Utilising the combined talents of two of European cinema’s finest talents in the shape of director Susanne Bier (Open Hearts, Brothers) and writer Anders Thomas Jensen (Mifune, Wilbur Wants To Kill Himself), it was hardly a surprise that After The Wedding received an Oscar nomination.
Jensen has always had a knack for the depiction of crisis in middle-class family life, and this tale of Jacob (Mads Mikkelsen), an aid worker in India, who is offered an unconventional donation by businessman Jorgen, is close to perfect in its encapsulation of tragedy, morality and hidden secrets.
Bier captures the sense of intimacy needed with a succession of close-ups that unveil the undercurrent of torment and confusion that each individual suffers. Mikkelsen, predictably cast as a villain in Casino Royale, excels with his stony glare representing defiance against Jorgen’s plans as well as trying to mask his emotions. With such accomplished contributions, After The Wedding deserves its acclaim.
