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Berlin Film Festival Reviews

Posted: Thurs., Feb. 7, 2008, 3:55pm PT

Gothenburg

Leo

(Sweden)

By ALISSA SIMON

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A Sonet Films release of a Memfis Film production. (International sales: Trust Film, Hvidovre, Denmark.) Produced by Anna Anthony. Executive producer, Lars Jonsson. Co-producers, Gunnar Carlsson, Tomas Eskilsson, Peter Aalbaek Jensen. Directed, written, edited by Josef Fares.

With: Leonard Terfelt, Shahab Salehi, Josef Fares, Sara Edberg, Eva Fritjofson, Dragomir "Gago" Mrsci, Pavle Kukulj, Jan Fares, Modjtaba Mortezavi.

A victim of random violence becomes obsessed with vengeance in "Leo," the edgy fourth feature by versatile Swedish helmer Josef Fares ("Zozo," "Kops," "Jalla! Jalla!"). Shot handheld on DV (in nearly Dogma 95-style), realistic examination of the male psyche effectively dramatizes the futility of revenge. Low-budget pic's second half feels as though it makes a wrong turn, but proves gripping nonetheless. Hard-hitting drama opened in Sweden in November and amassed noms for top national awards; arthouse berths and additional fest action should follow Berlin Forum showcase.

Intense first act unfolds during and after the eponymous protag's 30th birthday party. Chef Leo (Leonard Terfelt) celebrates this milestone with g.f. Amanda (Sara Edberg) and best pals Shahab (Shahab Salehi) and Josef (helmer Fares).

Heading home through the deserted Stockholm streets, the happy (and slightly drunk) couple accidentally run afoul of fearsome Eastern Europe gangsters (Dragomir "Gago" Mrsci, Pavle Kukulj). Chilling encounter irrevocably changes Leo's life.

Remainder of the pic chronicles Leo's attempts to deal with grief and guilt, and his buddies' debating the boundaries of friendship. But after the naturalism of the first half, the ultimate choice to meet violence with violence feels false and freighted with implausibilities.

Fares' script reportedly grew out of 30th-birthday conversations with real-life friends, who act convincingly in the leading roles, as does the helmer in his first substantial thesping job. Fares' father Jan (who appeared in his first two features) makes another strong impression as Josef's father.

Visceral, desaturated-color widescreen lensing by Fares regular Aril Wretblad and kinetic editing keep auds on the edge of their seats throughout the pic's short running time.

Camera (color, DV-to-35mm, widescreen), Aril Wretblad; music, Jon Ekstrand; art director, Sara Ejevam; costume designer, Mimmi Harms Oredsson; sound (Dolby Digital) Jon Ekstrand; assistant director, Abbe Hassan. Reviewed at Gothenburg Film Festival (Swedish Films of 2007), Feb. 1, 2008. (Also in Berlin Film Festival -- Forum; Stockholm Film Festival -- Opening Night.) Running time: 75 MIN.

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