I like symbolism in film when it allows me to figure things out without confusing me or trying to do to much. That is exactly what I found with Adam's Apples. The film has plenty of symbolism, some of it spelled out by the characters and some more subtle, all working towards a common goal. The visual symbolism is not so eclectic that it lost me, but was prominent enough to capture my attention.
Adam Pedersen (Ulrich Thompsen) is a neo-Nazi that has been paroled from prison. His underlying crimes are never spelled out, but judging from his comrades that show up (and his own inherent evil) his crimes could not have been victimless. Adam is not reformed and is simply marking days until he is released from his temporary arrangements in a quasi-halfway house. Adam will certainly end up where he started.
Adam is greeted by a Utopian clergyman named Ivan (Mads Mikkelsen) who runs the rehabilitation. Ivan's problems are deep. He has a melon-sized tumor in his head, a wife who has committed suicide, a child with cerebral palsy and an unflinching ability to close out reality. He lives in a dream world where he sees what he wants to see. Upon entering the program, Adam sets his goal as "baking an apple pie." But it seems his real goal is to break Ivan and give him a dose of reality.
Also in the program are an alcoholic former tennis star named Gunnar (Nicolas Bro) whose gluttony is unparalleled, a pregnant woman named Sarah (Paprika Steen), a former Nazi camp guard named Poul (Gyrd Loquist) and a Pakistani (Khalid, played by Ali Kazim) who likes to rob Statoil. The group is beyond dysfunctional, yet maintain their own version of balance. Adam's arrival sets the balance in disarray. The battle creates an atmosphere of destruction that becomes an epic battle between good and evil. Who is God testing?
Anders Thomas Jensen wrote and directed Adam's Apple. His vision was clearly demonstrated, allowing viewers to be consumed by the vivid characters and pulled into the story line. The film avoids cliche, opting to use violence and destruction to effect change, rather than simplistic love and compassion. It was an effective ploy that worked within the framework that Jensen creates. The dialogue, characters and plot all work together to create an interesting but ubiquitous story. The writing was exceptional.
I wasn't sure about Pedersen in the role of antagonist at first. He seemed out of place at first, probably because he has very few lines at the outset. However, the strong writing gave him an opportunity to quickly demonstrate that he was capable of owning the evil assigned to his character. His chemistry with the altruistic and naive Ivan was credible and often tense. Mikkelsen also captures his character with a noteworthy performance. His off-pace dialogue was confusing at first, until explained later in the film. His actions seemed unlikely, but that was also clarified. It was a part that might have been difficult, but Mikkelsen did a great job. Adam's Apples was well cast, filled with outstanding performances.
Adam's Apples received an R Rating by the Motion Picture Association of America. This rating is undoubtedly a product of the graphic violence portrayed in this film. Gunshots, animal cruelty and physical assaults all result in bloody scenes that were not overly sensitive to viewers. The subject matter also dealt with death, attempted rape, alcoholism and other touchy subjects. These elements were all contextual and essential to the film. I would allow a teen viewing audience to see this film maybe a bit younger...but the violence was graphic enough to preclude a younger audience.
I was surprised by Adam's Apples. Without fully knowing what to think, I was starting to wonder if the film was worth watching. After the first twenty minutes, I was captivated enough to continue. Because the film does not spoon feed everything and bounces around with some complex concepts, it may not be for everyone. I can see some people finding the film to be confusing or even boring. I found it to be intelligent, gripping, unique and rewarding. 8/10.
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