Life in a Fishbowl - TIFF Press Summary

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International*Premiere* Toronto*International*Film*Festival*2014* GAT*PR*Press*Summary*

Interviews*Completed** * * Thursday*September*4******* * * * ************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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What*She*Said*(Sirius*XM)** Interviewed:+Baldvin+Z,+Hera+Hilmar++ 21*Questions* Interviewed:+Baldvin+Z+

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21*Questions* Interviewed:+Hera+Hilmar+

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21*Questions* Interviewed:+Thor+Kristjansson+

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21*Questions* Interviewed:+Thorsteinn+Bachmann* Stephen*Holt*Show* Interviewed:+Hera+Hilmar,+Thor+Kristjansson++ Scene*Creek* Interviewed:+Baldvin+Z+

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Scene*Creek* Interviewed:+Thorsteinn+Bachmann,+Hera+Hilmar+ + + It*Lounge/*Portrait*Studio* Interviewed:+Hera+Hilmar,+Thor+Kristjansson++

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Independent*Film*Channel* Interviewed:+Baldvin+Z+ Independent*Film*Channel+ Interviewed:+Hera+Hilmar,+Thorsteinn+Bachmann+

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The*WatchlistJCHCH*TV* Interviewed:+Baldvin+Z+ + + The*WatchlistJCHCH*TV+ Interviewed:+Thor+Kristjansson,+Hera+Hilmar+*

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Tribute*Media* Interviewed:+Baldvin+Z+

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Tribute*Media+ Interviewed:+Thor+Kristjansson,+Hera+Hilmar,+ Thorsteinn+Bachmann+

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City*TV:** Interviewed:+Baldvin+Z+ Corbis* With:+Baldvin+Z,+Thor+Kristijansson,+Hera+Hilmar,+ Thorsteinn+Bachmann++

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Film*Drunk* Interviewed:+Baldvin+Z++

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Photoshoot*with*Michael*Hurcomb* With:+Baldvin+Z,+Hera+Hilmar,+Thorsteinn+ Bachmann,+Thor+Kristijansson+

* Sunday,*September*7***** * * * * * * +

Flickering*Myth** Interviewed:+Baldvin+Z+ Flickering*Myth+ Interviewed:+Thor+Kristijansson,+Hera+Hilmar,+ Thorsteinn+Bachmann++

* Monday,*September*8** * +

Showbiz*Monkeys** Interviewed:+Thorsteinn+Bachmann+

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Toronto*Film*Festival*completes*lineup* By+Jacob+Shamsian+–+08.19.2014+ http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/08/19/torontoIfilmIfestivalIcompletesIlineup/+ + Life* in* a* Fishbowl,* Baldvin* Zophoniasson,* IcelandJFinlandJSwedenJCzech* Republic,* International*Premiere* * Life+ in+ a+ Fishbowl+ is+ about+ three+ people+ whose+ lives+ are+ intertwined.+ After+ a+ horrible+ tragedy,+ a+ writer+ drinks+ himself+ into+ oblivion+ on+ a+ 20Iyear+ binge.+ A+ young+ single+ mom+ moonlights+as+a+prostitute+to+make+ends+meet.+A+former+soccer+star+is+recruited+into+the+ snake+pit+of+international+banking+and+loses+touch+with+his+family.+Starring+Hera+Hilmar,+ Thorsteinn+Bachmann+and+Thor+Kristjansson.+ + + +

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Toronto*Film*Festival*Completes*Lineup* By+Jenny+Putter+–+08.19.2014+ http://variety.com/2014/film/news/torontoIfilmIfestivalIcompletesIlineupI 1201285802/+ + “Life* in* a* Fishbowl,”* Baldvin* Zophoniasson,* IcelandJFinlandJSwedenJCzech* Republic,* International*Premiere* * “Life+in+a+Fishbowl”+is+about+three+people+whose+lives+are+intertwined.+After+a+horrible+ tragedy,+ a+ writer+ drinks+ himself+ into+ oblivion+ on+ a+ 20Iyear+ binge.+ A+ young+ single+ mom+ moonlights+as+a+prostitute+to+make+ends+meet.+A+former+soccer+star+is+recruited+into+the+ snake+pit+of+international+banking+and+loses+touch+with+his+family.+Starring+Hera+Hilmar,+ Thorsteinn+Bachmann+and+Thor+Kristjansson.+ + + + +

