Quisling

Gard B. Eidsvold delivers a world-class performance in Quisling. He doesn't just play Vidkun Quisling-he becomes him. The sheer range of emotions he conveys, from delusions of grandeur to fleeting moments of doubt, is nothing short of mesmerizing. His portrayal is so layered and intricate that it could serve as a psychological case study in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD), and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).

One of the most fascinating aspects of his performance is how he seamlessly twists his perception of reality, even when it blatantly contradicts his own past words and actions. There are moments where we see flashes of recognition-brief glimpses where he seems to understand the gravity of what he has done-only for him to immediately retreat into a delusional messianic self-image. This constant push and pull between denial and self-aggrandizement is unsettling to watch, yet impossible to look away from.

The cinematography and direction enhance this psychological unraveling, subtly pulling us into Quisling's warped mind. Rather than portraying him as a straightforward villain, Quisling presents him as a deeply flawed, self-justifying figure, making his descent into betrayal all the more disturbing.

Eidsvold's performance elevates the film/series beyond a historical retelling-it becomes a chilling psychological portrait of a man whose delusions led to national catastrophe.

Just finshed watching the last epsiode of this five hour series. It was really moving and i cried a lot, full empathy for Quisling, who was portraited as a human being, and not a monster. The main actors are really good at interpreting their roles, and Quisling is really belivable. I am so impressed how thay are able to get the Norwegian spirit in 1945, and i got really sucked into this series. There was nothing i questioned or found strange, just well played and well written. The series really caught the zeitgeist in Norway, and the urge for revenge. Even if i am Norwegian I must say i am proud of this production, as I believe that this is a high quality production worth watching, also for foreigners. The theme melody also brought tears to my eyes, such a strong and mood-setting theme. I alos loved the minor roles, like the guard watching Quisling, and how his attitude changed towards Quisling as he got closer to him.

The film invites the viewer to question what justice truly means, especially in a context as charged as the postwar period. Through its raw depiction of Vidkun Quisling's treatment, despite the gravity of his crimes, an uncomfortable question arises: Are we different from those we condemn if we resort to the same cruelty to punish them?

With this reflection, the film emphasizes the need to preserve humanity and ethical principles, even in the face of the most heinous acts. It reminds us that true justice should not replicate the same acts of violence or dehumanization it seeks to rectify.

Ultimately, Quisling: The Final Days not only impeccably recreates a dark chapter of history but also deeply challenges the viewer, prompting reflection on the complexities of morality and human nature in moments of extreme adversity.