Review of Flickering Lights (2000) by Jeff B — 17 Feb 2016

I see this film listed under documentary, drama, action & adventure, comedy. But they missed it. This is nothing if not a psychological thriller, emphasis on psychological. Torkild (Soren Pilmark) is the papa bear. He's just turned 40 and is feeling the pull to settle down. Of course, his girlfriend leaving him only puts salt in the wound. His aggravation is palpitate when Stefan and his girlfriend go at it upstairs in the restaurant while the boys watch a movie below. But then maybe papa bear is not only jealous of one of his wards obtaining intimacy where he couldn't, but are his father instincts kicking in as well?

So this psychological profile of a bunch of psychotics, takes on more intrigue when looked at in this manor. We see how important the father, or lack of father figure plays in the film. For instance, for Arne, Torkild's controlling demeanour is too reminiscent of his own father, but he finds release in the older Alfred taking Arne under his wing when they go hunting so that Arne can "work off" his frustration. After, the oft aggravated Arne is found almost serene and Zen like.

Peter, on the other hand, is the stable psychotic, if you will. He just goes along with most of the insanity, neither blowing up or getting too low. These boys certainly have the makings of career criminals, but it's the coming together of all and their need to grow beyond mere corruption and crime, to take on greater meaning in their lives that actually pulls them together and the film as well. Nothing sensational here. A bit slow at times and disengaging, but enough going on to help one see it through to the end.