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TIFF*Completes*2014*Lineup;*Final*Additions* Include*New*James*Franco*and*Cannes* Sensation*'The*Tribe'* By+Shipra+Gura+–+08.19.2014+ http://www.indiewire.com/article/tiffIcompletesI2014IlineupIfinalIadditionsIincludeI newIjamesIfrancoIandIcannesIsensationItheItribeI20140819+ +

"Life*in*a*Fishbowl"*(Vonarstræti)* D:*Baldvin*Zophoníasson* Iceland/Finland/Sweden/Czech*Republic,*International*Premiere* Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+about+three+people+whose+lives+are+intertwined.+After+a+horrible+tragedy,+a+ writer+ drinks+ himself+ into+ oblivion+ on+ a+ 20Iyear+ binge.+ A+ young+ single+ mom+ moonlights+ as+ a+ prostitute+ to+ make+ ends+ meet.+ A+ former+ soccer+ star+ is+ recruited+ into+ the+ snake+ pit+ of+ international+ banking+ and+ loses+ touch+ with+ his+ family.+ Starring+ Hera+ Hilmar,+ Thorsteinn+ Bachmann+and+Thor+Kristjansson.+

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TIFF*2014*Adds*'St.*Vincent,'*'Winter*Sleep'* Plus*New*Films*By*Martin*Scorsese,*James* Franco*And*More* By+Kevin+Jagernauth+–+08.19.2014+ http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/tiffI2014IaddsIstIvincentIwinterIsleepIplusInewI filmsIbyImartinIscorseseIjamesIfrancoIandImoreI20140819+ * Life*in*a*Fishbowl*(Vonarstræti)*Baldvin*Zophoníasson,*Iceland/Finland/Sweden/Czech* Republic*International*Premiere* +

Life+ in+ a+ Fishbowl+ is+ about+ three+ people+ whose+ lives+ are+ intertwined.+ After+ a+ horrible+ tragedy,+ a+ writer+ drinks+ himself+ into+ oblivion+ on+ a+ 20Iyear+ binge.+ A+ young+ single+ mom+ moonlights+ as+ a+ prostitute+ to+ make+ ends+ meet.+ A+ former+ soccer+ star+ is+ recruited+ into+ the+ snake+ pit+ of+ international+ banking+ and+ loses+ touch+ with+ his+ family.+ Starring+ Hera+ Hilmar,+ Thorsteinn+Bachmann+and+Thor+Kristjansson.+

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Toronto* Film* Festival* unveils* Discovery,* Mavericks*lineJups* By+Jeremy+Kay+–+08.19.2014+ http://www.screendaily.com/festivals/toronto/torontoIunveilsIdiscoveryI mavericks/5076375.article?referrer=RSS+ + The+Discovery+section+includes+the+upcoming+world+premiere+of+Stories+Of+Our+Lives,+a+ portmanteau+ of+ gay,+ lesbian,+ bisexual,+ transgender+ and+ intersex+ testimonies+ by+ anonymous+filmmakers+from+Kenya.++ * Life* In* A* Fishbowl* (Vonarstræti)* (IcelandJFinlandJSwedenJCzech* Republic),* Baldvin* Zophoníasson*IP* * Previously+ announced+ titles+ in+ the+ Discovery+ programme+ include:+ Adam+ MacDonald’s+ Backcountry,+Jeffrey+St+Jules’+Bang+Bang+Baby,+Jefferson+Moneo’s+Big+Muddy,+Mathieu+ Denis’+Corbo,+Pat+Mills’+Guidance,+Albert+Shin’s+In+Her+Place,+Kris+Elgstrand’s+Songs+She+ Wrote+About+People+She+Knows,+Kyle+Thomas’+The+Valley+Below,+Jordan+Canning’s+We+ Were+Wolves+and+Lindsay+MacKay’s+Wet+Bum.+ ! ! +

