FILM-FORWARD.COMReviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
RECONSTRUCTION
"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
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