I can understand the studio's apprehension to show this film in the States. After all, it lacks the story elements that are supposed to make a film marketable. The only thing it does have is fantastic writing (from a play by Henrik Ibsen) and a story that has a lot to say about human nature and the destructive power of the people.
This story is set in Norway in the 19th century. A town is anticipating becoming rich as a spa town and there is a minor unanticipated glitch. The doctor who works for the spa owners (Steve McQueen) had the water tested and has found it's filled with harmful bacteria which is the result from runoff from a nearby tannery. At first, most of the folks he tells seem appreciative that this was discovered. But over time, selfish self-interest turns the town into a lynch mob and the power of the majority turns out to be a dangerous thing.
This story is a HUGE change of pace for McQueen and it is relatively slow paced. But it also is brilliant and incredibly insightful...and packs a very, very strong emotional impact as you watch. Exceptional and well worth seeing...even if it is among McQueen's least known films.
This story is set in Norway in the 19th century. A town is anticipating becoming rich as a spa town and there is a minor unanticipated glitch. The doctor who works for the spa owners (Steve McQueen) had the water tested and has found it's filled with harmful bacteria which is the result from runoff from a nearby tannery. At first, most of the folks he tells seem appreciative that this was discovered. But over time, selfish self-interest turns the town into a lynch mob and the power of the majority turns out to be a dangerous thing.
This story is a HUGE change of pace for McQueen and it is relatively slow paced. But it also is brilliant and incredibly insightful...and packs a very, very strong emotional impact as you watch. Exceptional and well worth seeing...even if it is among McQueen's least known films.