Morlang (2001)

Director:

Tjebbo Penning

Writers:

Matthew Faulk (co-writer)
Tjebbo Penning (writer)

Release Date:

22 November 2001 (Netherlands)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Inspired by true events, a chilling psychological drama. A couple's secret pact takes an unexpected, sinister turn.

Plot Keywords:

Psychological Drama | Art | Dutch People Speaking English | Jealousy | Betrayal

Awards:

2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Paul Freeman	...	Julius Morlang
Diana Kent	...	Ellen Morlang
Susan Lynch	...	Ann Morlang
Eric van der Donk	...	Wim Giel
Marcel Faber	...	Robert Jansen
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Huib Broos	...	Peter
Porgy Franssen	...	Doctor
Joe Gallagher	...	Policeman
Freida Hand	...	Custom officier
Maximo Mewe	...	Spanish Gallery Owner
Nora Mullens	...	Nurse 1
Paddy O'Conell	...	Custom officier
Elvira Out	...	Nurse 2
Derek Reid	...	Custom officier
Saskia Rinsma	...	Heleen
Edward Stelder	...	Annoying artist
Robine van der Meer	...	Spanish girlfriend

Runtime:

USA:94 min (Tribeca Film Festival)

Country:

Netherlands

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Netherlands:AL | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland

Company:

Phanta Vision Film International B.V.

Starts off very slowly but fortunately the excitement and script builds--so DON'T touch that remote!

This Dutch film was made mostly in Ireland--an interesting pedigree for a film! This is a very strange film for American audiences because the style is so alien compared to Hollywood's fare. Instead of starting with a bang like most films, this one very slowly unfolds--giving you more and more insight into the characters and plot over the course of the film. Unfortunately, people who expect to see lots of action or plot early on might be tempted to turn off the film. I must admit that I was a bit irritated because a half hour into the movie I still didn't see where this film was headed. However, in hindsight, this is the beauty of MORLANG. Its slow and artistically handled script worked well once I let go of my need for immediate clarity.

The title character, Morlang, is a famous modern artist whose life seems rather ideal at first. He is successful, has a lovely young girlfriend (or bride--they never made this clear) and lives in a nice home along the cliffs of the Irish coast. However, into his almost ideal world come bizarre and cryptic messages from an unknown person. These messages concern the death of his wife and at first the work seem like that of a mad man or person who is just a jerk. However, why he is being stalked and persecuted is slowly revealed--showing that there is far more to the story than just some bizarre fan harassing him. This led to many unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing--something that doesn't happen enough in films. As a result, the plot seems more intellectually stimulating and fascinating than anything else. While I could tell you a lot more about the plot, I won't, as it might spoil your viewing.

By the way, I really liked some of Morlang's art. I don't know who really did the pieces, but some of his canvases were really exceptional--particularly the nude self-portrait. Because we got to see Morlang work during the film, the movie reminded me a bit of the amazing Alec Guinness classic, THE HORSE'S MOUTH--though in most other ways, these are very, very different films.

Also, parents be forewarned--the subject matter gets very adult AND there's some graphic male nudity. It was appropriate to the film, so it wasn't necessarily objectionable--but I doubt if most parents want their kids seeing frontal nudity of old men.