45/26
Plot
It follows two colleagues who struggle with the same issues of their sexuality in different ways
It’s true that I don’t know much about Norway nor have I seen many Norwegian films, and I know that this film cannot be representative of the social environment of the nation… However, I have to say that the emotional intelligence and calmness of this film Portrays was the most impressive thing for me. Depending on where you come from or what you stand for, the topic of “Sex” may be uncomfortable for you. Two married heterosexual men in their 40s – one has just had spontaneous sex with a male client, the other, a Christian no less – feel something unraveling inside him with recurring dreams of David Bowie looking at him “as if he were a woman”.
The two protagonists are not even intellectuals
“Imagine them talking about this among themselves and with their wives. In almost any other country you can imagine scenes of shock, emotional outbursts, fights, accusations or denials; drama, in other words. In Norway it is different, or at least in this film. People are willing to talk and listen without trying to calm down, contradict, argue, intimidate or emotionally manipulate.
The overall presentation of the film contributes to this quality
They are chimney sweeps (I assume they consider themselves professionals in their own right, but more like manual workers). But even when they interact with each other, there is no typical male portrayal. In every interaction with each character, everyone seems to be calmly at eye level without having to play the expected social role. The film consists almost entirely of conversation scenes and shots of cityscapes between them.
I am not saying that everything is perfect in Norway
All conversations are shot in long takes with only occasional changes of angle or zooming in and out, showing the conversation and facial expressions in real time. What is said also remains very real, with the occasional mistake in words or reversal of thought. Without quick cuts, scene changes or dynamic camera movements, the film gently encourages its audience to join in the conversation and listen, rather than becoming emotionally stimulated and reacting. There is an emotional anguish that words cannot fully express, there are moments of hypocrisy, broken communication and, ultimately, an inability to fully understand each other.
Even he cannot fully agree with the situation and message of this piece
But the mature attitude that “Sex” shows in human interactions was touching in itself and is something we should all learn in this time of extreme polarity and instant stimulation everywhere.