Drømmer (Dreams) review – teen’s high romantic hopes throw adults into disarray | Film

Teenage Dreams and Literary Ambition: A Review of “drømmer”

Norwegian filmmaker Dag Johan Haugerud presents “Drømmer” (Dreams),the third installment in a trilogy that playfully delves into the complexities of human relationships. Following “Sex” and “Love,” which premiered at prestigious festivals like Berlin and Venice, “Drømmer” takes a unique approach to exploring teenage infatuation and its impact on family dynamics.

Set in Oslo, the film centers around Johanne, a 17-year-old played by Ella Øverbye, who feels disillusioned wiht her life. Living with her single mother Kristin (Ane Dahl Torp) and close to her grandmother Karin (Anne Marit Jacobsen), Johanne finds her world transformed with the arrival of the charismatic new teacher Johanna (Selome Emnetu). What begins as a teenage crush quickly escalates into an all-consuming obsession, leaving Johanne heartbroken when her affection is not reciprocated.

A meaningful narrative device employed by Haugerud is the use of a retrospective structure. The story unfolds through Johanne’s memoir,a sensationally intimate recounting of her relationship with Johanna. The manuscript, shared with her grandmother and mother, sparks tense discussions about the legitimacy and emotional complexities of Johanne’s account. The film skillfully plays with audience expectations, withholding key scenes from the past and leaving viewers to ponder their true nature.

“The director toys with us, not showing these later scenes yet, and letting us wonder if we will ever see them at all.”

The reactions of johanne’s grandmother, Karin, and mother, Kristin, provide compelling insights into the film’s thematic explorations. Karin, a published poet whose career has plateaued, sees johanne’s fearless and vulnerable writing as a testament to the passion and talent she herself lacked. Kristin, initially outraged by what she perceives as abusive behavior, eventually comes to admire Johanne’s literary achievement, suggesting publication as a potential pathway to catharsis.

The film masterfully blends humor and poignancy. while acknowledging the sensitive nature of johanne’s experiences, “Drømmer” avoids melodrama, rather offering a refreshingly honest and realistic portrayal of youthful love and its consequences. Haugerud’s directorial choices elevate the narrative, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of human relationships in a thought-provoking and engaging manner.

“Drømmer” prompts us to consider the power of storytelling, the complexities of adolescence, and the enduring impact of first love. This Norwegian film is a testament to the transformative power of art, reminding us that even amidst heartbreak, vulnerability can pave the way for profound personal growth and artistic expression.

How does the retrospective structure, using Johanne’s memoir, contribute to the film’s exploration of memory, emotion, and storytelling?

Archyde News: A Conversation with Norwegian Filmmaker Dag Johan Haugerud on “drømmer”

Interviewing the Creative Mind Behind “drømmer”

Archyde News had the pleasure of sitting down with acclaimed Norwegian filmmaker Dag Johan Haugerud to discuss his latest release, “Drømmer” (Dreams), the much-anticipated third installment in his trilogy exploring human relationships.

Navigating the Complexities of Adolescence and First Love

Archyde (A): Your new film, “Drømmer,” takes a unique approach to exploring teenage infatuation and its impact on family dynamics.What inspired you to tackle this theme?

Dag Johan Haugerud (DHJ): Thank you. Throughout my career, I’ve been fascinated by the complexities of human relationships, and adolescence seemed like a rich territory to explore. I wanted to capture the all-consuming nature of first love, the vulnerability, and the resilience that comes with it. I believe that understanding these experiences can help us appreciate the longevity of our connections.

employ a Retrospective Structure in “drømmer”

A: You’ve employed an intriguing retrospective structure in “Drømmer,” with the story unfolding through Johanne’s memoir.Why did you choose this narrative device?

DHJ: I wanted to create a sense of intimacy with the audience, making them feel like they’re eavesdropping on Johanne’s most private thoughts. By having the story told through her memoir, we’re invited to question the validity of her memories and emotions, just as her family does. It also allows us to explore the power of storytelling and how it shapes our perception of past events.

‘hour complex characters bring depth to “drømmer”

A: The supporting characters, especially Johanne’s grandmother Karin and mother Kristin, provide compelling insights into the film’s themes. Can you tell us more about developing their personalities?

DHJ: I wanted these characters to embody different perspectives on love, vulnerability, and artistic expression. Karin, the poet, represents the artists’ struggle with fear and self-doubt, while Kristin serves as a voice of reason, questioning the boundaries of acceptable behaviour. Their reactions to Johanne’s memoir drive the character development and fuel the film’s central debates.

A Thought-provoking Outlook on the transformative Power of Art

A: Throughout the film, art – particularly Johanne’s writing – plays a crucial role in facilitating healing and growth. What message do you hope viewers will take away about the power of art in their own lives?

DHJ: I hope viewers will recognize the transformative power of vulnerability and self-expression. Art often provides a means to process complex emotions and make sense of our experiences. By creating and engaging with art, we can foster personal growth and connect with others on deeper levels.