@ Odeon, Edinburgh, Sun 21 Jun & Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Tue 23 Jun 2015
Ole Giæver, Marte Vold / Norway / 2014 / 80 min
Set mainly in stunning Norwegian countryside, Out of Nature (Mot naturen) — written, co-directed and starring Ole Giæver — provides us with an intimate insight into the free-flowing thoughts and concerns of its somewhat dour protagonist, Martin (Giæver). Leaving his wife Sigrid (Marte Magnusdotter Solem) and son Karsten (Sivert Giæver Solem) at home in order to spend the weekend hiking on his own, his imagination lets loose and he becomes free to contemplate his past, present, future and, indeed, even indulge in a few sexual fantasies. However, when fantasy finally turns into reality in the shape of fellow hiker Helle (Rebekka Nystabakk), he is rapidly forced back to earth.
Although at first Out of Nature appears to be a typical Nordic comedy, with its dry but good natured humour and its inclusion of a number of physical gags, it quickly becomes clear that the subtle and carefully crafted script delivers something far more than just wit. Martin’s inner crisis may be at times very funny, but it is still a crisis, and we are slowly drawn into his stressful inner turmoil despite the humour. What Out of Nature actually presents is an intimate portrait of a married man trying to come to terms with a certain life stage, something akin to a seven year itch.
Delivered principally as an inner monologue —a nuanced and skilful performance by Giæver — the juxtaposition of his internal, spaceless voice with the vast external space of the unsullied landscape (which is filmed superbly), creates a strong sense of Martin’s vulnerability. Against the solid backdrop of nature, his own susceptibility becomes very evident and, as we eventually begin to sympathise with him, so does ours.
Although we see very little of them, Out of Nature’s small supporting cast are also excellent and the film as a whole is succinct and well-wrought. In the end, it is hard to assess whether that very Scandinavian thing of getting out into nature has been in any way therapeutic for Martin or not. There is, however, at least a certain sense of a relief before the closing credits roll.
Showing as part of Edinburgh International Film Festival 2015