Jonny Vang

Colour, 35 mm
Norway, 2002, 85 min
Section: Another View

Synopsis

Through their own doing, three childhood friends find themselves in a tricky situation. Jonny is Magnus’ best friend, Magnus is the husband of Tuva, and Tuva is Jonny’s lover. The situation comes to a head and Jonny decides to resolve it. Except that, after telling Tuva he is serious about her, someone smashes him over the head. A rifle shot follows which, fortunately, only wounds the young man, then someone wrecks his car and, finally, his compost-worm “farm” burns down. Jonny suspects everyone, but Tuva and Magnus assure him that there isn’t anyone around here who would have a motive for the attacks. And that isn’t all: Tuva discovers that she is pregnant and the father isn’t her husband, it’s Jonny. Friendship, marriage, parenthood and infidelity, it’s all a big test that the three have to undergo. Jonny holds his ground in the front line, even though he knows that life in a small town only seems uncomplicated. This comedy about how nothing is as it seems and that there are always choices although few options, is simply a film about life.

About the director

Jens Lien (b. 1967, Oslo) a Norwegian director, studied at the International Film School in London and in 1993 he graduated with the film Montana. Since then he has been making short films which attracted attention both in Norway and abroad (Shut the Door, Natural Glasses, Dinner at Mom’s). He has also made a series of commercials. Jonny Vang is his feature debut.