One of the major issues in the history of anthropology is the question of whether or not an outside observer can "objectively" report on the culture and values of a society in which s/he is not a member. On a certain level, Bent Hamer's "Kitchen Tales" is a fable or parable about the difficulties faced by anthropologists, sociologists, and other social scientists as they go about their work. On another level, the film works as a wry commentary on the history of Norwegian/Swedish relations. On yet another level, Hamer investigates the pride and modesty which keeps people apart from one another. There is a fair amount of absurdist comedy in the script, but also mixed in is a blend of emotion and sentiment. Perhaps if David Lynch collaborated with Garrison Keillor to produce a story about Norwegian-American bachelor farmers, they might come up with something like this. The film starts slowly; the first reel drags a bit, so to speak. But the acting, particularly in the last twenty minutes, is very compelling. This modest, low-budget, and somewhat sparse film presents a true slice of Norwegian tradition; nonetheless, it resonates far beyond its Scandinavian setting.
Review of Salmer fra kjøkkenet
