The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

The film The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared is based on the bestselling novel by Jonas Jonasson. This Swedish dark comedy was theatrically released in 2013 and met with considerable success, including being nominated for the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category at the 88th Academy Awards. It stars Robert Gustafsson, known as the funniest man in Sweden, in the lead role, supported by a strong ensemble cast including Iwar Wiklander and David Wiberg.

The film revolves around the extraordinary life of apparently ordinary Allan Karlsson, portrayed by Gustafsson. The plot tells the story of Allan, a spry centenarian who decides he isn't going to make it easy for Death to find him. On the day of his 100th birthday, which is supposed to be celebrated in the old folks' home where he resides, Allan decides to escape. He climbs out of his room's window and embarks on an unintended adventure that involves criminals, a bag of money, an elephant, and an incompetent detective, all while remaining wonderfully unfazed by the growing chaos around him.

Throughout the film, the present-day narrative is interwoven with flashbacks depicting significant events from Allan's past. These episodes, spanning the 20th century, showcase Allan's almost Forrest Gump-like knack for finding himself in the midst of historic events and interacting with towering figures of modern history.

Throughout The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, Gustafsson perfectly portrays the role of the 100-year-old Allan, bringing a surprisingly youthful energy to the character. Iwar Wiklander and David Wiberg, each with their respective roles, support Gustafsson's performance with equal vigor. Wiklander portrays Benny, a lifelong student with a string of incomplete degrees. He becomes Allan's sidekick of sorts, and their chemistry is a treat to watch. Wiberg plays a criminal who gets entangled in their adventures and pursuits.

Director Felix Herngren succeeds in maintaining a consistent comic tone throughout the film. It is done so while tackling a plot that necessitates multiple time period shifts and the introduction of many historical figures, which is no small achievement. Moreover, Herngren and Hans Ingemansson's screenplay adaptation brilliantly transposes Jonasson's plot from page to screen.

The film's cinematography, executed by Göran Hallberg, is another one of its strengths. He depicts the film’s varied locations, from the tranquil beauty of the Swedish countryside to various international locales that Allan was involved in, with equal proficiency.

Yet, the center of it all remains Gustafsson's performance as Allan. With his minimalist expression and delivery of quotidian humor, he paints Allan as a character who is equally bewildering and charming. He is a man who has lived an extraordinary life but wishes to live out his days in peace and simplicity, which is where the comedy derives from.

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared does a commendable job depicting an ordinary man's life through extraordinary circumstances. It reminds viewers about the sheer unpredictability of life and how one can find humor in even the most chaotic circumstances. Its charm lies in its implausible situations and the nonchalant way in which its characters navigate them. The film is a brilliant adaptation of the novel and carries depth despite its comedic surface, making it a must-watch for fans of dark comedy, adventure, and instances of historical fiction mix. Its wonderful storytelling and memorable performances make it a delightful viewing experience that will appeal to a broad audience.