It was announced today that the Rieks/Zandvliet/August production “A Funny Man” is an official selection of the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. This will mark the International premiere of the film. Starring Nikolaj Lie Kaas and Lars Ranthe, the film is inspired by the life of Dirch Passer, the most popular comedian and actor in Denmark, even now, 30 years after his death. Rieks, Zandvliet and August last collaborated on the critically acclaimed, audience favorite, “Applause” starring Paprika Steen.
Opening in the seductive style of the sixties, “A Funny Man” uncovers the perennial loneliness that comedian Dirch Passer (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) has found himself in after a fast-tracked rise of fame. He struggles between his own desire to gain critical respect and servicing the audience’s needs. His talent is both a blessing and a curse – as he swallowed the instant adoration for his on-stage gags Lommer (Lars Brygmann), his producer, and others around him feed off his success; a mélange of wealth, women, alcohol and infamy. Unable to accept his designated role in society Dirch does everything he can to be taken seriously. Costing his kindred friendship to on-stage partner Kjeld Petersen (Lars Ranthe) Dirch takes on Steinbeck’s classic, “Of Mice and Men,” only for the audience to break out in laughter at his first line. Dirch’s “Lennie” becomes a running joke, and so has, Dirch believes, his own life.