The Revenge is a Danish film that examines the consequences of bullying and explores the two different ways of counteracting it: revenge and non-violent resistance. In America, however, the film was renamed In a Better World. These two titles are at odds with each other, each seeking to emphasize a different reaction to the bullying persistent throughout the movie.
The Revenge appeals to Christian’s (William Jøhnk Juels Nielsen) character, a young boy grappling with pain and rage over his mother’s death. Much of his anger is directed at his father, whom he blames for giving up and accuses of lying to him about the chances of his mother’s recovery. Christian therefore sees his father as the ultimate offender, but he is unable to assert control over his father and regain balance in his life. Thus, he strikes out at every other bully he meets, ranging from the schoolyard bully Sofus (Simon Maagaard Holm) to the aggressive adult Lars (Kim Bodnia). Considering Christian’s various acts of vengeance, culminating in attempted suicide which part of him hopes will exact revenge on his father, the Danish title seems appropriate.
However, the American title In a Better World resonates better with the movie’s overall argument. Structurally, the film gives Anton (Mikael Persbrandt), the character who adheres to non-violence, a stronger voice than Christian. First, he is an adult and father, which immediately credits him with greater experience and wisdom than Christian’s youth. Secondly, Anton is the first and last character the audience sees, forcing them to identify more closely with him. Finally, when Anton and Christian meet on top of the building as Christian contemplates jumping, Anton overpowers Christian, pulling him away from the ledge. In the subsequent dialogue, the one scene that contains the two protagonists alone together, Anton’s ideals conquer Christian’s, and Christian is compelled to give up his hatred and vengeful attitude. Such organization of key themes argues that non-violence is preferable to revenge, and because of this, In a Better World is the more accurate title.
(I hate how some of the pictures cut off some of the text--I had the same problem, and it's not fair.)
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a very insightful post. Personally, I disagree with your title of choice, but you make a very convincing argument here for it. I considered that the title set different tones for the movie but I did not consider which character each title threw into the forefront, which is most definitely connected to the ideals of the movie. A very clever answer to the question. I also enjoyed how you juxtaposed the stills of each of the boys with his respective father.
Megan I really enjoyed reading your post and I agree wholeheartedly with your choice of title. I really like that you pointed out the credibility factor of Anton over Christian. That is a very important part of the argument that I feel is very easy to overlook. I also like that you brought up that Anton was the first and last character we see in the film. I did not even realize this but you are completely right that it makes him the first person we hear and the last opinion that we see in the film which makes him the most trustworthy character. I really enjoyed this and I thought you did a great job!
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