Introduction to Anders Thomas Jensen
If you have loved a Danish film in the past 20 years, there is a good chance that Anders Thomas Jensen was involved. The prolific Danish screenwriter was a co-author on Susanne Bier’s Oscar winner "In a Better World" (2010) and "Brothers" (2004) and "After the Wedding" (2006), both of which got American remakes. He has also worked with other notable directors such as Nicolaj Arcel and Kristian Levring.
Early Work and Success
Jensen started his career with the 2000 film "Flickering Lights", where four incompetent crooks in the countryside accidentally open a restaurant. His next film, "The Green Butchers" (2003), was darker, with Mads Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas discovering that human meat is a bestseller. This was followed by "Adam’s Apples" (2005), which increased the dysfunction and featured a neo-Nazi, a priest, and various outsiders. A decade later, Jensen released "Men & Chicken" (2015), where five poorly adapted brothers learn that their quirks come from their father’s experiments in a Frankenstein-like style.
Latest Film: The Last Viking
Jensen’s latest film, "The Last Viking", premiered out of competition in Venice and has been sold by Trustnordisk. The film stars Nikolaj Lie Kaas as an anchor, a bank robber whose loot is entrusted to his traumatized younger brother Manfred (Mikkelsen). Until Kaas is released from prison, Manfred – a former Viking militant – has been diagnosed with a dissociative identity disorder and now believes that he is John Lennon. Kaas sees no alternative: he has to find a collection of similarly affected patients – those who believe that they are George, Ringo, and Paul – and bring the Fab Four together again, in the hope of jogging his brother’s memory and finding the money before their past catches up with them.
Inspiration and Creative Process
Jensen spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about how he finds the funny in trauma and how Mikkelsen gives his most challenging role so far. When asked about the spark that initiated the idea for "The Last Viking", Jensen explained that ideas come when he works with them. He wanted to do something about identity, and he had this idea from a boy who always wanted to be a Viking but was not allowed. Jensen sat down with Danish producer Peter Aalbaek Jensen and told him about this old idea that he had about a psychiatrist who puts together the Beatles with people suffering from identity disorders.
Themes and Tone
Jensen’s film deals with people who are on the verge of reason, and he thinks that’s what makes it funny. He’s not trying to mock, but rather to find the absurdity in the situation. The film celebrates the idea that we should all be what we are and that there should be space for everyone. Jensen also explores the conflict between Beatles and ABBA fans, and he admits to being Team Bjorn in the debate. When asked if he sees "The Last Viking" as a spiritual sibling to his previous film "Riders of Justice", Jensen explains that they are very different in structure, but they both deal with people who are on the verge of reason.
Adaptations and Collaborations
Jensen has adapted many of his works, and he’s involved in the remakes to some extent. He usually reads the script and gives his feedback, but he doesn’t try to get too tight. Jensen has learned to let go and trust the directors and producers to do their job. He’s currently writing a few scripts, including one with Arcel, and he’s working with another director, but he won’t give any names yet. Jensen enjoys both writing and directing, and he finds that they complement each other well. Writing is a lonely process, but directing allows him to work with people and bring his ideas to life.
Future Projects
Jensen is now writing a few scripts, and he’s excited to see where they will take him. He’s glad to be alone and focus on his writing after completing "The Last Viking". Jensen’s next directing effort is still in the works, but he’s looking forward to bringing his unique voice and perspective to the project. With his prolific career and versatility as a writer and director, Anders Thomas Jensen is sure to continue making waves in the film industry.