Toronto*Film*Festival*Completes*Lineup* By+Jenny+Putter+–+08.19.2014+ https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/torontoIfilmIfestivalIcompletesIlineupI130045830.html+ + + “Life* in* a* Fishbowl,”* Baldvin* Zophoniasson,* IcelandJFinlandJSwedenJCzech* Republic,* International*Premiere* * “Life+in+a+Fishbowl”+is+about+three+people+whose+lives+are+intertwined.+After+a+horrible+ tragedy,+ a+ writer+ drinks+ himself+ into+ oblivion+ on+ a+ 20Iyear+ binge.+ A+ young+ single+ mom+ moonlights+as+a+prostitute+to+make+ends+meet.+A+former+soccer+star+is+recruited+into+the+ snake+pit+of+international+banking+and+loses+touch+with+his+family.+Starring+Hera+Hilmar,+ Thorsteinn+Bachmann+and+Thor+Kristjansson+ + + +

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TIFF* 2014* Adds* St.* Vincent,* Winter* Sleep* Ans* More*To*The*Lineup* By+Isaac+Feldberg+–+08.19.2014+ http://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/tiffI2014IaddsIstIvincentIwinterIsleepI lineup/#!bQki9O+ + Life*in*a*Fishbowl*(Vonarstræti)*Baldvin*Zophoníasson,*Iceland/Finland/Sweden/Czech* Republic*International*Premiere* + Life+ in+ a+ Fishbowl+ is+ about+ three+ people+ whose+ lives+ are+ intertwined.+ After+ a+ horrible+ tragedy,+ a+ writer+ drinks+ himself+ into+ oblivion+ on+ a+ 20Iyear+ binge.+ A+ young+ single+ mom+ moonlights+as+a+prostitute+to+make+ends+meet.+A+former+soccer+star+is+recruited+into+the+ snake+pit+of+international+banking+and+loses+touch+with+his+family.+Starring+Hera+Hilmar,+ Thorsteinn+Bachmann+and+Thor+Kristjansson.+ ! ! !

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Daily*|*Toronto*2014*Lineup,*Round*5* By+David+Hudson+–+08.19.2014+ http://www.fandor.com/keyframe/dailyItorontoI2014IlineupIroundI5+ + Life* in* a* Fishbowl!(Vonarstræti).-Baldvin-Zophoníasson,-Iceland/Finland/Sweden/CzechRepublic,+ International+ Premiere.+ Life+ in+ a+ Fishbowl+ is+ about+ three+ people+ whose+ lives+ are+intertwined.+After+a+horrible+tragedy,+a+writer+drinks+himself+into+oblivion+on+a+20I year+binge.+A+young+single+mom+moonlights+as+a+prostitute+to+make+ends+meet.+A+former+ soccer+star+is+recruited+into+the+snake+pit+of+international+banking+and+loses+touch+with+ his+family.+Starring+Hera+Hilmar,+Thorsteinn+Bachmann+and+Thor+Kristjansson.+ + + + + +

* TIFF*2014*Adds*James*Franco’s*THE*SOUND* AND*THE*FURY,*ST.*VINCENT*Starring*Bill* Murray,*Conversations*with*Denzel* Washington,*Robert*Duvall*and*More* by+Perri+Nemiroff++++Posted+92+days+ago+ http://collider.com/tiffI2014ItheIsoundIandItheIfuryIstIvincent/+ + The+2014+Toronto+International+Film+Festival+lineup+is+complete!++With+the+event+now+ just+a+little+over+two+weeks+away,+the+Discovery+Program,+the+Kids+Program+and+ additional+selections+for+other+festival+sections+have+been+announced.+ !

