The quirky Norwegian film ‘O’Horten’, by award-winning director Bent Hamer, opens at selected cinemas across the UK in May.
The 67-year-old engineer Odd Horten has driven the same train route every day for so long that the rest of his life has become a routine of comfortable rituals. But the time has come for him to retire after 40 years of dutiful service. His orderly, solitary existence is about to give way to a future of perplexing questions. How could Horten get himself in such an awkward situation when he should be celebrating his retirement?
Will Horten ever travel by plane? Will he finally sell his prized boat? How does Horten end up in a pair of women’s red high-heeled shoes? Will he survive a night time drive with a blindfolded man at the wheel? The only thing for certain is that Horten is first in line for some absurd adventures and quirky encounters. And maybe even a new dog and an old love!
‘O’Horten’ is writer-director Bent Hamer's fifth feature film. Hamer’s films have been distributed in more than 50 countries; they have participated in 80 film festivals around the world and have won him some 30 prizes. In addition to his feature films, he has written and directed a number of short films and documentaries.
Hamer’s previous films ‘Factotum’ (2005), ‘Kitchen Stories’ (2003) and ‘Eggs’ (1995) all made their international premiere at the Director's Fortnight in Cannes. ‘Kitchen Stories’ and ‘Eggs’ were both awarded the International Film Critics Prize (FIPRESCI), and ‘Kitchen Stories’ received the Europa Cinemas Prize.
‘O’Horten’
8 May
Opening at selected West End Venues
and selected cinemas nationwide
‘O’Horten’ is an Artificial Eye Release
‘O’Horten’ is writer and director Bent Hamer's fifth feature film. Photo: John Christian Rosenlund