O’Horten, 2007 Dir: Bent Hamer

29th April 2009

O’Horten trivia? Director Bent Hamer also directed Factotum in 2005. He has beaming credentials alongside a great name.

This Norwegian dramedy is centered around a life changing moment in 67 year old Odd Horten’s existence. This great character is similar to The Death Of A Salesman role in ways but with a modern twist in Norway.

Swaying into retirement from 40 honest years in the railway game, Odd Horten realizes that he has nothing to show for it. What has it all been for when people forget you instantly? Only owns a minimal house with no family, real friends or connections.

Our hero Horten tries to do things differently. Taking more risks and doing things he would never have done he attempts to eradicate regret.

Sometimes obscure, the film shifts into gear in the second half more so allowing the story to keep on track. Darkly shot, the cinematography reaches its destination for a tale of regret and longing. Horten makes a connection in the end and is free from a guilty conscious or any regret stored up.

At points, the story loses steam but overall it is a film that locomotive enthusiast should get onboard with.

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