Exploring intimacy: Dag Johan Haugerud’s cinematic journey
A fresh perspective on sex and intimacy
Dag Johan Haugerud, the acclaimed Norwegian director, is on a mission to reshape how we perceive sex and intimacy in cinema. His latest film, “Love,” is a testament to this vision. Following the success of “Sex,” “Love” is the second installment in a trilogy that will conclude with ”Dreams.” Haugerud’s approach is refreshingly candid, aiming to normalize conversations around physical attraction and intimacy.
“If you always show it as something dark and dangerous … that’s just wrong. I wanted to show sex as normal and ordinary, as something that doesn’t need to feel threatening or be all about spicy imagery. It’s a part of everyday life,” Haugerud explains.
The essence of ‘Love’
“Love” made its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, capturing the audience’s attention with its raw and honest portrayal of human connections. The film delves into the lives of Marianne, a doctor in Oslo, and Tor, a nurse who works alongside her. Marianne, played by Andrea Braein Hovig, claims she isn’t seeking wild adventures, while Tor, portrayed by Tayo Cittadella Jacobsen, is skeptical given his history of casual encounters.
Haugerud’s narrative is deeply rooted in the Norwegian society, where discussions about bodily functions, sexuality, and illness are often shrouded in discomfort and shame. He believes that this reluctance to engage in open conversations perpetuates misconceptions and fears, especially among the younger generation.
“We should talk more about physical attraction and all these sensations. Otherwise, and also because of the way it’s portrayed in the media, many young people will just continue to associate sex with violence,” Haugerud asserts.
The battlefield of the body
One of the film’s poignant lines, “a body is a battlefield,” encapsulates the internal and external struggles individuals face regarding their bodies. Haugerud emphasizes that understanding and accepting one’s body is a journey fraught with challenges.
“You fight against these images of how a body ‘should’ look like, you try to make it look better, then you also experience all these things with it. Having sex for the first, second, third time can be so different. It takes time to get to know your body and accept its needs. It’s a battlefield against the whole world AND against yourself.”
Despite these struggles, Haugerud’s portrayal is imbued with tenderness and kindness towards his characters. He believes that showing how things could be, rather than how they are, is crucial for fostering a more compassionate society.
The trilogy’s broader themes
Haugerud’s trilogy is not just about sex and love; it’s about community and the human experience. He envisions these films being viewed back-to-back, offering a comprehensive exploration of what it means to connect with others and oneself.
“A big part of this trilogy has to do with showing how things could be like. If you want to have a good life, kindness is so important. You could say it’s an idealistic approach, that it’s some utopia, but I think it’s important to show it’s actually possible,” he says.
While “Dreams” is yet to premiere, Haugerud is already reflecting on the journey that these films have taken him on. He likens the process to saying goodbye to an old friend, acknowledging the deep personal connection he has with these stories.
“At the beginning, I thought that [calling these films] ‘Sex,’ ‘Love,’ and ‘Dreams’ would sound too pretentious. These are big words, sure, but these are also the main topics in our lives. They are connected: Love is part of sex and sex is part of love.”
Looking ahead
As Haugerud wraps up this trilogy, he hints at the possibility of future projects that continue to explore these themes. His passion for storytelling and his commitment to challenging societal norms suggest that there is much more to come from this visionary director.
“Now that I’ve finished the third film, I’m realizing I’m not done just yet. I could go on! If I even get the money, I might actually do that.”
For those eager to dive into Haugerud’s world, you can watch the trailer for Love and explore the intricate dynamics of his characters. This trilogy promises to leave a lasting impact, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own lives and relationships.
Keywords: Dag Johan Haugerud, sex, intimacy, Love, Norwegian cinema, Venice Film Festival, community, human experience, trilogy, bodily functions, kindness, storytelling.