Het echte leven (2008)

Director:

Robert Jan Westdijk

Writer:

Robert Jan Westdijk (writer)

Release Date:

25 September 2008 (Netherlands)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

In his new film a young director puts his girlfriend through a love test. By doing so he risks his real life relationship with her. |

Plot Keywords:

Director | Script | Call Center | Film In Film | Film Script

Awards:

2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Sallie Harmsen	...	Simone
Ramsey Nasr	...	Milan / Martin
Loek Peters	...	Dirk
Oren Schrijver	...	Fjodor
Mike Libanon	...	Luc
Loes Haverkort	...	Loes
Ergun Simsek	...	Arif
Zoe Stork	...	Tjaltje
Anne-Marie Jung	...	Angelique
Poal Cairo	...	Jules
Marcel De Hoogd	...	Buurman

Runtime:

Netherlands:87 min

Country:

Netherlands

Language:

Dutch

Colour:

Colour

Certification:

Netherlands:6

Filming Locations:

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Company:

Motel Films

the (un)real life

Director Westdijk is probably the most talented filmmaker in the Netherlands. However, since his very good debut 'zusje'(over ten years ago) he hasn't really delivered anything worthwhile. 'Siberia' was an OK follow-up, visually, but the story was somewhat disappointing. The same goes for 'Phileine zegt sorry'.

Now with his latest picture, Westdijk is supposed to deliver some kind of magnum opus. He has worked on the film for over 11 years, mainly perfecting the script.

'Het echte leven' is a film in a film. Character developments of crew-members slowly start to merge with those of the characters in the film they are making. This type of storytelling is like tight-rope walking, but Westdijk pulls it off.

The leading lady, Sallie Harmsen is incredible. As with 'zusje'(which featured the debut of Kim van Kooten) Westdijk proves he has a talent for scouting talent. And, of course, a talent for directing actors. Ramsey Nasr is also very good in his role as the director/leading actor.

It is he who stimulates the merging of real-life and fictitious character-development, but it affects himself as well.

The story develops smoothly and the movie is overall very enjoyable, visually near perfect. But I have to say that it doesn't leave a very big impression. We're supposed to be affected (I guess) by the emotional distress the leading actors end up in. But that just doesn't happen. Pity.

Still, it's a pretty good movie, the kind you will want to watch more than once. I will kindly leave the option open that it may grow on you when you will.