'De ofrivilliga' ('Involuntary') is a title that might make you reflect somewhat concerning whether or not it's an appropriate title for this film.
This reflection after seeing this œuvre, as no single person commit any action involuntary in this film, provided one don't believe that there is such a thing as the human free will but that all our actions are predestined.
The outcome of their actions might however be felt as not corresponding to their inner wishes, not in accordance with their will and there are person who involuntary become the victims of the decisions made by others and this might be the core of the title.
It's only a small boy who more or less is 'forced' to say something he doesn't wan't to say, making him look guilty of something he's not guilty of.
Again, If one understand the title as irony, it's perfectly chosen and if we look at all the different characters and their unwillingness to take responsibility for their life, the title is also ideal. They are reluctant to make decisions.
The other English title 'Happy Sweden' is also felt as ironic and is as such appropriate too.
In short the story circles around different people, their daily choices or lack of decisions and how this affect not only their own lives but others, often in a negative way and how they constantly try to flee their responsibility and the outcome of their decisions, blaming it on others or 'circumstances' over wich they had no influence.
As a mirror of human cowardice and fear of conflict, I think the film in a most accurate way describes the Swedish society, where the average Swede throughout decades has fled responsibility for his or her actions, relying on 'the Society' to help him or her out; not wanting to become involved in something that might have negative consequences on a personal level, even if it's a question of saving another persons life or helping your fellow countryman- or woman in a difficult situation.
This, of course, though the very same person, fleeing her responsibility in a similar situation very much would like someone to intervene to help and support but the average Swede often relies on the notion that "this doesn't happen to me...".
The film contains all these fears and as such very well reflects that not standing up and taking responsibility for your own actions, less standing up for others when they are in trouble, most often lead to negative consequences, not only for 'the others' but in the long run for yourself, your well being, not to mention your moral.
This not least as the personal actions accumulates and becomes an overall collective, societal behavioural pattern making - in this case - the Swedish society a Society of Fear, Cowardliness, Irresponsible Behaviour and Collectivism, a perfect society for a totalitarian regime or totalitarian subregimes in the smaller societal units.
Unfortunately I very much recognize my former country and the characters in the film makes me feel sick and I feel inclined to mishandle them. In making me feel like this, Ruben Östlund has really succeeded and at the same time, I'm so happy ('Swede') not living in Sweden anymore.
Having lived in Sweden though makes it easier to recognize the average Swede and his or her reactions, a déja vu-many-times-before-feeling that might escape other viewers, not familiar with Sweden as it is but more with the 'myth' so succesfully promoted abroad.
This reflection after seeing this œuvre, as no single person commit any action involuntary in this film, provided one don't believe that there is such a thing as the human free will but that all our actions are predestined.
The outcome of their actions might however be felt as not corresponding to their inner wishes, not in accordance with their will and there are person who involuntary become the victims of the decisions made by others and this might be the core of the title.
It's only a small boy who more or less is 'forced' to say something he doesn't wan't to say, making him look guilty of something he's not guilty of.
Again, If one understand the title as irony, it's perfectly chosen and if we look at all the different characters and their unwillingness to take responsibility for their life, the title is also ideal. They are reluctant to make decisions.
The other English title 'Happy Sweden' is also felt as ironic and is as such appropriate too.
In short the story circles around different people, their daily choices or lack of decisions and how this affect not only their own lives but others, often in a negative way and how they constantly try to flee their responsibility and the outcome of their decisions, blaming it on others or 'circumstances' over wich they had no influence.
As a mirror of human cowardice and fear of conflict, I think the film in a most accurate way describes the Swedish society, where the average Swede throughout decades has fled responsibility for his or her actions, relying on 'the Society' to help him or her out; not wanting to become involved in something that might have negative consequences on a personal level, even if it's a question of saving another persons life or helping your fellow countryman- or woman in a difficult situation.
This, of course, though the very same person, fleeing her responsibility in a similar situation very much would like someone to intervene to help and support but the average Swede often relies on the notion that "this doesn't happen to me...".
The film contains all these fears and as such very well reflects that not standing up and taking responsibility for your own actions, less standing up for others when they are in trouble, most often lead to negative consequences, not only for 'the others' but in the long run for yourself, your well being, not to mention your moral.
This not least as the personal actions accumulates and becomes an overall collective, societal behavioural pattern making - in this case - the Swedish society a Society of Fear, Cowardliness, Irresponsible Behaviour and Collectivism, a perfect society for a totalitarian regime or totalitarian subregimes in the smaller societal units.
Unfortunately I very much recognize my former country and the characters in the film makes me feel sick and I feel inclined to mishandle them. In making me feel like this, Ruben Östlund has really succeeded and at the same time, I'm so happy ('Swede') not living in Sweden anymore.
Having lived in Sweden though makes it easier to recognize the average Swede and his or her reactions, a déja vu-many-times-before-feeling that might escape other viewers, not familiar with Sweden as it is but more with the 'myth' so succesfully promoted abroad.
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