As a fan of Danish cinema, I was excited to watch "Out of Tune" (De Frivillige) and I have to say it didn't disappoint. The movie follows the story of Markus Føns, a businessman who is sent to prison for financial fraud. After being beaten up by other inmates, Markus decides to join the prison choir, led by Niels, as a way to improve his situation.
At its core, "Out of Tune" is a serious drama with some comedic undertones. The film primarily focuses on character development, power struggles, and dialogue. While there are some humorous moments, they serve more as a contrast to the otherwise dark and intense atmosphere of the prison.
One of the standout aspects of the movie is the character of Niels, the unofficial leader of the choir, who is a control freak and likes things done a certain way. He only allows songs from the Danish "Højskolesangbogen" to be sung and insists on doubling the tempo. Markus, on the other hand, sees the choir as his chance to gain some power and influence in the prison. He devises a plan to overthrow Niels and take over the choir and the isolation wing.
The film's humor comes from Markus' awkwardness and bad situational awareness, as well as the peculiar behavior of the prison staff and inmates. However, as the story progresses, Markus' true nature is revealed, and he becomes more manipulative and power-hungry, turning the audience's sympathy towards the other inmates.
Overall, "Out of Tune" is a well-acted and engaging movie that offers a unique perspective on the dynamics of a prison community. The film's focus on character development and power struggles makes for a gripping and intense watch, with the comedic moments providing a much-needed break from the otherwise dark atmosphere. If you're a fan of Danish cinema or enjoy prison dramas, I highly recommend checking out "Out of Tune."
