The third and last part of a trilogy that began with Songs From the Second Floor (2000) is more of the same – director Roy Andersson presents a series of tableaux depicting the human condition in bleak and absurd ways. Very familiar by now and uneven, but some of it is funny and tragic, including scenes that satirize Sweden’s social responsibilities in the world and past as an 18th century military aggressor. Wonderful, elaborate moments include a visit from a warrior king and a musical number involving a cocky waitress and thirsty sailors. Holger Andersson is fun as a morose salesman.
2014-Sweden-Germany-Norway-France. 101 min. Color. Written and directed by Roy Andersson. Cinematography: István Borbás, Gergely Pálos. Cast: Holger Andersson (Jonathan), Nils Westblom (Sam), Charlotta Larsson, Viktor Gyllenberg, Lotti Törnros, Jonas Gerholm.
Trivia: Original title: En duva satt på en gren och funderade på tillvaron.
Venice: Golden Lion. European Film Awards: Best Comedy.