Xixax Film Forum

Film Discussion => The Vault => Topic started by: SHAFTR on April 03, 2004, 01:45:41 AM

Title: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Post by: SHAFTR on April 03, 2004, 01:45:41 AM
I saw this at the Wisconsin Film Festival with the director/co-writer Lone Scherfig and co-writer Anders Thomas Jensen there for an intro and Q&A.  Anyways, it's a danish film but shot in Scotland with British actors...so it's in english.  If you are into the whole Dogme movement or a Lars Von Trier fan I'd suggest going to see it.  I actually liked it better than Breaking the Waves & Dancer in the Dark.

Even if you aren't a fan of the above films, go see it anyways.  The film is great in balancing drama with comedy.  In a lot of ways it reminded me of The Apartment (and it's skill at doing that).  I just watched the trailer for the film and I wouldn't suggest watching that before the film.  The trailer is cheesy and I feel gives too much away.

Anyways, please go and see it if you have a chance.  It is great.
Title: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Post by: phil marlowe on April 03, 2004, 02:05:56 AM
though i wasn't big on italian for beginners or any other sherfig film, i thought this movie was pretty great. it's really some sort of tragic feelgood movie that evolves around tragic themes but never really gets sobby or anything. it's so human and it feels good.

i don't see much trier comparison though.
Title: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Post by: SHAFTR on April 03, 2004, 08:47:44 AM
Quote from: the real phil

i don't see much trier comparison though.

They are both danish.  Plus, they both stemmed from the same movement.  Otherwise, you are right.
Title: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Post by: Pubrick on April 03, 2004, 09:11:59 AM
von trier had been making movies for about 10 years before dogme 95, and 14 years by the time he contributed The Idiots. he hardly stemmed from it. so, again, there is no comparison to be made. no valid comparison, anyway.
Title: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Post by: SHAFTR on April 03, 2004, 02:41:51 PM
Quote from: Pubrickvon trier had been making movies for about 10 years before dogme 95, and 14 years by the time he contributed The Idiots. he hardly stemmed from it. so, again, there is no comparison to be made. no valid comparison, anyway.

they are both part of the Dogme 95 movement.
Title: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Post by: phil marlowe on April 03, 2004, 02:57:20 PM
but italian for beginners and the idiots are very very different...i could actually imagine most trier fans NOT liking wilbur.
Title: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Post by: modage on April 03, 2004, 03:35:43 PM
how about people who dont like von trier?
Title: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Post by: SHAFTR on April 03, 2004, 07:44:01 PM
Quote from: themodernage02how about people who dont like von trier?

go see it.
Title: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Post by: modage on April 03, 2004, 08:06:50 PM
Quote from: SHAFTR
Quote from: themodernage02how about people who dont like von trier?

go see it.
oh not me.  i was asking for a friend.
Title: Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
Post by: Redlum on July 18, 2004, 09:13:24 AM
Just saw this and was very dissapointed. Every twisting note of the plot was a poorly disguised contrivance. I couldn't stomach it. The suicide attempts were trite (particularly the 'jumping into shallow water') and didn't evoke the mixed reactions of pity and humour that were obviously intended. Especially as the reasons for Wilburs 'death wish' are only half-heartedly mentioned 40 minutes in.
How can the writer think that a character inexplicably wanting to kill hiself can provide enough intrigue and drama to hold the premise for a film and its title.

Another hit in the bag for High-Definition video.