filmbore pick of the week - The Hunt

The Hunt (Jagten)

Director: Thomas Vinterberg
Screenplay: Tobias Lindholm, Thomas Vinterberg
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Susse Wold, Alexandra Rapaport, Lasse Fogelstrøm
Year: 2012
Languages: Danish, English
UK rental release: March 2013

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Admittedly, there's a sizable delay in my review this time around. However, I can't leave you without a regular fix from filmbore, so let us pop over to Denmark for the sensationally hefty The Hunt.

Our story begins in November, while nursery teacher Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen, Flame And Citron, Casino Royale) is out eel fishing and lake diving with his friends. A jovial, boisterous bunch, they while the days away hunting game and happily sing the night out with copious amounts of beer. Also present is Lucas' best friend, Theo (Thomas Bo Larsen, Festen, The Biggest Heroes), who can sink drink with the best of them.

When Lucas visits Theo at home, you realise how alone he is. Even with a love interest with the nursery assistant, Nadja (Alexandra Rapaport, Executive Protection) on the scene he is still feeling the effects from the separation with his wife, and the lack of time he gets with his son Marcus (newcomer Lasse Fogelstrøm).

He still has his kindergarten kids though, who all love him. Lucas is a fun teacher, always playing games with them all. One child who is very fond of him is Klara (also newcomer Annika Wedderkopp), Theo's daughter. One morning, her parents are arguing so Lucas walks her to nursery, careful as to not walk on the lines; Klara hates the lines in the paving. They have a sweet relationship: Lucas as an "uncle" type figure to her; Klara as a surrogate of the son he wishes to see more.

This begins to become a reality though, as Lucas' wife confirms that Marcus will soon be moving in with him. Things are looking good...

One morning, at the nursery, a misjudged piece of affection from Klara prompts Lucas to speak to her. This upsets her though, leading to an emotional response that surprises the principal, Grethe (Susse Wold, of Danish TV series Matador fame). Through responding to a lack of attention, Klara accuses Lucas of "showing himself" to her, which escalates into an investigation. 

It's clear that he has been wrongly accused of child abuse but this falsehood is about to tear Lucas' world apart. Grethe has a difficult task ahead of her, having to manage the delicate situation with an open mind. Lucas friends, most notably Theo, begin to turn against him and the leading events makes it difficult for Marcus to move in with him. 

As December kicks in, Marcus, with help from the last few remaining companions, wants to prove his father's innocence.

Famous for family dinner party drama, Fester, Thomas Vinterberg is a dab hand behind the lens. 

With sharply lit in indoor scenes, giving an almost heavenly look at times, there's a calm gleam and a wonderful palette used throughout the entire piece. There's some good camera work at play here throughout but it's very illusive. Interesting angles and perspectives are used frequently, if calmly, seeping through the picture in order to provide a light more edge to the overall piece.

These suggestive methods are necessary. With a tough subject to handle, The Hunt is a very tense drama, leaving you clueless to how deep Lucas hole will take him. As unbeknownst to this ever increasing pit's depth we are as the story gradually presents itself, there's no mistaking that he is a man in hell already, even before the onslaught of events that turn his world upside down. 

This is the reason why this film works so well. It's initial open premise, where we know from the start of Lucas' innocence, supported with us seeing the source of Klara's lies, is it's surprising trump card. Where the film does delve into the outcomes that can befall someone when accused of child abuse, whether guilty or not, this isn't the film's direction. Instead, by being open from the start it veers away from the trap of being an obvious mystery with predictable twists (this would have been so easy to fall into) and presents us with a drama that exposes the trauma and dread caused to an individual when dragged through a situation completely out of his or her control.

It may be difficult for some of you to watch a film with such a sensitive subject. The early interviews are incredibly heavy, and the leading questions put towards Klara are quite frustrating and disturbing, but this is also necessary. As aware as we are of the truth, the initial reactions to the adults that begin to hear of these tales helps us to assimilate their feelings. It's obviously difficult when considering the kid's parents and there is no other reaction a mother or father could take in this scenario, making this film all the more heart breaking.

Yet, it not so much raises awareness of abuse, but instead indicates the confusion and misunderstanding that can occur in such an event. It's easy to assume a guilty perspective and this picture helps us to realise that innocence must be presumed as well until the facts are ascertained and confirmed. You see, in this film it is Lucas who is abused: a victim of oppression and violence - which is completely undeserved. And, as a response to this plight, it's his strength and resolve that will impress you; his ability to stand up to this fearsome onslaught is honourable and typically human.

None of this is possible without Mads Mikkelsen admirable execution of the role of Lucas. Not only this, but there are plenty of both subtle and powerful performances from the entire cast. In particular, Annika Wedderkopp who plays Klara is sensational. The subject matter is so difficult to handle, and for a young girl to be so involved at this level is hard to perceive. She deals with this brilliantly and her delivery as the character is both sweet and incredibly mature. Notable also is Susse Wold. She is excellent in this, most of which you'll see in the aforementioned interview scene. Her performance is so refined that, as little as her time in front of the lens is overall, you'll be bowled over by her sublime portrayal.

However, no matter how sensational everyone else is, you'll always be drawn back to Mads Mikkelsen. Raw, delicate and bewitching, he commands presence, from the tiniest of twitches to his abrupt breakdowns. This is an actor in his element; in his prime. He has forever had an incredible talent for acting but with this film I can guarantee that you'll see a man in the midst of the performance of his career! 

This is a real actor's film. Yes, the theme's are strong, if gracefully handled, and this is truly commendable. Yet, The Hunt's big win comes from alluring performances, led by an artist at his absolute best!

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