Venice Contender Dag Johan Haugerud Proves There Can Be ‘Love’ After ‘Sex’: ‘They Are Connected’

As a passionate admirer of Dag Johan Haugerud‘s work, I find myself deeply moved by his candid approach to exploring the complexities and nuances of human relationships, particularly in regards to sex, love, and dreams. His trilogy, beginning with “Sex,” followed by “Love,” and concluding with “Dreams,” not only showcases a profound understanding of Norwegian society but also offers a refreshing perspective on these universal themes.

Just like Salt-N-Pepa, Dag Johan Haugerud wants to talk about sex.

“The Norwegian director expressed that if one continually portrays it as something ominous and risky, it’s misleading. He aimed to depict sex as commonplace and routine, without the need for it to seem intimidating or centered around explicit content. To him, it’s just a natural aspect of daily existence,” the director conveyed to EbMaster.

In the sequel titled “Love,” which is a continuation of the acclaimed “Sex” and the second installment of the trilogy that will culminate with “Dreams,” the characters persist in their pursuit of connection while unveiling their deepest desires. They bare their most intimate secrets, creating an intensely personal experience. The world premiere of “Love” takes place in the main competition at Venice.

In my perspective as a film critic, I wholeheartedly agree that the portrayal of physical attraction and the accompanying sensations needs more thoughtful exploration. If we don’t, there’s a risk that these themes could be misunderstood by younger audiences. They might come to associate sex with violence, which is a dangerous misconception perpetuated by media representations.

“Getting these discussions going is a positive first step, as effective communication plays a pivotal role throughout each of the films. The core events often revolve around this aspect!”

“Love,” created by Yngve Saether and Hege Hauff Hvattum through Motlys and distributed by M-Appeal, listens in on dialogues between Marianne (Andrea Braein Hovig), an Oslo doctor, and Tor (Tayo Cittadella Jacobsen), a nurse who works alongside her. Despite Marianne’s assertion that she isn’t interested in thrilling escapades, Tor, who is accustomed to fleeting interactions with men, remains unconvinced.

“Haugerud expresses that the films he creates offer insights into Norwegian society, yet many individuals, excluding those working in hospitals like the two portrayed, tend to harbor fear towards topics such as bodily functions, sexuality, and illness. We seem to lack knowledge on how to handle these subjects, which frequently leads to feelings of embarrassment. He believes this shouldn’t be the case,” suggests a more natural and easily readable paraphrase.

Still, there’s no denying that — according to one of his characters — “a body is a battlefield.”

“In my journey, I stand up against societal ideals of physical perfection, constantly striving to improve and understand my own body better. Each new sexual experience brings unique discoveries, and learning to comprehend my body’s needs is an ongoing process. It’s a challenging battlefield, not just against the world’s expectations, but also within myself.”

He watches over their hardships with a tender and compassionate heart, particularly for his solitary characters.

“A significant aspect of this trilogy revolves around depicting what life could look like when kindness is prioritized. Some might label it as idealistic or a form of utopia, but I believe it’s crucial to demonstrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a dream, but attainable in reality,” he explains.

“I designed this trilogy with the intention that it could one day be screened consecutively, as each film explores the concept of community in our lives. However, it’s important to remember that pure happiness is fleeting. These films also encourage introspection, and I truly hope viewers will ponder life’s mysteries when they exit the theater.”

Despite “Dreams” not yet premiering, Haugerud, who has previously been recognized for “Beware of Children,” is gradually gearing up to release the tales that have occupied much of his recent years.

“It’s like saying goodbye to an old friend,” he laughs.

Initially, I had reservations about labeling these movies as “Sex,” “Love,” and “Dreams” as it might come off as overly grandiose or pompous. However, upon reflection, these terms are quite fitting since they are fundamental aspects of our lives. They’re intricately linked: Love is an essential element in both sex and the concept of dreams.

And who knows? There might be another trilogy in his future.

After wrapping up the third movie, I’ve come to understand that there’s still more to explore. I feel like continuing! Should I manage to secure the funds for it, I may indeed carry on with the project.

2024-08-30 16:17

Venice Contender Dag Johan Haugerud Proves There Can Be ‘Love’ After ‘Sex’: ‘They Are Connected’

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