Waltz for Monica

I left the theater smiling. It's rare that I get to see a truly good movie, but even more rare than that is that I see a truly good Swedish film.

Monica Z is a biography movie about the Swedish Jazz-singer, actress and variety performer Monica Zetterlund. It begins with the words "Freely based on the life of Monica Zetterlund" and after that tells a story of a talented but self-destructive singer who struggles to get the man she loves and, more importantly, the respect of her father. The film succeeds where so many biography movies fail. Instead of trying to squeeze an entire lifetime in roughly two hours this one has a clear story arc and focuses on a short period in the persons life.

The film has received some criticism for that, though. Some are not happy that the film differs from reality and some believe it to take place in a 15 year time span without the characters, and more specifically Monicas daughter Eva-Lena, doesn't age. However, they missed to read the text in the beginning. This is historical fiction. Many parts of Monicas life are boiled down into a time span of roughly 2-5 years at the most. The point was to tell a story based on and inspired by Monica, not a documentary. And that's why did movie is so good.

Besides the well-crafted story, the look of the film deserves it's fair share of credit too. This is a gorgeous movie, from design to costumes to the cinematography. It's great to look at.

Last, but not least, Edda Magnasson. She doesn't play Monica. She IS Monica. At times this movie feels haunted she's so spot on. Even in the music numbers. Edda performs all the songs herself and sometimes I was fooled that it really was Monica with Edda just lip syncing the words but no, it's her. All the other actors are great as well but they just glow compared to Edda who shines like a Supernova. If nothing else this movie is worth watching just for her.

Let's first make clear that Edda Magnason is fantastic as Monica Zetterlund, an icon in Swedish jazz music and entertainment. Not at least when she sings. It's almost scary.

But the script about her life outside stage is a melodrama on at best average level. The chronology is strange, 15 years pass and her daughter doesn't get older and nothing new is put to the common movie myth about the self-burning artist and her soul.

We're quite in love with the early 60s now. Both we who were where and the rest of us. Which doesn't mean we're so interested in this way of romanticizing it in this way, even the destructiveness it kept

"Monica Z" is a 2013 Swedish biographical drama film directed by Per Fly, starring Edda Magnason in the lead role. The film tells the story of Swedish singer and actress Monica Zetterlund, who rose to fame in the 1960s and became one of the most beloved and influential artists in Swedish history.

The film offers a vivid portrait of Monica Zetterlund's life, from her humble beginnings in rural Sweden to her triumphant career on stage and screen. The movie explores her turbulent personal life, her struggles with addiction, and her enduring legacy as an artist.

Edda Magnason delivers a captivating performance as Monica Zetterlund, capturing both the vulnerability and the strength of this iconic figure. The film is beautifully shot and features a stunning soundtrack that pays tribute to Monica Zetterlund's signature style.

Overall, "Monica Z" is a poignant and inspiring film that celebrates the life and legacy of one of Sweden's greatest cultural icons. It's a must-see for fans of Monica Zetterlund's music and for anyone who appreciates powerful biographical dramas.