DISCOVERY PROGRAM Life in a Fishbowl (Vonarstræti), Baldvin Zophoníasson

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TIFF*2014:*'St.*Vincent',*Francos*'Fury',*Cannes* Palme* d'Or* Winner* and* New* Ghibli* Added* to* Lineup* By+Brad+Brevet+–+08.19.2014+ http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/tiffI2014IstIvincentIfrancosIfuryIcannesIpalmeIdorI winnerInewIghibliIaddedIlineup/+ + The+2014+Toronto+Film+Festival+lineup+got+a+lot+stronger+this+morning+by+adding+several+ new+ titles+ to+ the+ Special+ Presentations,+ Masters,+ Documentaries,+ Vanguard+ and+ Contemporary+ World+ Cinema+ selection+ as+ well+ as+ announcing+ the+ Mavericks+ and+ Discovery+Programme+picks.+ + Discovery*Programme* Life*in*a*Fishbowl*(Vonarstræti)*(dir.*Baldvin*Zophoníasson*

Michael's* Telluride* Film* Blog* and* The*Film*Awards*Clearinghouse *

BREAKING:* Toronto* Announces* Some* More* Titles* By+Michael+Patterson+–+08.19.2014+ http://michaelstelluridefilm.blogspot.ca/2014/08/breakingItorontoIannouncesIsomeI more.html+ + Finally,+ four+ titles+ were+ announced+ as+ International+ premieres+ that+ we+ may+ need+ to+ consider+for+Telluride.++There+is+limited+screening+history+information+about+each+of+the+ four+which,+at+least+at+the+moment,+leaves+them+as+theoretical+Telluride+possibilities.+ The+ most+ intriguing+ is+ the+ filmed+ version+ of+ Julie+ Taymor's+ stage+ production+ of+ Shakespeare's+"A+Midsummer+Night's+Dream".+ Also+in+play:+"Life+in+a+Fishbowl",+"The+Little+Death"+and+"Senza+Nessuna+Pieta".+ More+tomorrow...+ + + +

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LIFE*IN*A*FISHBOWL*–*International*Premiere*@*TIFF*14+ By+Marion+S+–+08.20.2014+ http://filmbutton.com/mainpage/?s=life+in+a+fishbowl&x=0&y=0+ + Life+ In+ A+ Fishbowl+ The+ Icelandic+ Film+ Company+ and+ Kisi+ Production+ presents+ INTERNATIONAL+ PREMIERE+ –+ TORONTO+ INTERNATIONAL+ FILM+ FESTIVAL+ Prostitute.+ Drunken+novelist.+Naive+young+executive.+After+generations+of+film,+we’ve+developed+a+ shorthand+of+tropes+–+characters+we’ve+seen+before+and+“know.”+Three+strangers+lives+ collide+in+Life+in+a+Fishbowl,+from+Icelandic+filmmaker+Baldvin+[…]+ +

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* Palme*d’Or*Winner,*Studio*Ghibli*Pair,*“St.* Vincent”*&*“Song*of*the*Sea”*Among*TIFF’s* Final*Wave*Items** By+Eric+Lavallee+on+August+19,+2014+ http://www.ioncinema.com/news/filmIfestivals/winterIsleepIstudioIghibliIstIvincentIsongIofI theIseaItiff+ + “Life+in+a+Fishbowl,”+Baldvin+Zophoniasson,+IcelandIFinlandISwedenICzech+Republic,+ International+Premiere+“Life+in+a+Fishbowl”+is+about+three+people+whose+lives+are+intertwined.+ After+a+horrible+tragedy,+a+writer+drinks+himself+into+oblivion+on+a+20Iyear+binge.+A+young+single+ mom+moonlights+as+a+prostitute+to+make+ends+meet.+A+former+soccer+star+is+recruited+into+the+ snake+pit+of+international+banking+and+loses+touch+with+his+family.+Starring+Hera+Hilmar,+ Thorsteinn+Bachmann+and+Thor+Kristjansson.+“+

