Film #134: TERRIBLY HAPPY

Terribly Happy
2.75 out of 5 stars
This modern Danish noir is a definite mixed bag. The landscape of the surrounding countryside is beautiful, but shot in mostly a subdued grey and cold blue. The characters are an eclectic group, but they’re never given a chance to step center-stage and give the viewer any insight into who they are. The main character is a cop, but is the only person who actually commits any crime. So, contradiction is the order of the day here. Some have compared this film to the work of the Coen Brothers (specifically FARGO), but I’m not so sure that’s fair. This film, unlike the other, is far more subdued and there is very little humorous to be found. The other thing is… that the film moves slowly; really, really slowly. So slowly that by the time anything of interest has happened, some audience members will have grown bored and moved along. But for those who stick with it, there are a few worthwhile moments in the film, but with its pace and lack of any real character development, it’s hard to recommend this one too ardently.