You might think that as a movie lover I am always looking forward to the various award shows (Oscars, BAFTA’s, Palme D’Ors and in the Netherlands the Golden Calves), but this isn’t the case at all. I never watch them when they are broadcast and except for maybe having a quick peek at the winners those type of events don’t do anything for me. Of course those awards do mean some extra attention for a movie/director or actor, but in the end it all comes down to politics in choosing the winners. It has often happened that some movies got a ton of awards, but which I didnt enjoy at all. This was also the case with this movie which won prizes for best movie, script and actor.
We Want Cinema had organised a special premiere, within one of the biggest electronics chains in the country (because the main character in the movie, Thijs (Gijs Naber), works there). The audience (including the crew and cast) set on big fatboys watching three ultra-HD screen. It was a unique watching experience in comparison to the normal cinema visits.
Aanmodderfakker is about the 32-year-old Thijs who has been studying for ages, but in practice doesn’t do anything with his life. He works at an electronics store, is always spilling his drinks on his keyboard and doesn’t even own his own washing machines. These events are his only structure in his life. He has no goals, no girlfriend and despite the fact that his parents support him financially he still has a tax debt. When he visits he sister (Anniek Pheifer) he meets the ambitious Lisa (Roos Wiltink), the sixteen year old sister of his brother-in-law. He falls for her, despite the huge age difference. Will he continue his path of wrong decisions of take responsibility.
While watching the movie I was constantly wondering when something actually was going to happen. It quickly became clear that Thijs is lazy and not ambitious, but the movie just keeps giving examples of that. Although the movie isn’t really a romantic comedy, it does contain elements of the genre. The comedy often feels forced and because of that isn’t funny (an example is a scene where Thijs is washing his cousin and doesn’t pay attention).
The whole movie just keep flowing along slowly which never results in exciting moments or huge drama which pulls you in. The acting is fine, and Gijs Naber convincingly get into the skin of a man who doesn’t care about anything and runs away from any responsibility (he reminded me a bit of Ron Livingston in Office Space). Roos Wiltink too, as the spontaneous teenager is fun to watch, but the movie itself was challenging to finish. After the movie I couldn’t help but wonder why this movie won the Golden Calve for best movie. Did I miss something others did see or does this say something about the way a winner is picked for the award?
