Starring: Sofia Karemyr, Simon J. Berger, Josefin Asplund
In the 1970's, Sweden had earned itself a reputation of a
progressive utopia. In the final days of the Sexual Revolution, Sweden's
permissive sexual and social policies were admired throughout the world by
liberals. Within this environment, troubled teen Iris (Karemyr) and her friend
Sonja (Asplund) become prostitutes for a notorious pimp (Pernilla August). John
(Berger), an investigator looks into the well-known prostitution ring and
discovers prostitutes, even underage prostitutes, have clients even within the
ruling government as his and Iris' lives collide.
Call Girl is a look into the darker side of the Sexual
Revolution and the notoriously progressive culture of Sweden. An intriguing
subject matter, Call Girl is filled with good performances and a very effective
sense of menace, but is let down by its own ponderous and over-long runtime.
The film has a strong handle on style, presenting the world of Sweden's
political elite as corrupt and greatly decadent, whilst the film also displays
scenes of rather uncomfortable sleaze, helped along by a thumping synth-pop
soundtrack. The occasional aesthetic nods towards exploitation cinema, also
give the film an interesting flavour, even if the film largely makes a point
firmly against exploitation. The plot being so expansive and filled with
convolutions, the characterisations get lost in the flow except for that of
Pernilla August's Dagmar Glans. Part affable mother-figure, part-heartless
monster. Given the film's subject matter this is uncomfortable viewing and it's
also too lengthy, with the film possibly benefitting ifnitnwas some thirty
minutes shorter, but for good or ill, it will make an impact on viewers.
Next time, Matt Damon and Jodie Foster star in the
dystopian sci-fi action film, Elysium; from Neill Blomkamp, director of
District Nine (2009).
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