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4.6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 4.6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Pettersson & Bendel remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Okay, so Pettersson & Bendel, from 1933. A real oldie, huh? Is it worth digging up today? Well, if you've got a soft spot for early sound films, especially Swedish ones, or just curious about how storytelling worked way back when, then yeah, give it a look. It's a gentle watch for folks who like simple, almost innocent mischief. But if you need your films to zip along, or for every joke to land like a punch, you'll probably find it pretty slow. 😴
The whole thing centers on Pettersson, played by Sigurd Wallén, and Bendel, Semmy Friedmann's character. Pettersson is the charmer, all smiles and smooth talk. Bendel, he’s the quiet schemer, always got an angle. They make a pretty good team, really, like two halves of a slightly crooked coin. ✨
Their "business" is never anything too criminal, mind you. More like clever little cons, trying to make a buck without, you know, too much honest work. Think selling some questionable tonic for hair growth, or trying to trick someone into a weird land deal. It's all very small potatoes, really.
There's this one scene, they're trying to push their miracle hair tonic. Pettersson is doing his best salesman routine, practically glowing with enthusiasm. Bendel just stands behind him, looking a bit bored, but also kind of proud. It tells you everything about their vibe. One is the showman, the other the brains.
The pacing, oh boy. It’s definitely from a different era. Scenes just... unfold. Sometimes you’re just watching someone walk across a room, or just listen to a conversation that feels a bit drawn out. It asks for patience, this film. It really does. 🚶♂️
Sometimes the reactions from the supporting cast feel a little bit like a stage play. A gasp here, an overly wide-eyed stare there. They were still figuring out how movies talked back then, I guess. It’s part of the charm, in a way.
I kinda liked how often they were just eating. There are a few scenes where they're just sitting, having a meal, talking shop. It feels very real, almost like you’re just peeking into someone’s everyday. Not really important to the plot, but a neat detail. 🍽️
One particular scheme involves them pretending to be important figures at a fancy social event. Bendel looks completely uncomfortable, clutching his glass like it's his only friend. Pettersson, of course, is chatting up everyone, probably spinning some wild yarn. The contrast is pretty funny. You want them to get away with it, even if they probably shouldn't. 😉
The film has this undeniable innocence. Even when they’re pulling their fast ones, there's no real malice. It’s more like two slightly naughty kids trying to get ahead. The stakes are low, which makes it feel light. A comfortable watch.
I kept noticing the hats. Everyone wears a hat. Inside, outside, just about everywhere. It’s a very specific fashion detail that you just don't see anymore. Like a silent character, almost. 🎩
It's not a film that's going to change your life. It's not a profound exploration of anything, really. It’s more of a sweet, unassuming postcard from a bygone era. The humor is gentle, mostly stemming from the characters themselves. It's quite quaint, I think. A good one for a lazy afternoon, if you're in the mood for something really old school.
IMDb —
1924
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