Berlinale 2010: Fantastic Trailer For Norwegian Black Comedy A SOMEWHAT GENTLE MAN

It's the curse of the film market. After four solid days of seeing not a single film that I truly loved at the European Film Market - a discouraging experience when you're packing in four or five screenings a day - day five finally brought success with the market screening of official selection A Somewhat Gentle Man.  A deliciously black comedy starring Stellan Skarsgard as a man freshly released from prison, this one took mere moments to cast its spell and, finally, I had found a film worthy of loving. And, the fates being cruel indeed, I had to leave half an hour early to take an important meeting.  Sigh.

From Norway's Paradox production house - consistent purveyors of quality - and with a cast so strong it can afford to tuck UNO's Aksel Hennie away in a bit part, this is the sort of dark absurdism that would do the Coen Brothers proud. Check the synopsis below and the trailer - English subtitled! - below that.

Ulrik is a somewhat gentle man. Ulrik is a somewhat gentle man. He has no special wishes and makes no demands. He does not give too much thought to what he does either. If he's given some food and a place to sleep, he will give people what they want in return. Whether this be a little affection or a killing. Ulrik has killed some people and crippled a few. Ulrik has killed some people and crippled a few. It's all part of the job when you're a gangster. Just like doing time. Now Ulrik is out again. Reluctantly... And Jensen is waiting on the outside. He's a boss with professional pride, and it is important for Jensen that Ulrik kills the snitch that ratted him out.