Gift (1966 film)
| Gift | |
|---|---|
| File:Gift FilmPoster.jpeg A poster bearing the film's alternative U.S. title, Venom | |
| Directed by | Knud Leif Thomsen |
| Written by | Knud Leif Thomsen |
| Produced by | Bo Christensen Knud Leif Thomsen |
| Starring | Søren Strømberg |
| Cinematography | Arne Abrahamsen Claus Loof |
| Edited by | Birger Lind |
| Distributed by | ASA Film |
Release date |
|
Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | Denmark |
| Language | Danish |
Gift (Danish: poison) is a 1966 Danish drama film directed by Knud Leif Thomsen and starring Søren Strømberg. In the United States this film is also known as Venom.
Cast
- Søren Strømberg - Per
- Sisse Reingaard - Susanne
- Poul Reichhardt - Henrik Steen
- Astrid Villaume - Hjørdis Steen
- Judy Gringer - Sonja, the Maid
- Grethe Mogensen - Frau Jacobsen, the Secretary
- Karl Stegger - Caretaker
- Per Goldschmidt - Teenager
- Jess Kølpin - Teenager
- Vic Salomonsen - Teenager
- Tine Schmedes - Teenager
Plot
The story is about a hedonistic young man Per, confident and cheeky, always with radical answers on how the world can change for the better. From his boat, he sees a blonde teenage girl Susanne, who is studying on her parents' private beach. In more ways than one, he demonstrates his superior rejection of anything "private," and begins his courtship. Hoping the daughter will get tired of her boyfriend, the parents invite him to stay with the family in their villa. The strategy fails and Per increasingly feels "at home" with his film camera, filming "his life".
Censorship controversy
The intense debate for or against censorship that preceded the premiere, many believe undermined the last arguments for maintaining censorship in Denmark (which was abolished altogether a few years later in 1969). Thomsen uncompromising, fought loudly and publicly for his artistic freedom, and arranged uncensored (more than well attended) previews with an alternative jury and students at Copenhagen University.
Critics reception
Exported to USA as the latest daring Scandinavian film, the US Customs had simply cut off the "X" parts, before the New York premiere in January 1968. Unexpectedly it received some positive reviews, which noted that Denmark was now a leader in film development into the unknown.