DVD Review: Reprise

REPRISE is brought to audiences by Academy Award winning Executive Producer Scott Rudin (No Country For Old Men). This coming of age story follows Phillip and Erik, two lifelong friends in Oslo, as their artistic ambitions take two drastically different paths. Though both writers dreamt of fame and fortune, only Phillip achieves commercial success. Erik leads the life of a struggling artist, and Phillip experiences the darker side of fame. First-time director Joachim Trier, inspired by French New Wave cinema, spins a stylish tale of fame, ambition, and alienation in this critically acclaimed film.

Review:
Reprise is a critically acclaimed postmodern Norwegian drama which follows two young novelists down their different paths of success and rejection. The film is the work of first-time director Joachim Trier, who was clearly inspired by the French New Wave cinema in a way that is refreshing to the viewer.

Phillip and Erick have been lifelong friends in Oslo, and they have had similar dreams about becoming successful authors. As they stand in front of the mailbox preparing to drop in their contributions to the literary world, we see that one will receive a string of rejection letters while the other is destined for commercial success. Erick finds himself living the life of a struggling artist while Phillip finds himself changed by fame as he crosses over to a darker dwelling.

Reprise is a bit difficult to follow at times, and it requires the viewer’s complete attention as possible scenarios for what could have happened are presented. We skip back and forth in the story in a way that is remarkably controlled. I’d love to see an American version of this film made in order to reach more people that might shy away from the subtitled films. Many avid movie fans feel that these films are the most impacting on one’s emotions, and Reprise is certain no exception.

For all the moments of seriousness that this film brings, there is also light-hearted humor. And while the viewer may try to predict where the film is headed, it is nearly impossible to do so accurately. This film is undoubtedly effective on at least one target audience, those between the ages of 18 and 30 who are struggling with the melodrama of where they belong in this life. REPRISE is entertaining and thought-provoking from beginning to end.

Special features include several featurettes and deleted scenes.

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: B+
Official site: http://www.reprise-themovie.com/
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