Life, Crisis, and Embracing the Uncontrollable: A Conversation with Thomas Vinterberg and Mads Mikkelsen

TLDRIn this interview, director Thomas Vinterberg and actor Mads Mikkelsen discuss their film 'Another Round' and its exploration of mid-life crisis, embracing risk, and the liberating power of alcohol.

Key insights

🎬The film 'Another Round' goes beyond a mid-life crisis, exploring how people of all ages can feel that life becomes repetitive and monotonous.

🍻Alcohol is portrayed as a way to create weightlessness and ecstasy, allowing characters to momentarily lose control and embrace life.

🔄The film challenges the notion of needing a crisis to make changes in life, suggesting that rethinking one's routine can lead to reawakening and reevaluation.

😊Thomas Vinterberg's approach of not judging the characters allows the audience to empathize and relate to the struggles and dilemmas portrayed in the film.

🎥The film draws inspiration from Italian directors like Federico Fellini and focuses on embracing life's highs and lows, finding the balance between control and letting life happen.

Q&A

Is 'Another Round' only about a mid-life crisis?

No, the film explores how people of all ages can feel trapped in repetitive and monotonous lives, and the characters use alcohol as a way to break free and embrace life.

Does the film romanticize alcohol consumption?

The film portrays the liberating effects of alcohol but also shows the risks and consequences. It's not intended to promote or romanticize excessive drinking.

What is the main message of 'Another Round'?

The film encourages viewers to reevaluate their routines and find the balance between control and letting life surprise them. It's about embracing the uncontrollable and finding moments of ecstasy.

Why does Thomas Vinterberg choose not to judge the characters?

By not passing judgment, Vinterberg allows the audience to relate to the characters' struggles and dilemmas, fostering empathy and a deeper connection with the story.

What are the main inspirations for 'Another Round'?

The film draws inspiration from Italian directors like Federico Fellini, whose films often capture the essence of life and celebrate both its sorrows and joys.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Director Thomas Vinterberg and actor Mads Mikkelsen discuss the themes of their film 'Another Round', which goes beyond a mid-life crisis, exploring the monotony and repetitiveness of life.

03:10The film portrays alcohol as a way to create weightlessness and ecstasy, allowing characters to momentarily lose control and embrace life.

05:30The film challenges the notion that a crisis is necessary for change, suggesting that rethinking routines can lead to reawakening and reevaluation.

07:45Vinterberg's approach of not judging the characters allows the audience to empathize and relate to their struggles.

09:40The film draws inspiration from Italian directors like Federico Fellini, focusing on embracing life's highs and lows and finding the balance between control and letting life happen.