Men Without Women – A Film for Those Odd Late Nights

Alright, so “Men Without Women.” The title alone made me think of my old friend Gunnar from Sundsvall. He used to shout after a couple of Norrlands Guld at the pub: “Who needs women when you have Bergman and a good VHS?” Anyway, this film is a proper oddball, can’t lie about that.

Directed by the always-intriguing Paolo Sorrentino – you never really know what he’ll toss at you, like a pizza without toppings. Jude Law is there, looking like he hasn’t aged since “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and with the same blue-eyed, cheeky stare. And then you get Tilda Swinton, who could act as a pine tree and I’d still believe her. Add producer Nicola Giuliano, who’s basically the king of getting pictures like this made.

Straight up, though, the pacing here… odd. There are scenes where almost nothing happens. You get these long silences, close-ups of men just… staring into space. I think it’s trying to say something deep about loneliness and pretending everything’s fine, especially for us blokes. But sometimes I found myself checking the time, or just wanting a fika break. Actually, had my own mini crisis during the film – realized I was the only one in the biosalong who laughed at that one joke about the dog.

One thing though: the lighting and the music. So moody. Felt like late summer in Skåne when it never gets properly dark, and you’re not sure if you should sleep or go fishing. I half expected someone to whip out a harmonica.

I’ll be honest, didn’t love every bit, but it’s one of those films you keep thinking about – like an old Swedish schlager song you both love and hate. Maybe one to watch on a grey Tuesday and send your own thoughts drifting. Skål for complicated feelings, am I right?

watch the full movie on Mavshack Movies on YouTube

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