I know that many of you are a fan of this novel by Fredrik Backman. Now made into an American film with Tom Hanks as Otto. I also loved the book and the Swedish film, where the man is called Ove.
Yesterday evening the author visited Malmö together with the American film version. Before the film was shown, Backman was interviewed on stage and told us a little bit of the background to the character. It seems he 'collects' real life characters and situations, which he then puts in a mental storage. These characters tend to jump out when he finds a suitable place for them in a story. Backman has a lot of humour, which I think we all see in his writings. He also has a very good eye for how we live our lives.
I really loved this version with Tom Hanks. He seems perfect for the role. I think not an eye was dry in the salon during the film. It was well transferred into an American setting, and worked well there as well. Which might mean that Backman has written a universal story. I can definitely recognise myself in some of the things Otto does. Even if I don't point it out, I think about how people behave, and scan't they get their act together.
I have also read My Grandmother Asks Me To Tell You She's Sorry. It is also a tragic, comical story and so well describes people and events in Sweden. However, I think they can be recognised everywhere in the world.
I really loved this version with Tom Hanks. He seems perfect for the role. I think not an eye was dry in the salon during the film. It was well transferred into an American setting, and worked well there as well. Which might mean that Backman has written a universal story. I can definitely recognise myself in some of the things Otto does. Even if I don't point it out, I think about how people behave, and thinking, why can't they get their act together.
Have you read the book and seen the film? What do you think?