This was a wonderful short film from Denmark about a man who was recently placed in a retirement home and the staff are having such problems with him, they called his son and daughter. It seems the old man has locked himself in the wardrobe and won't come out--seemingly in protest for his having to live there. When his kids do arrive, the situation doesn't seem to improve and you are left wondering if the old guy will ever come out of this closet. However, when he does, WOW was I knocked for a loop--the punchline for all this was well worth the wait and gave me a nice laugh.
In the last couple weeks, this is the second Danish short I've seen--the other being TANGO (which was nominated for the 2008 Oscar). Both films were magnificent and had great senses of humor--so much so that I am eager to see more films from this country.
Excellent acting, direction and especially writing--this one is terrific. It's too bad that WEST BANK STORY (the winner for the Oscar for Best Live Action Short in 2006) was such a grand story--otherwise I am pretty sure HELMER & SON would have won. A lovely film--just be aware that there is some nudity and adult content--so be careful about letting the kids see it.
These films and many more are included on the DVD "A Collection of 2006 Academy Award Nominated Short Films" and is well worth buying because it is jam-packed full of 13 wonderful shorts.
