Norwegian director Joachim Trier is once again in the spotlight during this year’s awards season with his latest film, Sentimental Value, following his previous success with The Worst Person in the World, which received Academy Award nominations for Best International Film and Best Original Screenplay. Sentimental Value, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes, explores complex family dynamics surrounding a father and daughter.
Stellan Skarsgård portrays Gustav Borg, a filmmaker grappling with his relationship with his daughter Nora, played by frequent collaborator Renate Reinsve. Gustav has written a script about his late mother, which he hopes Nora will star in, but she is unwilling to forgive his past absences. Trier emphasizes that the film’s setting, particularly the house where much of the story unfolds, plays a significant role, treating it almost as a character itself. This house may also be recognizable to fans of his earlier work, as it features in Oslo, August 31st, part of his Oslo trilogy.
In a recent discussion, Trier elaborated on his narrative style, referring to a “polyphonic structure” that allows for emotional depth while encouraging audience interpretation. He noted that his team watched various films to inspire their storytelling style, highlighting the importance of human experiences and intimate performances.
While discussing the film’s pacing, Trier mentioned the deliberate use of fades to black, which contribute to transitions between segments without adhering strictly to plot progression. The intention is to foster an engaging viewing experience, evoking emotional responses through moments of silence rather than overt dramatics.
Sentimental Value is currently in theaters, continuing Trier’s exploration of the nuances of familial relationships and the significance of shared spaces in storytelling.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/830079/sentimental-value-joachim-trier-interview