Saturday, May 21, 2022
flickfeast
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Festivals
  • FrightFeast
  • Spotlight
  • Contribute
  • Submissions
    • Advertise on Flickfeast
    • Submit a Film
No Result
View All Result
flickfeast
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Festivals
  • FrightFeast
  • Spotlight
  • Contribute
  • Submissions
    • Advertise on Flickfeast
    • Submit a Film
No Result
View All Result
FLICKFEAST
No Result
View All Result
Home Feature

The Fat and The Angry (2014)

Chris Binding by Chris Binding
July 4, 2014
in Feature, Film Review, Spotlight
15
SHARES
1.5k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

As one of the unintentional blunders of Edinburgh International Film Festival 2014, director Johan Renck’s Swedish language television epic The Fat and The Angry became lost in translation after a subtitle problem left dissatisfied punters leaving in droves. However, as testament to Renck’s gritty noir, several people (including myself) returned for later screenings with great anticipation for the cheap thrills and complex plotlines of the ambitious crime saga. The sheer scale of Goodfellas combined with the subjective narration of Fight Club if you like.

As an individual who has dipped his directorial fingers in shows such as Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead and Bates Motel, Johan Renck’s The Fat and The Angry mirrors the atmospheric and cinematic sensibilities of high – end American TV productions, exploring the dark side of Sweden’s second largest city Gothenburg in a true case of criminal corruption, credit card duplication and global information fraud. Screened as a 2 part TV programme collectively running over three hours, perhaps my initial gripe was the sheer amount of characters and factions who continuously enter the fray – from corporate bankers and Russian mobsters to violent thugs and corrupt politicians –  forcing you to escalate your attention as allegiances change and relationships evolve. However tying the story together is a True Detective style police interrogation with unassuming suspect (Jonathan Anderson), forced to recount the many angles of the fraud operation under fear of American extradition laws. This style is perhaps the most appealing element of The Fat and the Angry, as retrospective storytelling stylishly dips in and out of scenarios informing the bigger picture, while simultaneously providing ambiguity towards characters in the present.

You might also like

Benediction (2021) — Film Review

100 Greatest Movies (and 50 Honorable Mentions)

The Innocents (2021) – Film Review

The-Fat-And-The-Angry-still-2

Watching The Fat and The Angry is definitely a matter of playing the long game and beyond the slick incendiary event drama are subtle moments and clues that make the whole experience that little bit more rewarding. While some characters remain stock clichés, others are a pleasure to spend time with: from Gustaf Skarsgard’s flash gum chewing mobster to Liv Mijones Swedish interrogator. The more violent characters are also satisfyingly fleshed out by seeing elements of their home lives – which in true Scorsese style – is always a great touch. As a continuation of the themes of Swedish EIFF 2013 film Call Girl dramatizing the real events of child prostitution and political corruption, Johan Renck’s expands this in a world where money is power, fear is currency and everything is connected. With an opening credits combining archival footage, political narration on social reform and a thumping electronic score, the TV show wears its satirical intentions on its sleeve and (literally) refuses to pull any punches.

With Swedish language movie series The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo seamlessly crossing borders without the need for a Fincher reboot, I can imagine The Fat and the Angry following in its footsteps. As an intimidating narrative with social commentary, black humour, shocking violence and everything in-between, Renck’s return to Swedish TV is a far more accomplished piece of work than any of his American endeavours, basking in starched colour pallets and taking advantage of his creative freedom from commercial U.S producers. As an unflinching powerhouse with a conclusion echoing the ethical hacktivist movements of today, The Fat and the Angry is a surprisingly gripping slice of television drama that should go down a treat with fans of HBO’s caricatures and stylish programming. Keep an eye on this one. It bites.

Director: Johan Renck
Stars: Jonathan Andersson, Liv Mjönes, Gustaf Skarsgård
Runtime: 180 min
Country: Sweden

Film Rating: ★★★★☆

Tags: Aliette OpheimChris BindingEdinburgh Film festivalEdinburgh International Film FestivalElliott HasselbergEttor Och NollorflickfeastGustaf SkarsgårdJonathan AnderssonLiv MjönesMatias VarelaMåns HerngrenSaid LegueSwedish TVThe Fat and the Angry
Chris Binding

Chris Binding

Film Maker, Film Writer (MA), and Musician. A huge fan of going to film festivals, independent cinemas and films that flirt with the macabre. Just don't ask me what my favorite film is....

Related Posts

Benediction (2021)
Film Review

Benediction (2021) — Film Review

by Jasmine Valentine
May 19, 2022
Top 100 Greatest Movies Films
Spotlight

100 Greatest Movies (and 50 Honorable Mentions)

by David Barwinski
May 20, 2022
The Innocents (2021) – Film Review
Film Review

The Innocents (2021) – Film Review

by William Stottor
May 17, 2022
Father Stu (2022) – Film Review
Film Review

Father Stu (2022) – Film Review

by Dallas King
May 12, 2022
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Film Review

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) — Film Review

by Jasmine Valentine
May 11, 2022

Recommended

Psychomania (1973)

Psychomania (1973)

September 27, 2016

Rampart (2011)

July 9, 2012

Don't miss it

Benediction (2021)
Film Review

Benediction (2021) — Film Review

May 19, 2022
Top 100 Greatest Movies Films
Spotlight

100 Greatest Movies (and 50 Honorable Mentions)

May 20, 2022
The Innocents (2021) – Film Review
Film Review

The Innocents (2021) – Film Review

May 17, 2022
Father Stu (2022) – Film Review
Film Review

Father Stu (2022) – Film Review

May 12, 2022
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Film Review

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) — Film Review

May 11, 2022
The Takedown (2022) – Film Review
Film Review

The Takedown (2022) – Film Review

May 9, 2022
flickfeast

Whetting your appetite for cinema with the best film reviews and features since 2009

© Copyright - flickfeast. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Festivals
  • FrightFeast
  • Spotlight
  • Contribute

© Copyright - flickfeast. All Rights Reserved.

Posting....