RECONSTRUCTION
Directed by: Christopher Boe.
Produced by: Tine Grew Pfeiffer.
Written by: Christopher Boe & Mogens Rukov.
Director of Photography: Manuel Alberto Claro.
Edited by: Peter Brandt & Mikkel E.G. Nielsen.
Music by: Thomas Knak.
Released by: Palm Pictures.
Language: Danish & Swedish with English subtitles.
Country of Origin: Denmark. 90 min. Not Rated.
With: Nikolaj Lie Kaas & Maria Bonnevie.

"It is all film, it is all construction," begins the narrator who takes us through Copenhagen and the love story of Alex and Aimee. While waiting for his girlfriend Simone (Marie Bonnevie), Alex (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) spots the alluring Aimee (also played by Bonnevie). Later by chance, he finds her on the same metro train. Alex impulsively pursues Aimee, who's in Denmark while her husband is on a book tour. After eventually spending the night with her, Alex returns home only to discover his apartment no longer exists, Simone doesn't recognize him, his friends don't know who he is and even his father denies having a son.

Reconstruction is about filmmaking, but also about love, forcing the audience to wonder if love is something you fall into, or a mere construction. The inexplicable and fractured narrative is perhaps a reflection of the life-changing effects of romance or maybe just a game that can be played only in the movies. The most interesting element of this art film is its cinematography. Beautiful to look at, the framing is perfect, and the colors are rich as Copenhagen sparkles. (The look of the film changes from scene to scene.) However, the accent on storytelling sometimes overtakes the subtle strength of the performances. There is some suspense in the final moments when the two lovers may or may not connect. But ultimately, there isn't much substance. Caitlin Shamberg, former programming associate for the Mill Valley Film Festival
September 10, 2004