IMDb >
Aaltra (2004)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsAaltra (2004) More at IMDbPro »
| Videos (see all 2) |
|
Overview
User Rating:
Directors:
Writers:
Release Date:
23 June 2004 (Belgium)
more
Plot:
Mr Vives is not fond of the lazy farmer's hand who keeps blocking the road with his large harvester...
more
| add synopsis
Awards:
4 wins
&
3 nominations
more
User Comments:
A road-movie on wheelchairs
more (16 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Benoît Delépine | ... | L'employé |
| Gustave de Kervern | ... | L'ouvrier agricole (as Gustave K/Vern) |
| Michel de Gavre | ... | Le paysan |
| Gérard Condejean | ... | Le Chinois |
| Isabelle Delépine | ... | L'épouse |
| Pierre Ghenassia | ... | Le patron |
| Fred Martin | ... | Le collègue |
| Jan Bucquoy | ... | L'amant |
| Pierre Carles | ... | Le médecine |
| Céline Normand | ... | Infirmière |
| Martine Peigné | ... | Infirmière |
| Carine Liénard | ... | Infirmière |
| Nathalie Carpentier | ... | Infirmière |
| Dada Avrel | ... | Le kiné |
| Jean-Michel Carlier | ... | Ambulancier bavard |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
France:92 min
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Portugal:M/16 |
Norway:11 |
Argentina:13 |
Netherlands:MG6 |
Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) |
Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) |
UK:15 |
Sweden:7
Company:
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (16 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Aaltra (2004) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Die Blechtrommel | Mio fratello è figlio unico | Ceux qui m'aiment prendront le train | Jamón, jamón | 1969 |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| IMDb Comedy section | IMDb France section | Add this title to MyMovies |
AALTRA (Gustave de Kervern, Benoît Delépine - France/Belgium 2004)
A rare combination of real-life drama and black humor, this low-budget film from Belgium is a treat from start to finish. Shot in b/w Scope, almost every frame of this refreshingly original road-movie on wheelchairs seems to contain a delightful comic set-up, greatly enhanced by the almost minimalist b/w photography.
The story starts in a rural area south of Brussels, where Gus and Ben (played by the writer-directors, K/Vern and Delépine) are neighbors. Gus is a farmer and spends most of his time daydreaming on his tractor. Ben is a commuter, who has trouble at his work in the city and with his marriage. Both are very unhappy with their lives but most off all, the two men work on each other's nerves. One day, as Ben hurries to get to work on the small road leading to their house, Gus willfully obstructs the way with his tractor. Ben climbs on Gus' tractor and starts a fight, part of the machinery falls on top of the men and the next day they wake up in the hospital, paralyzed from the waist down. Gus decides to head for Finland in order to claim indemnity from the tractor company, named Aaltra. What follows is a road-movie on wheelchairs through Europe in order to reach their goal.
What makes the movie so funny is the fact that the two men are in a wheelchair, which makes a perfect setting for many delightful comic situations. Everything simple thing they do, from trying to get money or food to innocent remarks made to strangers, becomes hilarious because of the way everyday people tend to react to the disabled. Most of the humor comes from the difficulties they have to face because of their handicap, which results in a number of very funny encounters. Due to the almost universal belief in the goodness of disabled people in general, Gus and Ben are able to shamelessly take advantage of even the most helpful and friendly persons they encounter. The fact that the two men aren't in the least sympathetic is exactly what gives the film it's edge. They remain malevolent hostile bastards, just as hostile against each other as against the outside world they have to cope with.
Considering it's minimal budget, the cinematography is great. The film is beautifully shot in grainy black-and-white, with many extreme long shots, many of them without dialog. K/Vern and Delépine clearly are talented comedians (especially in silent comic expressions), but they somehow managed (or got the right people to do it for them) to give the film a real cinematographic touch. A unique achievement.
Aki Kaurismäki and Benoît Poelvoorde appear in the film in small roles, although the latter is tough to spot. You have to be familiar with his legs or voice to recognize him.
Camera Obscura --- 9/10