In the Swedish city of Lethe, people from different walks of life take part in a series of short, deadpan vignettes that rush past. Some are just seconds long, none longer than a couple of minutes. A young woman remembers a fantasy honeymoon with a rock guitarist. A man awakes from a dream about bomber planes. A businessman boasts about success while being robbed by a pickpocket, and so on. The absurdist collection is accompanied by Dixieland jazz and similar music.
Direction
Andersson's static long takes are instantly iconic.
Production
Each shot built as elaborate diorama — months per scene.
Sound
Jazz clashes beautifully with despairing monologues.
Director
Roy Andersson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Andersson spent years building elaborate studio sets — some shots took months to prepare for mere seconds of screen time.
Part of Andersson's 'Living' trilogy exploring human cruelty and connection; this middle chapter is often considered the most accessible entry point.
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