A Living Force (2003)

«A Living Force» from Estonia further elaborates on that theme: the two young directors follow a neo-liberal politician, an unemployed journalist and a drop-out in their daily routine. The self-made politician has come to believe that «selling politics is basically selling sausages» and delights in the seemingly endless possibilities of making easy money on the government ticket. For freelance journalist Peeter life has crushed the high hopes of an independent career, so that he eventually succumbs to apathy and bitterness towards the rest of the world. With Georg, having to work is a personal affront. The one-time student long ago decided that from a philosophical point of view there is no point in working. It certainly isn’t with him, who likes to spend his days sitting on the water’s edge and marvelling about the lesser-known paths of life. In a world that is quickly coming together and seemingly running out of work in the! progress, each has accepted the price that comes with their unorthodox designs, thus becoming truly original in their independence. Combining satirical means with brutal honesty, the filmmakers don’t fall for stereotypes but manage to give a critical outlook on the future (and the finite nature) of work that is often shocking and soothing at the same time. Their tragicomic documentary resonates with the experiences of a disillusioned European youth, that can no longer claim a fulfilling working-life of their own as a prerequisite for a successful existence. In questioning the disintegrating ethos of a society that likes to deal out repercussions along with the blame, «Living Force» is an intelligent and provocative statement that doesn’t come a minute too soon.

Markus Hockenbrink
© FIPRESCI 2004
http://www.fipresci.org/festivals/archive/2004/wiesbaden/wiesbaden_mhockenbrink.htm