The Commune

The Commune, a Danish film released in 2016, delves into the labyrinth of human relations and the complexity of collective living. Directed by the highly praised Thomas Vinterberg, this riveting drama takes its viewers on a tumultuous journey of love, sorrow, and camaraderie. The powerful performances of the lead characters - Fares Fares, Ulrich Thomsen, and Trine Dyrholm are particularly noteworthy and add significant depth to the narrative.

Set against the backdrop of 1970s Copenhagen, The Commune primarily follows the life of a well-to-do couple, Erik, an architecture professor played by Ulrich Thomsen, and Anna, a popular television newscaster played by Trine Dyrholm. When Erik inherits his father's enormous mansion, Anna suggests they invite friends and some new faces to share the house and form a commune, instead of selling it off.

The film captures the spirit of the era and the rebellious atmosphere prevailing during the times, embracing an environment of free love and liberation. The idea of living collectively in 'communes' was gaining momentum in Europe during the 70s, particularly among the younger, more liberal folks who were looking for alternatives to the conventional nuclear family structure and the restrictive societal norms.

The couple, along with their teenage daughter Freja, start on their avant-garde social experiment. Together with likeminded odd souls, they form their little world in the mansion, vowing to build a space that thrives on cohabitation, dialogue, and mutual sharing. The film brilliantly shows the initial days of utopian dreams and excitement; everyday life is filled with chit chats, meal preparations, wine nights, and house chores. The essence of cooperative living is eloquently captured in these scenes.

However, it soon becomes evident that living in a commune is laden with challenges. While the arrangement works well in good times, the complexities of human emotions, especially jealousy and rivalry, start seeping into their harmonious living. The actors beautifully portray the emotional highs and lows of their characters, making the audience experience a spectrum of emotions ranging from laughter to tears.

Ulrich Thomsen's character, Erik, is captivating as he grapples with the challenges the commune presents. As the man of the house, Erik embodies a range of emotions, from indecisiveness to dominance. Trine Dyrholm brings to life the character of Anna, a woman who initially conceives the idea of the commune but later finds herself in a personal and emotional turmoil. Her portrayal of a woman battling her insecurities deserves a special mention. Fares Fares, known for his nuanced acting, adds another layer of dynamism to the movie.

The strength of the movie lies not only in the captivating performances but also in the director's skill in dealing with a challenging subject. Thomas Vinterberg masterfully guides his characters through the chaos and dysfunction to offer a poignant examination of the human condition. As a co-founder of the Dogme 95 Movement, Vinterberg consistently illustrates his exceptional ability to handle dramatic plots in this film. Despite its dramatic moments, the film also has an underlying subtle humor that keeps the viewers engrossed.

The Commune also touches upon the themes of growing up and the shifting dynamics of parent-child relationships, seen through the eyes of Freja. The character, played by Martha Sofie Wallstrøm Hansen, experiences her adolescence amidst the chaos and madness of the commune.

From a cinematic perspective, the film celebrates the 70's aesthetics with Vinterberg's keen attention to period detail. Moreover, the cinematography by Jesper Tøffner effectively brings out the emotional depth and realism that the storyline demands. The movie also boasts of a stirring soundtrack that resonates with the era and the spirit of the film.

The Commune is a thought-provoking exploration of ideals, relationships, compromises, and personal transformations that arise within a collective living arrangement. It offers an intriguing insight into the concept of communal living, which often challenges the conventional wisdom of individualistic societies. With its deeply humanist approach, the film serves as a gripping interpretation of an era that dared to dream of a different way of living and loving.