Danskjävlar!
My first cinema visit of the year was a four hour celebration of the most important Danish TV series of the 90's (or so I like to believe anyway - and even if it wasn't the most important series of the 90's, it certainly counts as a television event more than a TV series). Cinemateket screened the first four episodes of Lars von Trier's Riget (The Kingdom). They screened a 35mm version of it, the credits were in English, so I assume the prints were originally used for international screenings. I couldn't have asked for a better start to my cinema year. I actually re-watched the first episode just a couple of weeks ago, not knowing that this screening was happening. They are screening the final four episodes of the series next Thursday, and then Riget II a week or so after that - I am so there.
The best comparison I can think of for this series to describe it to someone who hasn't watched it before, is American Horror Story, with a dash of Twin Peaks? Maybe? Yeah, I think that describes it pretty well. Though the actual intro to the show might give you a better idea. Maybe. Maybe not, but the intro music is worth the watch.
Like many other popular Scandinavian shows, Riget got an American remake in 2004, Stephen King wrote the American version, it was called Kingdom Hospital. I've never given it a try, I have absolutely no idea how it compares to the source material. I am sort of scared to even check it out, but I think the curiosity will get the better of me one of these days. My expectations are very low, but who knows - it might be entertaining. In the same way trainwrecks are entertaining.
Ernst-Hugo Järegård's portrayal of Stig Helmer, and the Swedish/Danish rivalry that runs through the veins of that character is such a huge part of Riget - I wonder what they've done with all of that in the American version? Uuugh, I don't even really want to think about it. Järegård's acting in this is so fucking amazing. You just instantly know what his character is thinking, he doesn't even have to say anything. Fucking acting. So awesome.
Upon leaving the cinema, I overheard a couple of people in front of me going, "but this is based on actual events! I have seen a fetus like that!" and I laughed, and I laughed.
The best comparison I can think of for this series to describe it to someone who hasn't watched it before, is American Horror Story, with a dash of Twin Peaks? Maybe? Yeah, I think that describes it pretty well. Though the actual intro to the show might give you a better idea. Maybe. Maybe not, but the intro music is worth the watch.
Click to viewLike many other popular Scandinavian shows, Riget got an American remake in 2004, Stephen King wrote the American version, it was called Kingdom Hospital. I've never given it a try, I have absolutely no idea how it compares to the source material. I am sort of scared to even check it out, but I think the curiosity will get the better of me one of these days. My expectations are very low, but who knows - it might be entertaining. In the same way trainwrecks are entertaining.
Ernst-Hugo Järegård's portrayal of Stig Helmer, and the Swedish/Danish rivalry that runs through the veins of that character is such a huge part of Riget - I wonder what they've done with all of that in the American version? Uuugh, I don't even really want to think about it. Järegård's acting in this is so fucking amazing. You just instantly know what his character is thinking, he doesn't even have to say anything. Fucking acting. So awesome.
Upon leaving the cinema, I overheard a couple of people in front of me going, "but this is based on actual events! I have seen a fetus like that!" and I laughed, and I laughed.