Black dead pan humour was not something with which I had mentally endowed the Swedes. I had previous seen an Argentinian film which was marvellously extreme in its deadness of pan. This matches it. Which means you have either to embrace it and lose yourself unreservedly to its obscure pleasure or it is just a series of poorly linked sketches. I was alone in my enjoyment.
This film combines wonderful observation of humanity with brilliant imagination..each of the short sequences is very disturbing and, at the same time, very funny. The sequence at a formal dinner where groups of guests take turns to stand and lead the singing is mesmerising ..and throughout the film, the Director's use of a near static camera is hypnotic. I can see that some people will be irritated by both the style and the content..but take a risk..the film is more than worth it. There's a good chance you'll head for Roy Andersson's other films.
Sorry but this is not a comedy in my book. I smiled once and for the rest of the time I felt positively depressed.