Light House Film Club

Director: Bent Hamer

Cert: 12a (Norwegian with subtitles)

Time: 1hr 30mins

Quite what Norwegian’s use for inspiration is unclear but if this surreal and beautifully crafted film offers any answers it is probable that it may well fall within the bounds of what are commonly termed “illegal substances”.

Odd Horton is a 67 year old train driver who has plied the same route for so long that he could do the journey in his sleep. His life is wrapped in the comfort blanket of routine but, as retirement following a forty year career beckons, he must embark on the process of assimilation to an existence without work.

So begins a series of bizarre yet touching encounters all of which suggest more than we are seeing at face value. His Alzheimer’s riven mother, the landlady who has cared for him over the years, the owner of a tobacco and pipe store and a chance meeting with a deluded foreign diplomat.  All show Odd to be a man very different from his working persona proving that, behind the façade, there is more to folk than meets the eye.  Any film that can achieve that, whilst making you smile, is worth the entrance fee.

Rating: 3/5

Patrons: 9

CA

Director: John Crowley

Cert: 12a

Time: 1hr 35mins

Understated and slightly sentimental though it may be John Crowley’s film about the friendship between a grumpy old man and an independent minded youngster is highly enjoyable.

When Clarence (Michael Caine on top form) a retired magician comes to stay at the care home owned by Edward’s parents the latter’s life is disrupted. Unceremoniously removed from his bedroom - to make way for Clarence - he is nonetheless forced to interact with a man whom he finds difficult to like. However as the weeks pass their enmity recedes as each helps the other, Clarence in making the youngster engage with the world of the living and Edward (Bill Milner of Son of Rambow fame) in getting Clarence to confront the death of his wife.   

One might think that a film set in an old people’s home might be rather morbid. Not so, with a number of laugh out loud moments. A further subplot of problems affecting the marriage of Edward’s parents and the impact on him, is also sensitively portrayed. Worth the entrance fee.

Rating: 3/5

Patrons: 14

CA