You, the Living

Composite Score: 81.5

Starring: Elisabeth Helander, Jörgen Nohall, Björn Englund, Jessika Lundberg, Eric Bäckman, Patrik Anders Edgren, and Olle Olson

Director: Roy Andersson

Writer: Roy Andersson

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Music

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Box Office: $1.84 million worldwide

Why should you Watch This Film?

                I watched this movie, and I still am not entirely sure what to say about it. Its IMDB summary describes You, the Living as “a film about humankind”, and that might be the best way to describe it. It features a series of vignettes about many different urban citizens in a variety of situations, some mundane and some absurd. It deals heavily with questions of dreams and puts together a loose narrative about humanity’s ability to pursue our hopes and dreams despite all obstacles. The cinematographic choices made are incredibly interesting, and the film does elicit a sense of hope despite the despair of its final shot.

Why shouldn’t you Watch This Film?

                I’m not going to dance around the fact that this is a Swedish art film and, therefore, definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. Some of the film’s scenes border on discomfort, and the absurdity of it can become overwhelming at times (particularly a scene where a woman is wearing a military helmet while nude on top of an emaciated old man who monotonously delivers a monologue into the camera). There’s not a lot else negative about it except that it is definitely not a film for every audience member, so if that doesn’t turn you off, it’s probably worth a watch.

So wait, why should you Watch This Film?

                You, the Living is incredibly optimistic about the human condition, as evidenced by its title. Despite the despair facing at least half of its characters, it maintains an upbeat energy throughout, basing this hope on the life that we have as humans. There are explorations of what keeps us living throughout as well – our dreams. Be it love, a job, religion, or simply enjoyment of a hobby like playing the tuba, the dreams of humanity are what set us apart and keep us living. Even as the world is struggling with pollution and our love does not love us back and we suffer from depression and even as the bombers come to drop their bombs, life is still good because we have dreams to keep moving us forward. This positive sentiment seems to permeate the film, leaving audiences with a feeling of hope as the film concludes with a shot of bombers flying over the city.

                Every shot in this film invites the viewer to explore the scene and the characters featured. The camera rarely moves, and when it does, those movements are slight, moving only to better frame the action on-screen. It has the effect of moving photographs that the audience has the opportunity to view and analyze and appreciate as we watch. The depth of the shots and the details included all feel highly intentional and reward a close observation. Andersson made a film that encourages close watching.

                A positive outlook and artful cinematography define You, the Living as a Great Film and also as a film that might not be for every audience. Certain absurdities and a unique feel keep it from being universally lovable, but it certainly belongs on the list of Great Films.