THE COMMUNE

THE COMMUNE brings Danish director Thomas Vinterberg home, following his big budget English language turn in “Far From the Madding Crowd.” This loving tribute to his chaotic upbringing once again demonstrates Vinterberg’s mastery of the searing family drama. Vinterberg’s fascination with complicated household dynamics can be traced to his childhood, spent in a Copenhagen commune. Here we are in the mid-1970s, and Erik and Anna’s privileged lives are about to reach perfection. Erik, an architecture professor, inherits a villa in a posh section of Copenhagen. His wife Anna is a long-time newscaster on state TV. Their teenage daughter loves them both dearly. But Anna’s a bit bored. She suggests they embark on an adventure and throw their new home open to a few old friends—and a couple complete strangers—as an experiment in communal living. Swept away by the collective spirit of the time, the newly-formed band of ten unlikely roommates determines to fashion a new, open life. Of course it’s a recipe for disaster. THE COMMUNE is classic Vinterberg: brilliantly acted, funny, and devastating. It’s a search for clarity amidst the chaos. (In Danish with subtitles) —B.B.