Liv og død

Wam & Vennerød's fifth feature film in as many years is another exploration of relationship issues, identity and sexuality in the wake of the sexual revolution. In "Liv og død", their themes and discussions have a sense of relevance and urgency, and although their artistic voice might not exactly be fully honed or clear-cut, at least it is in fact an artistic voice. In typical Wam & Vennerød fashion, the drama alternates between powerful and stilted. The narrative is bumpy and never quite flows, but the ménage à trois on show here is progressive in the most essential and positive sense of the term, and to put it to the forefront in a mainstream cinematic release in Norway in 1980 is commendable in and of itself. The three lead actors, Bjørn Skagestad, Kjersti Døvigen and Audun Meling, close in on something poignant in a handful of segments.