It's not easy for a child to overcome parents' expectations. In 'Mr. Bjarnfredarson,' we follow three adult men who can't find any happiness or even stability in their lives unless or until they do become their own persons and follow their own paths, and leave their parent's influences behind.
Georg (Jon Gnarr) was raised by a zealot of a single mother (Agusta Eva Erlendsdottir) who molded him from infancy to follow feminist theory, green politics and organic dieting -- all great causes, but stunting in their application on a small child, and possibly intentionally punishing. And as awful as she was to him, she was a lamb compared to her father. Daniel (Jorunder Ragnarsson) lives a secret life, unbeknownst to his parents and even his wife. Rather than follow the prescribed career as a doctor for which he was bred since childhood, he goes to art school. Olafur (Petur Johann Sigfusson) never wanted to do anything with his life, but accidentally found his calling as a radio personality. Now he has to deal with job satisfaction.
It's no wonder all three met in prison. the offenses are vague and unimportant to the plot except that they were unable to live in society as adults. Upon each man's release, it's again no wonder they are drawn to each other, if not by friendship, then by similar problems. Georg is overbearing, obnoxious and compulsive, so disliked he was released from prison early just to get rid of him. Daniel lives in fear of being found out by his family, constantly having to sidestep situations that may expose him. Olafur is a slacker who mooches off others and is adept in finding excuses. None have any social skills.
Their progress in finding themselves (a term I finally empathize with) and happiness is often painful, humorous, and rewarding for themselves and the audience. This film was a group effort with the director also writing along with many of the cast members, and was developed from a successful Icelandic television series in which they all rose to fame. So, it was well researched and the characters were well developed. Unfortunately, there is not much of Iceland to see in this film. I always look forward to Icelandic films because I find it a mystical and extraordinary place. Seems Director Ragnar Bragason and cinematographer Bergsteinn Bjorgulfsson were rightfully more interested in telling this very human story and not making a travelogue. I can understand that. San Francisco backdrops often overwhelm films, boosting tourism at the cost of the story.
Mr. Bjarnfredarson (Iceland)
Director: Ragnar Bragason
Writer: Ragnar Bragason, Johann Aevar Grimsson, Jon Gnarr, Petur Johann Sigfusson, Jorundur Ragnarsson
Cast: Jon Gnarr, Joerunder Ragnarsson, Petur Johann Sigfusson, Agusta Eva Erlendsdottir, Margret Helga Johannsdottir, Sara Margret Nordahl
Time: 109 min.
Playing in the Mill Valley Film Festival at the Rafael on October 10, 8:30 pm, and Sequoia on Octobver 16, 3:15
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