I went to see this movie because I heard a lot of news about it and knowing the book was quite successful. Knowing it was directed by Reinout Oerlemans I had some doubts but anyway I thought I should see it with an open mind. It totally disappointed me and did not reach a level above the average soap opera.
First the character Stijn. He started out in the movie as a good looking guy working in an advertising company. The movie pretends he is a 'succesfull' guy but in reality he is an empty headed person not even past his puberty making dumb commercials and cheating on his wife without any remorse. It is not even clear why he loves her, the only thing mentioned she is good-looking and sexy and probably that is the only thing that matters in Stijn's mind. Stijn's cheating goes on through all the movie and only the in the end when is wife is dying he becomes loyal for a short period. Actually he is quite lucky she dies and does not have a chronic disease, shortly after her death he calls Roos to make up probably.
Then Carmen, she seems to be a bit more smart and emotionally developed than her husband but still accepts his cheating. At one point she seems to get wise and wants a divorce. Unfortunately she is not that strong willed and it takes Stijn not more than a few days to talk her out of it. Yes he again gets away with his cheating as real womanizer should, is he supposed to be 'cool' for this or just a jerk who does not respect women !?!? I still can't understand what their happiness consists of besides a self-indulgent feeling of having an important or good career, yuppie friends and parties, and of course their daughter. To me they seem two under aged children not able commit to each other and to develop a relationship which goes deeper than sex and having a laugh together.
Finally I also have some good points about the movie, there are some nice scenes especially by Carmen (Carice van Houten), the first is the car scene and the second of course the dying scene which are both well acted a filmed and actually give some worth to the movie. Another strong point is the speed of the story and the cool disco and sex scenes, they give some of the younger audience some entertainment although they distract from the main storyline. My conclusion is that it will be a nice flick for the 16 year old-s, but anyone over 25 with any intelligence should avoid this !
First the character Stijn. He started out in the movie as a good looking guy working in an advertising company. The movie pretends he is a 'succesfull' guy but in reality he is an empty headed person not even past his puberty making dumb commercials and cheating on his wife without any remorse. It is not even clear why he loves her, the only thing mentioned she is good-looking and sexy and probably that is the only thing that matters in Stijn's mind. Stijn's cheating goes on through all the movie and only the in the end when is wife is dying he becomes loyal for a short period. Actually he is quite lucky she dies and does not have a chronic disease, shortly after her death he calls Roos to make up probably.
Then Carmen, she seems to be a bit more smart and emotionally developed than her husband but still accepts his cheating. At one point she seems to get wise and wants a divorce. Unfortunately she is not that strong willed and it takes Stijn not more than a few days to talk her out of it. Yes he again gets away with his cheating as real womanizer should, is he supposed to be 'cool' for this or just a jerk who does not respect women !?!? I still can't understand what their happiness consists of besides a self-indulgent feeling of having an important or good career, yuppie friends and parties, and of course their daughter. To me they seem two under aged children not able commit to each other and to develop a relationship which goes deeper than sex and having a laugh together.
Finally I also have some good points about the movie, there are some nice scenes especially by Carmen (Carice van Houten), the first is the car scene and the second of course the dying scene which are both well acted a filmed and actually give some worth to the movie. Another strong point is the speed of the story and the cool disco and sex scenes, they give some of the younger audience some entertainment although they distract from the main storyline. My conclusion is that it will be a nice flick for the 16 year old-s, but anyone over 25 with any intelligence should avoid this !