Songs from the Second Floor (2000)

Where are we humans going? A film poem inspired by the Peruvian poet César Vallejo. We meet people in the city. People trying to communicate, searching compassion and get the connection of small and large things.

Director:

Roy Andersson

Writer:

Roy Andersson

Stars:

Lars Nordh, Stefan Larsson, Bengt C.W. Carlsson

9 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lars Nordh	...	Kalle
Stefan Larsson	...	Stefan
Bengt C.W. Carlsson	...	Lennart
Torbjörn Fahlström	...	Pelle Wigert
Sten Andersson	...	Lasse
Rolando Núñez	...	Immigrant (as Rolando Nunez)
Lucio Vucina	...	The magician
Per Jörnelius	...	The sawed man / volunteer
Peter Roth	...	Tomas
Klas-Gösta Olsson	...	The speechwriter / Colonel (as Klas Gosta Olsson)
Nils-Åke Eriksson	...	Patient
Hanna Eriksson	...	Mia
Tommy Johansson	...	Uffe
Sture Olsson	...	Sven
Fredrik Sjögren	...	TheHanged Russian boy

Storyline

A film poem inspired by the Peruvian poet César Vallejo. A story about our need for love, our confusion, greatness and smallness and, most of all, our vulnerability. It is a story with many characters, among them a father and his mistress, his youngest son and his girlfriend. It is a film about big lies, abandonment and the eternal longing for companionship and confirmation.

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Plot Keywords:

black comedy | surrealism | female nudity | human sacrifice | crucifix | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

It took director Roy Andersson four years to complete this film.

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Quotes

Kalle: What can I say? It's not easy being human.

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Connections

Followed by A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)

User Reviews

A great tonic for those tired of formula

Of the 11 films I saw at this years Vancouver International Film Festival, this was one of the best. Definitely not a film for the masses, but if you're tired of seeing so-so hollywood formula and you and don't mind a shot of bizarre, then this is the film for you. I doubt it will come back for a commercial run, as it is not the kind of film the multiplex crowd would appreciate. If, however, like me, you are a fan of Terry Gilliam and don't mind a slower pace, there is much to recommend this film. Made up of a series of short vignettes, some related and some not, it weaves a story of apocalyptic chaos. A story some of us were expecting to happen Jan.1,2000.

The unmoving camera stares into the lives of a society on the brink. Maybe ours in the near future. A movie that will demand discussion afterwards.A bomb shelter in the blighted landscape of Californication.

Details

Country:

Sweden Norway Denmark

Language:

Swedish Russian

Release Date:

6 October 2000 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Songs from the Second Floor

Filming Locations:

Mysinge, Kalmar län, Sweden

Box Office

Gross USA:

$80,334

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$80,334

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arte France Cinéma, Canal+, Coproduction Office

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1