The Belgian Ivan, who works as an assistant for an investment bank in Amsterdam’s financial district, turns out to be the new star trader on the floor, where alpha males rake in virtual money or lose it. While the playful young man just keeps winning, he is slowly in danger of losing grip on his own life.
Just as with his previous films such as Een ingewikkeld verhaal, eenvoudig verteld (2005) and Anderman (2006), Van Heusden keeps a close eye on visual language. The camera work and the editing are focused on the experiences of the character or on the situation. For instance, the shots are virtuoso on the trading floor, but modest when Ivan comes to terms with the day’s events all on his own. This contemporary telefilm makes the madness of the army of suits in office blocks tangible. The fast moving but empty life revolving around exchange rates, ID passes, the incomprehensible stock market language and the social intercourse of successful guys who live for the kicks, but have to put up with the lows and confusion they often entail.
Film details
- Country of production
- Netherlands
- Year
- 2010
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2010
- Length
- 90'
- Medium/Format
- HDcam
