Anders Matthesen: Anden paa coke? (2006 Video) User Reviews

What to expect is difficult both to know and to say

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 8/10 · 7 January 2009]

I didn't know an awful lot about this, going in. That was the point. The cover is about as sparse as it could be, and intentionally so. It lets you know what there is on the disc apart from the title, aspect ratio, running time and such. There is, however, no description of it, the press reviews that we so often see stuck on the outside of releases are limited to their rating, no words, and there are few, and inconclusive, images. If you are reading this hoping to learn what this actually is, I shall waste no more of your time: You won't find anything of the sort here. I don't believe you're supposed to, if you haven't discovered it on your own. I will say that if you think of Matthesen as nothing other than a stand-up comedian, this was not meant for you. This is also conceptual, and different. He has a point, as always. He has something to say, and if you consider yourself open to food for thought, you may very well find it poignant(whether or not it's his best is debatable), if not necessarily pleasant. And this is funny, mostly(certainly when he intends it to be, almost invariably). At times, it is impeccably so. It's always interesting. It's got more of a set than I've seen him on before(though I have not seen Simon Spies yet). He gets goofy at times, like he has before, and the aggressive style he is so known for is definitely present here. Slapstick is added. This may be his biggest stage production thus far. It's well-planned and clearly practiced and refined. It holds self-irony, and in general some toying with the reality and the form. The focus is placed, as confusing as it may sound, on there not appearing to be any. This has an intense pace, and a feeling of restlessness, and they are constant. This can be straining, whether or not it's overwhelmingly so is a possible subject of discussion. Audio and picture quality are marvelous. The DVD contains a documentary about the making of as well as a commentary track(where he is unmistakably himself), and they are entirely worth it, informational and well-done. I recommend this to fans of Anden, but if you're only in it for the performances we're used to from him on a stage, I'd suggest putting on one of his other, older ones. Not everyone is going to like this. 8/10