'The Worst Man in the World' could be therapy for those who are looking for themselves

On March 24, Joachim Trier's dramatic comedy The Worst Man in the World will be released in Russian cinemas. In the summer of 2021, the film participated in the main competition program of the Cannes Film Festival, where it was highly appreciated by critics. And the lead actress Renate Reinswe even took the prize for the best female role. Now picture nominated Oscars in two categories: Best Original Screenplay and Best International Film.

Under normal conditions, "The Worst Man in the World" in Russia would have been noticed only by fans of auteur cinema. However, now in the almost empty network of premieres, this film will not only immerse the viewer in an unusual plot, but will also become a good therapy. After all, the picture is dedicated to a generation of insecure people who, by the age of thirty, have not found their place in life.

'The Worst Man in the World' talks about a life without achievements

A young Oslo resident named Julia (Renate Reinsve) quits university to pursue a career in photography and works part-time at a bookstore. At one of the parties, she meets comic book author Axel (Anders Danielsen Lie). He is older than the girl by more than ten years and immediately warns that their relationship is doomed. However, the couple begins an affair. It seems that Julia and Axel understand each other perfectly, but still the girl's discontent is gradually growing. And one day she meets Eyvind (Herbert Nordram).

Perhaps the only problem with this film is that its synopsis is difficult to describe attractively. According to the summary, "The Worst Man in the World" will seem melodramadedicated to not the most interesting heroine.

There is some truth in this: Trier, in the image of Julia, draws an average portrait of a thirty-year-old European, without trying to turn the character into a Disney Cinderella. But here another association with cartoons flickers: the heroine defines herself (that is, her generation) as "Bambi on Ice". And the term is more precise, it seems not to pick up.

It is on this that the main drama of The Worst Man in the World is built. It seems that for the entire film, Julia will not face a single truly serious problem. Unless in the finale, and even then the tragedy will not happen to her. The heroine always does what she wants. And her mother supports her when the girl decides to change her profile of study from surgery to psychiatry, and even calmly reacts to her plans to become a photographer. Julia does not suffer from a lack of livelihood and does not fall into any dangerous situation.

Such people are often referred to as “first world problems” (if not “fat mad”). But it is "The Worst Man in the World" that honestly and touchingly justifies both Julia and everyone who feels the same way. It seems that the heroine has unlimited possibilities. But in fact, there is really no choice. She simply does not know where to move, and grabs at everything, trying to realize herself through her loved ones.

Here it is worth remembering the character of the film "Tick-tock... BOOM!", who was hysterically afraid of his thirtieth birthday and said that he was obliged to become famous earlier. Julia crosses this line almost imperceptibly, believing that she has already missed all the opportunities. She is the worst person in the world. But not because she did something bad. And because she didn’t achieve anything at all, she just lived. And it is impossible to describe the tragedy of the current thirty-year-olds more accurately, because everyone around them achieves something or at least strives for it. Especially in the cinema.

In a realistic picture there is a place for magic

Although Joachim Trier is associated with Lars von Trier very distant relationship, at some points I want to draw analogies between their works. Both directors aim to show life without embellishment. But the older and more popular one chose shock and provocation as his tools. And Joachim turned to the romanticization of everyday life.

Films in which the main emphasis is on the beauty and naturalness of ordinary chatter and routine are informally called "mumblecore". This genre has long been glorified by authors such as Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig. Although the style itself appeared much earlier than the term: remember at least the work Truffaut and Godard.

"The Worst Man in the World" is regularly associated with the aforementioned Baumbach's "Sweet Frances" (starring Gerwig), both the heroines even at some point break down to run down the street, and Herbert Nordram will seem to someone a European version of Adam Driver.

Like colleagues, Trier turns completely everyday stories into an amazing and almost miraculous journey. And it's not just about magical scene when time for the heroine freezes. The magic is here and in the first meeting between Julia and Eyvind - a strange chatter with a stranger at someone else's wedding. And even in a drug trip or a side story about a minor character who discovered a new path for himself after an encounter with a deer.

Surprisingly, by telling a completely everyday story, Joachim Trier makes you feel like in a fairy tale. Very warm and touching, despite the fact that it is dedicated to cold Norway.

The author speaks on current topics

In many films about youth there is one problem: they are removed by people of a different age. Because of this, sometimes there are uncomfortable moments: the authors talk about what they themselves do not understand and do not feel.

But "The Worst Man in the World" from an almost 50-year-old author manages to bypass all obstacles here. For starters, the director, although he makes a movie about a young heroine, gives other generations a chance to speak. There are good scenes with Yulia's mother, and with her extremely unpleasant father, whom you want to either hate or feel sorry for. But more importantly, the author seems to be speaking through Axel on his own behalf. And here he is perfectly able to formulate the rejection of people for the forty digital era: “I grew up in a time when culture was transmitted through objects.”

But at the same time, the director easily and skillfully talks about the modern world. For example, he speaks boldly and even provocatively about the #MeToo era and feminism, which limits women in their desires. And he even jokes about dating at a time when it is no longer necessary to exchange phones: a first and last name is enough to find a person on the Internet. And following an ex-girlfriend on social networks can be a reason for family disputes.

Maliciously or not, Trier divides the plot into small chapters, as if hinting that the modern viewer is already ill. perceives a holistic narrative: paragraphs, subheadings, vivid quotes and clip editing are needed, otherwise it will become boring. Yes, and without masks on the set, nowhere, coronavirus restrictions are still in effect. And all this happens not deliberately, but very naturally.

"The Worst Man in the World" is difficult to fit into the definition of a specific genre. It's like a drama, but it has a lot of funny scenes. This is a romantic comedy, but still a sense of loss and longing does not allow the film to be perceived as an exceptionally light genre.

It remains only to say that this is a movie about the beauty and tragedy of ordinary life. And a look from the outside at a completely real and as if familiar Yulia will help someone to more sensibly evaluate and work out their experiences. Or just enjoy the pleasant characters and a beautiful trip around Oslo.