It was very involving how the story line develops and is brought on screen, hence I gave the maximum score for the audience award when leaving the theater.