DbcultAccessing Vault...
4.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 4.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Cheer Up! remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so if you're thinking about diving into Cheer Up! from way back in 1933, you gotta adjust your expectations. This one's definitely for the serious classic film buffs or anyone curious about early Norwegian cinema. If you're looking for fast-paced modern laughs or a story that grips you tight, you'll probably find yourself a bit bored. But for those who appreciate a slower, *simpler* kind of charm, it's a neat little time capsule. 🕰️
The whole thing centers on Theobald, played by Egil Hjorth-Jenssen, a man who stutters a lot. He bumps into this group of ballet girls, and one of them, Lill, catches his eye. This meeting kinda flips a switch for him, and suddenly, he wants to be an actor. It's a sweet, if slightly naive, premise.
Hjorth-Jenssen really carries the film, I think. His stutter isn't just a gimmick; it's central to his character's shyness and later, to the accidental comedy. You can feel his frustration sometimes, trying to get the words out. It’s not always easy to watch, honestly, because you know he's trying so hard. Then again, the movie leans into it for laughs, which is… well, it’s 1933, you know?
There's this scene where he's trying to talk to Lill for the first time, and it just *drags*. Not in a bad way, necessarily, but in a way that makes you feel the weight of every syllable he's struggling with. Then he finally gets a word out, and there's this little, almost imperceptible nod from Lill that makes you think, 'Okay, she gets it.' It's a small moment, but it felt very *real* to me.
The theater boss, though, he's a piece of work. He sees Theobald's stutter not as a challenge, but as a comedic goldmine. So, he puts him on stage, expecting people to laugh *at* him, which is a bit uncomfortable to watch now. You see the crowd reacting, and it’s a mix. Some are genuinely amused, some seem a little confused, like they're not sure if they *should* be laughing. It’s a strange energy in those bits. 🎭
The ballet sequences are pretty standard for the era. Nothing groundbreaking, but the girls are enthusiastic. Lill, played by Lillebil Ibsen, has a quiet dignity about her, even when she's doing some pretty basic dance moves. She's not just a prop for Theobald's affections; you actually believe she's a dancer trying to make her way.
What struck me was the sound quality. For an early talkie, it's surprisingly clear most of the time, though you get those moments where voices suddenly sound far away or a bit muffled. It reminds you how new all this 'talking picture' stuff was. There's a certain charm to the imperfections, like watching an old home movie, almost.
The pacing is a real slow burn. The movie takes its time. A lot of scenes just… *happen* without much urgency. It's not a narrative with big twists or turns, but more of a slice of life, if that life involves a stuttering man trying to find love and a stage career. The whole segment where he's trying to learn lines, stumbling over every word, goes on for a bit. You can almost feel the movie trying to convince you this moment matters to his growth.
And let's not forget the other performers. Julie Lampe as Theobald's mother, I think, she has this very subtle way of showing concern without overdoing it. A gentle look, a worried sigh. It grounds his story a bit. Not everyone gets a huge spotlight, which is fine, it keeps the focus on Theobald's journey.
So, Cheer Up! is quite the curiosity, I think. It’s not a film for everyone, no. But if you're really into the history of cinema, or just looking for a very earnest, kinda awkward comedy from almost a hundred years ago, then yeah, it's worth a look. The movie has its heart in the right spot, even if the jokes feel a bit old-fashioned. You know, sometimes you just gotta appreciate that kind of effort. 😊
IMDb —
1920
Community
Log in to comment.
