Product Description

One of the funniest and most original films of the year, this absurd and surreal comedy from acclaimed director Roy Andersson takes an amusing left-of-centre look at a delightfully eccentric assortment of characters. Through a series of brilliantly entertaining sketches, Andersson observes with empathy and wry humour the highs, lows and tragicomic happenings that affect their everyday lives. Shot with highly distinctive visual flair, this unique and universally resonant snapshot of modern life is both touching and laugh-out- loud hilarious. Extras: TV Commercials by Roy Andersson / Theatrical Trailer

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6683 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-07-14
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 92 minutes

Synopsis
YOU THE LIVING is a funny, yet original look at the lives of an assortment of different characters living in contemporary Sweden, observing the highs and lows of the everyday lives of this eclectic bunch.

Review
Hilarious...Monthy Phyton meets Ingmar Bergam...Utterly Unique --Uncut

Review
Comic Genius...Very Funny --Total Film

Customer Reviews

"NOBODY LOVES ME ... NOBODY" ...
... is the line repeated from time to time, in different shapes or forms, by most protagonists of this film, which can be described as a satire with some elements of black comedy. This and the fact that a few characters sometimes appear in more than one story, are the only apparent links connecting numerous sketches of this omnibus. The girl who is in love with "Mickey" from an imaginary rock band "Black Devils" is with us most often, and longs for love and happiness but is unable to attract it. This is the case with most other characters but it is all wrapped in that typically Scandinavian dead pan humour.

However there is a theme to the film that can be described as "inadequacy of man", as the director Roy Andersson quotes in his "director's commentary" of the film supplied on the DVD. It all happens in a rather difficult to place time and place yet it is impossible not to associate it with modern day Western culture. The interiors and exteriors in which it all happens are the director's trademark - clinically clean yet grubby, modern yet devoid of any comfort and soul. One can only assume it as a metaphor for the contemporary life style - on offer as the best and only solution yet oh-so-uncomfortable.

For those that have seen previous Andersson's works, the comparison of "You the Living" with his previous film "Songs from the Second Floor" (also reviewed by the Film on DVD) is inevitable - not only because of the same directorial style but also for the strength of its emotional impact. "Songs ..." are difficult to better in any way, however Andersson's new film is still as charged with the subtle message and emotion as it's predecessor that it is bound to make you think and entertained at the same time. Some will probably cry more than laugh. But be warned - do not expect the Hollywood style entertainment here! This is slow moving, hidden behind allegory and sarcasm and merciless to narrow mindedness. Watch for the enigmatic last scene ...

Unlike in the tragic case of the "Songs ..." DVD, which have never been released in the UK, this time our dear Artificial Eye have decided to bless us with their superb release of "You the Living" on DVD. It features an excellent anamorphic transfer of the film, the improved 5.1 surround sound (the London's Renoir Cinema theatrical release was only a modest stereo), and a good number of extras where the director's commentary track steals the shows. This is particularly special knowing that AE almost never manages (or does not want) to obtain director's commentaries.

All in all for some the combination of a new Andersson's film (first in seven years) and its release on DVD in the UK will be a recommendation enough to spend £12, for the others ... renting it first might be the best option.

Not a masterpiece, but worth seeing
This surrealistic, absurdist movie is the first film I have seen of cult Swedish Director Roy Andersson. He is a veteran filmmaker who has made his living filming commercials, directing only four feature films in the last forty years. This background shows: the film seems like a collection of fifty 2 minute arty commercials. There is no story interconnecting these vignettes, though some characters appear in more than one vignette (there is a theme throughout underneath them, though: the absurdity of modern life). Some of the film's mannerisms (having the actors appear in light white makeup) are more irritating than illuminating. Some of the skits amount to very little (a man unsure in which queue to stand?). Other skits are better, though. The best is the one about the rock chick dreaming that she goes on honeymoon with her rock guitarist bride on a house that turns on something akin to a train (you have to watch it to get it). A film worth seeing, even if comparisons made by some film critics with such great filmmakers as Keaton, Tati and Kaurismaki seems overwrought: Andersson lacks the vision of them and the lack of a story interconnecting the vignettes is fatal to this film's pretension of being a masterpiece.

A beautiful humanist treat.
What a fantastic film, hilarious, surreal but tantalisingly close to the realities of the human condition. Andersson emerses his vignettes in washed out pastel shades, minimalist decor and diverse cinematographic techniques. There is so much to enjoy in this work. The characters are lovable and delicously deadpan which for me reflected a gentle form of mannerism. I adored the petulant dog, the dream sequences, the military band, the haircut, the burnt out psychiatrist, the self-pitying biker type and the thuderstorm. Andersson's humanity is clearly expressed and the everyday disappointments we all face are seen through the lens of a compassionate camera: the carpet that's not long enough, unrequited love, noisy neighbours, crowded bus shelters, traffic jams and troublesome family members.