Fear Me Not (2008)

A man signs up for a test trial of a new anti-depressant as a way to change his life. When the trial is called off, he continues taking the medication with violent results.

Director:

Kristian Levring

Writers:

Anders Thomas Jensen, Kristian Levring

Stars:

Ulrich Thomsen, Paprika Steen, Emma Sehested Høeg

2 wins & 14 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ulrich Thomsen	...	Mikael
Paprika Steen	...	Sigrid
Emma Sehested Høeg	...	Selma (as Emma Sehsted Høeg)
Lars Brygmann	...	Frederik
Stine Stengade	...	Ellen
Josephine Märcher Sandig	...	Pia
Bodil Udsen	...	Edith
Bjarne Henriksen	...	Kenneth
Ole Boisen	...	Rickard (as Ole Gorter Boisen)
Henrik Prip	...	Esben
Jakob Fals Nygaard	...	Tobias
Morten Hauch-Fausbøll	...	Hr. Jørgensen
Charlotte Juul	...	Fru Jørgensen
Elsebeth Nielsen	...	Sygeplejerske
Kim Westi	...	Midaldrende Mand

Storyline

42-year-old Michael needs a change in his life, so when he hears about clinical trials for a new anti-depressant, he signs up to be a guinea pig - without telling his family. Because of dangerous side effects, the trial is subsequently abandoned but Michael continues to take the pills. Having lost all control, Michael's repressed instincts resurface with a force and violence that no-one could have predicted.

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Plot Keywords:

downward spiral | 

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Details

Country:

Denmark

Language:

Danish

Release Date:

19 December 2008 (Denmark)

Also Known As:

Fear Me Not

Filming Locations:

Czech Republic

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$592,494

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sirena Film, Zentropa Entertainments

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

User Reviews

Boundaries

Hitchcock would be proud. The art of hinting within cinema is still alive. This doesn't spell everything out for you. The trailer for this does not do it justice. I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. It is a film about discontentment, control, and the urges and thoughts lying just beneath the surface. I was pleased to find that Anders Thomas Jensen helped write this, as I enjoyed Blinkende Lygter(or Flickering Lights) and Mørke(also known as Murk), the latter in particular. I would say that you can tell that he had a hand in making this. I believe this is the first film by Levring I've seen, but I certainly am taking notice to his directorial style. Interesting choices are made, among other places in framing and cutting. The editing and cinematography are definitely worth attention. The story-telling is very subtle, and the use of narration does not become a crutch. The pacing is spot-on, it never moved too slow or fast. The acting is excellent, every single performance is beyond reproach. Even the kid, and that's not something that happens all that often. The use of music is good. This can be rather intense, and proper care is taken to build up suspense. There is a little sexuality including obscured nudity, as well as a bit of language and bloodless violence in this. I recommend this to anyone who wants the themes explored for 95 minutes, and/or those who dig a great thriller. 8/10