By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.5 cats
Director: Kristian Levring
Starring: Lars Brygmann | Paprika Steen | Ulrich Thomsen
Original language title: Den du Frygter
Country: denmark
Year: 2008
Running time: 95
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135922/
Bruce says: “Mikael (Ulrich Thomsen) is on six week leave from his job. Is he fighting boredom or depression? The answer
seems apparent when his bother-in-law Frederik (Lars Brygmann) mentions that his hospital is involved in trials for a new anti-depressant. To Frederik’s surprise, Mikael asks if he could participate, expressing a need to ‘reshuffle the cards.’ Mikael wants the drug trial to be his and Frederik’s secret.
“Sigrid (Paprika Steen) takes a dim view of her husband’s leave and reveals her exasperation when he extends his leave beyond six weeks. She is suddenly cast in the role of sole breadwinner. Mikael shrugs off her concerns. He begins keeping a diary. From outward appearances he is still a good father to his daughter Selma.
“As Mikael diligently takes the pills twice daily his behavior slowly changes. He gradually becomes irascible and his relationships slip into dangerous territory as he makes gigantic errors in judgment. He seems oblivious considering he documents his feelings about himself as the ‘first time in life I feel I’m moving on.’ There is a crossover moment in the film when Mikael is no longer likeable. Up to that point the viewer is likely to be entirely sympathetic. Finally, the film evolves into a
pharmaceutical horror story, which, by the way, is a natural progression not a departure. The film’s conclusion is not without surprises that contribute to its being a cautionary tale as well as a good thriller.
“Kristian Levring admits to being inspired by Jean Renoir’s take on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, LE TESTAMENT DU DR. CORDELIER, and fascinated by the concept of a character that does not change physically, only in the mind. Ulrich Thomsen is is a knock-out as the average man who innocently signs up for testing a new drug. The strong supporting cast includes the
wonderful duo of Paprika Steen and Lars Brygmann. 3.5 cats
“FEAR ME NOT screened at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival.”