Halfdan Ullmann‘s debut film Tøndel is a cinematically overwhelming chamber piece.
A scene from the film Armand.
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Elisabeth (Renate Reinsve) is racing through a forest somewhere in Scandinavia in her car, she is on the phone, something bad is about to happen, you think. – But in “Armand” what you would expect doesn’t happen in this opening sequence or anywhere else.
Elisabeth races to school, annoyed because she doesn’t know why she has to show up for the parent-teacher meeting. It’s the last day before the summer holidays, hot and humid, headache-inducing weather. Her son Armand. . . What did he do this time? Elisabeth’s sandals clatter like cowboy boots in the hallways of the empty school building, her jewelry rattles, everything about her says: What’s the point of this shit? Leave me alone.
After a few agonizing minutes alone in the classroom with the young teacher Sunna, sent ahead by the cowardly headmaster, steps approach again. They echo Sarah and her husband Anders, Jon’s parents. These steps also sound excessively loud; once again it is as if danger is impending.
It will be about something threatening, just told differently than we are used to.
The teacher painfully explains to the parents why they are here. Armand sexually harassed Jon. A six year old should do something like that? Elizabeth can’t believe it. But Sarah insists. The father stays out of it. Doesn’t he want to defend his child? Or does he not believe his wife? Jon, we later learn, also told him about the incident. But different than what Sarah reported to the school.
The fascinating thing about “Armand” is how the director adds layer after layer to his story based on this accusation. The higher this relief becomes, the deeper you look into this structure of figures and understand what this is actually about: What the children did has less to do with themselves than with the adults and their inability to communicate. They can’t do it because for too long they have preferred repression to talking. But now they have to talk.
“Armand” becomes a cinematic trip through emotional extremes, but is still told in a light-hearted manner. A highlight is a minute-long fit of laughter from Elisabeth, which ends in tears. Sarah contemptuously says that she’s just acting, but in truth the actress is the only one capable of feeling. In this scene she becomes the medium for everything that is going on with the others, who are sinking their teeth into objectivity.
Ultimately, the tension goes beyond the scope of the film itself. Words are no longer enough, the story explodes into the unreal: when Elisabeth dances in the hallway with the caretaker or the headmaster has a conversation with Sarah, but she suddenly disappears from the picture, then The director translates into image and sound what is secretly happening in the characters.
With “Carnage,” Roman Polanski once made a film about a discussion with parents that went awry. But no matter how much the characters tore each other apart, the humor created distance. “Armand” is a merciless emotional slaughter in comparison. Told in hints and therefore all the more intense. Until the end, when the weather finally changes and the rain starts pouring down. The adults finally tell each other what there is to say. We don’t hear it over the loud rushing of the water, but we still understand enough.
“Armand” ★★★★★ Von Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel. With: Renate Reinsve. N/NL/D/SE/UK 2024, 117 Min. Im Kino.
An article from the «»
* In what ways does the film comment on the societal pressures placed upon individuals, particularly children, to conform to expectations and suppress their true feelings?
## Open-Ended Questions about “Armand”
This article raises many interesting points about the film “Armand.” Here are some open-ended questions to encourage discussion and critical thinking:
**I. The Nature of Truth and Perception:**
* How does the film challenge our understanding of truth and objectivity, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like childhood accusations?
* What role does perspective play in shaping our interpretation of events? How does the film highlight the limitations of individual viewpoints?
* Do you think the director ultimately presents a clear “truth” about what happened between Armand and Jon?
**II. Communication Breakdown and Repression:**
* The article mentions that the adults in the film struggle to communicate effectively. Why do you think this is? What are the consequences of their inability to express themselves honestly?
* How does the film explore the theme of repression? What are the implications of suppressing emotions and avoiding difficult conversations?
* Can you think of examples in your own life or in society where communication breakdowns have led to unintended consequences?
**III. The Power of Emotion and Expression:**
* The article highlights Elisabeth’s outburst of laughter and tears as a pivotal moment in the film. What does this scene reveal about the character’s emotional state and the nature of the conflict?
* How does the film use non-verbal communication, such as gestures and bodily expressions, to convey meaning?
* Do you think “Armand” romanticizes Elisabeth’s emotional outburst or does it present a realistic portrayal of raw human emotion?
**IV. Cinematically Exploring Abstract Themes:**
* The article describes “Armand” as a “cinematic trip through emotional extremes.” What specific cinematic techniques does the director utilize to evoke these emotional responses in the viewer?
* How does the film’s unconventional approach to storytelling, including its surreal elements, contribute to its overall impact?
* What do you think the director is trying to achieve by blurring the lines between reality and fantasy in the film?
**V. Social Commentary and Cultural Relevance:**
* What social commentary, if any, do you think “Armand” offers about contemporary issues regarding childhood, parenthood, and societal expectations?
* How might the film’s themes resonate with audiences in different cultural contexts?
* Do you think “Armand” provides any insights or solutions to the complex issues it raises?
These open-ended questions are designed to stimulate thoughtful conversations and encourage different interpretations of the film.
