Svein Scharffenberg Movies
In this ensemble comedy that is set in Norway and recalls Robert Altman's Short Cuts, the lives of numerous dysfunctional characters intertwine. As the joyous and expectant Maria prepares for her second child, her husband, Erik, squanders his time and money and takes up with other women. Meanwhile, Erik's mother, the dotty Gunvor, attempts to steal some produce from a local merchant, Jesus, who promptly catches her and kicks her out of his market. This scarcely matters, however, for Gunvor has a lucrative side racket illegally selling recreational drugs for Erik and Maria's babysitter, Elin. As all of this unfolds, Iris, a young woman in another section of town, grapples with her own unreturned affections from a local cop aptly named Odd, who has a taste for trampoline-jumping. Mona J. Hoel directs. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- 2001
In this intensely emotional drama, a family plans a reunion in a remote cabin in the mountains, just in time for Christmas. However, when the mother and father, their four adult children with spouses and offspring, and a handful of in-laws are thrown into close quarters for several days, everyone involved begins to fray at the edges emotionally. As it turns out, father has a severe drinking problem that he's been unable to keep under control, and he finally explodes into a tirade that proved deeply shocking for all parties concerned. Director Mona J. Hoel shot Nar Nettene Blir Lange in accordance with the rules of the Dogma 95 movement, which stipulates that films should be shot with handheld cameras using available light and existing locations, without the use of music or sound effects added after the fact. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gorild Mauseth, Svein Scharffenberg, (more)
- 1997
Small and twitchy 13-year-old Markus, "Mouse" to his classmates, hates being short. His best friend Sigmund, who is unusually tall and muscular, also feels the odd man out. One day they are on a school-sponsored mountain hike when the boys start talking about the world's most sexy actresses. Their favorites are Sharon Stone, Melanie Griffith and voluptuous Diana Mortensen, an actress unknown to Markus. The others explain that she is a Norwegian actress who has found success in the Hollywood-produced soap Money and Power and according to the fanzines is dating Robert DeNiro. They then show him a nude picture of Diana and Markus falls head-over-heels in love. On a whim, Markus decides to write Mortensen. Thinking she wouldn't bother responding to someone so young, he pretends he is a wealthy millionaire. Sure enough she writes back and a friendship results. Markus couldn't be happier until he learns that she has been released from the show and is planning to return to Norway. To make matters worse, she is just dying to meet him. This bittersweet coming-of-age comedy is primarily aimed at a younger audience. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1987
- NR
Norwegian director Nils Gaup used the landscape of Finland as his backdrop in Pathfinder. The story is set in 10th-century Lapland. Teen-aged Mikkel Gaup, after watching his family being slaughtered by the bloodthirsty Tchude tribe, takes refuge in a small, peaceful village. He tries to warn the residents of the cruelties of the Tchudes; as a result, half the villagers take to the hills, while the other half elect to stay and stand their ground. The Tchudes make short work of the villagers, then take Gaup prisoner. He pretends to agree to lead the Tchudes towards the other villagers, but is able to turn the tables before it's too late. Inspired by an ancient legend, Pathfinder is filmed in near-documentary fashion, bringing the past so vividly alive that the audience is tempted to look over its shoulder to see if Tchudes are poised to attack in the lobby of the theatre. Though nominated for a best foreign picture Oscar in 1987, the film was not given a general US release until 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mikal Gaup, Nils Utsi, (more)
