Emma Blank is a dying woman. So she makes clear to tell us. She has decided to do it with great style surrounded by her own family, who now, are relegated as servants of Emma. No one is pleased with the arrangement, but everyone decides to go along because of the financial benefits that will befall on all after Emma's death.
Emma takes too long to depart this world as the family eagerly awaits for the moment when she dies. Heneveld, her husband, acts as the butler. This man is a puppet on her wife's hand. Heneveld must satisfy her whims such as wearing a mustache he clearly detests. Since he cannot grow one of his own, a theatrical set of them is always handy for Emma to decide. Heneveld and Emma's marriage was a loveless one. He tends to sleep in Bella's bed rather than on his own, although there is clearly nothing sexual between them.
Goonie, the daughter, is asked to be the parlor maid. She also hates her mother, resenting her father's role at the moment. Goonie is sexually charged, enjoying sex on the beach with a stranger. The rest of the household is composed of Meier, who is Bella's son and Theo, a strange man whose role is to be a puppet to Emma, who even decides when he must take care of his bodily functions in the garden.
This Dutch film is a black comedy written and directed by Alex Van Warmerdam. He also appears as Theo. Like with other pictures of the genre, do not expect things making a lot of sense. In fact, there is not much going on, except the caprices of a woman who realizes she will soon be dead but does not want to make it so easy for the people she is leaving behind.
The acting is first rate. The excellent Marlies Heuer appears as Emma. It is a flashy role that she carries well, as she appears to be well suited for this Emma. The surprise in the film is Eva Van De Wijdeven, a gorgeous young actress who will go far because of her talent and great looks. The ensemble cast is wonderful. Gene Bervoets, Annet Malherbe, who is seen as Bella and is the director's wife, Gijs Naber and Mr. Van Warmerdam contribute to the success of this film. Grant it, the film is not for everyone, but those fans with open minds who love the genre will enjoy it, no doubt.
Photographed by Tom Erisman, the remoteness of the Dutch countryside shines in a contrast of sunny and somber shades. The incidental music is Mr. Van Warderman himself.
Emma takes too long to depart this world as the family eagerly awaits for the moment when she dies. Heneveld, her husband, acts as the butler. This man is a puppet on her wife's hand. Heneveld must satisfy her whims such as wearing a mustache he clearly detests. Since he cannot grow one of his own, a theatrical set of them is always handy for Emma to decide. Heneveld and Emma's marriage was a loveless one. He tends to sleep in Bella's bed rather than on his own, although there is clearly nothing sexual between them.
Goonie, the daughter, is asked to be the parlor maid. She also hates her mother, resenting her father's role at the moment. Goonie is sexually charged, enjoying sex on the beach with a stranger. The rest of the household is composed of Meier, who is Bella's son and Theo, a strange man whose role is to be a puppet to Emma, who even decides when he must take care of his bodily functions in the garden.
This Dutch film is a black comedy written and directed by Alex Van Warmerdam. He also appears as Theo. Like with other pictures of the genre, do not expect things making a lot of sense. In fact, there is not much going on, except the caprices of a woman who realizes she will soon be dead but does not want to make it so easy for the people she is leaving behind.
The acting is first rate. The excellent Marlies Heuer appears as Emma. It is a flashy role that she carries well, as she appears to be well suited for this Emma. The surprise in the film is Eva Van De Wijdeven, a gorgeous young actress who will go far because of her talent and great looks. The ensemble cast is wonderful. Gene Bervoets, Annet Malherbe, who is seen as Bella and is the director's wife, Gijs Naber and Mr. Van Warmerdam contribute to the success of this film. Grant it, the film is not for everyone, but those fans with open minds who love the genre will enjoy it, no doubt.
Photographed by Tom Erisman, the remoteness of the Dutch countryside shines in a contrast of sunny and somber shades. The incidental music is Mr. Van Warderman himself.