No. 78 (2023) SICK OF MYSELF. Nov. 1st.

 

Film No. 78  (2023)  November 1st.  2:40 PM  LUNA LEEDERVILLE,  Cine 1, Leederville.

 

"Narcissists are the ones who make it!" (Signe comments on the people she notices, who most represent who she aspires to become).

WINNER: Best Feature (Krostoffer Borgli) Volladolid IFF. NOMINEE Un Certain Regard Award (Kristoffer Borgli) Cannes IFF.

I so look forward to the line up of Un Certain Regard nominees from the Cannes IFF each year. That line up always gives a cross-section of fresh films headed for cinema release. In 2022 there was the Scandi/French epic GODLAND and the mysterious Australian drama, THE STRANGER. Both impressive.  SICK OF MYSELF was also there. It has been a late starter as far as international distribution is concerned but late starter or not, the wait has been worth it.

In a world now inundated with young people wanting to be noticed , we meet Signe (Kristine Thorp). We are not meant to like Signe. We feel for her plight as an indecisive, apprentice narcissist. She is a young girl who can't find a way to realise her full potential through hard work and imagination, so she gives into the premise "if you can't beat them, join them".  It's a bad move.  Kristoffer Borgli controls his film and us meticulously.  We become witness to a "car crash". 

The "car crash" that is Signe and her journey of self-destruction cleverly holds a mirror up the vulnerable many who crave attention. The jealousy so many vulnerable people feel as they watch others who they perceive to be popular can be corrosive to the mind. Feeling comfortable about ones self, takes skill. Positive self-awareness skills.  Borgli makes no bones about his view on this subject. The brilliance here comes through his delivery. Laugh out loud scenes, as we laugh at Signe changing physically, pose insightful questions. Is some of his audience laughing at friends or indeed themselves as they reflect on personal experiences? 

For those who cringed but were also entertained by INGRID GOES WEST (2017), don't miss, SICK OF MYSELF. These films are great examples of the Educainment genre. Films with a real message which sits within for days. 10GUMS.