Den siste filmen / The Last Movie

Petter Vennerød had a decisive influence on the Norwegian film landscape. Between 1973 and 1996, he worked with Svend Wam to make 14 films. Their razor-sharp social criticism, blithe nude scenes, and unbridled creative drive were a sensation. Among those films was “Them and Us”, screening in this year’s Retrospective. After a diagnosis of a rare, deadly form of Parkinson’s, Vennerød wants to make one last film. But he doesn’t have much time. The disease is eating at his brain at a rapid pace, robbing him of his words and thoughts. With the help of his wife, Karianne, the filmmaker reflects on his condition, while looking back at a turbulent career that included both colourful Cannes premieres and scathing reviews in the Norwegian press. As painful as it is to watch the increasing deterioration of this creative spirit, it is equally intoxicating to see the vibrancy of the many clips from his films. “The Last Movie” is a moving piece about the end of life, and a declaration of love for the power of filmmaking.