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* TIFF*JUST*UNVEILED*THEIR*DISCOVERY* PROGRAMME* *

POSTED*19*08*2014* http://grolschfilmworks.com/ca/news/tiffJjustJunveiledJtheirJdiscoveryJprogramme* * Life*in*a*Fishbowl*(Vonarstræti)* Baldvin+Zophoníasson,+Iceland/Finland/Sweden/Czech+Republic+(International+Premiere)+ Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+about+three+people+whose+lives+are+intertwined.+After+a+horrible+tragedy,+a+ writer+drinks+himself+into+oblivion+on+a+20Iyear+binge.+A+young+single+mom+moonlights+as+a+ prostitute+to+make+ends+meet.+A+former+soccer+star+is+recruited+into+the+snake+pit+of+ international+banking+and+loses+touch+with+his+family.+Starring+Hera+Hilmar,+Thorsteinn+ Bachmann+and+Thor+Kristjansson.+

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Vonarstræti*to*Be*Screened*at*Toronto* By+Zoe+Robert+–+08.21.2014+ http://www.cinemascandinavia.com/vonarstraetiItoIbeIscreenedIatItoronto/+ + +

+ + The+film+Vonarstræti+(English+title:+Life+in+a+Fishbowl)+by+Icelandic+director+Baldvin+Z+will+be+screened+at+ the+Toronto+International+Film+Festival+(TIFF)+in+September.+TIFF+is+one+of+the+largest+film+festivals+in+North+ America.+ + The+film+was+recently+picked+up+for+international+distribution+by+the+German+company+Films+Boutique.+ + Vonarstræti+chronicles+the+lives+of+three+radically+different+people,+single+mother+Eik,+risingIstar+financier+ Sölvi+and,+alcoholic+writer+Móri,+in+the+years+just+before+the+2008+financial+collapse.+The+film+has+enjoyed+ much+success+in+Iceland.+ + The+film+is+currently+screening+with+English+subtitles+at+Haskólabíó+cinema+in+Reykjavík.+

* Vonarstræti*to*Be*Screened*at*Toronto* By+Zoe+Robert+–+08.21.2014+ http://www.cinemascandinavia.com/vonarstraetiItoIbeIscreenedIatItoronto/+

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+ The+film+Vonarstræti*(English+title:+Life*in*a*Fishbowl)+by+Icelandic+director+Baldvin+Z+will+be+ screened+at+the+Toronto+International+Film+Festival+(TIFF)+in+September.+TIFF+is+one+of+the+largest+ film+festivals+in+North+America.+ The+film+was+recently+picked+up+for+international+distribution+by+the+German+company+Films+ Boutique.+ Vonarstræti+chronicles+the+lives+of+three+radically+different+people,+single+mother+Eik,+risingIstar+ financier+Sölvi+and,+alcoholic+writer+Móri,+in+the+years+just+before+the+2008+financial+collapse.+The+ film+has+enjoyed+much+success+in+Iceland.+ The+film+is+currently+screening+with+English+subtitles+at+Haskólabíó+cinema+in+Reykjavík.+ We*speak*with*Baldvin*Z*in*the*latest*issue*of+Iceland+Review+magazine.*Click&here*to*subscribe.*+

& Toronto*Film*Review:*‘Life*in*a*Fishbowl’* SEPTEMBER+15,+2014+|+09:05AM+PT+|+Alissa+Simon+ http://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/torontoIfilmIreviewIlifeIinIaIfishbowlI 1201305348/+ +

+ Baldvin*Zophoniasson's*sophomore*feature*focuses*on*life*in*Iceland*before*the*2008*financial* crisis.*

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+ The+lives+of+three+characters+intertwine+in+“Life+in+a+Fishbowl,”+a+strongly+acted,+sensitively+directed+drama+ that+reps+a+big+step+forward+for+Icelandic+director+Baldvin+Zophoniasson+after+his+2010+teen+meller,+ “Jitters.”+This+naturalistic+portrait+of+fraught+lifestyles+in+Reykjavik+on+the+eve+of+the+country’s+2008+ economic+meltdown+touched+a+nerve+on+home+turf,+outdrawing+Hollywood+blockbusters+to+become+one+ of+the+island’s+biggestIever+domestic+hits.+Niche+arthouse+sales+and+further+fest+dates+are+in+the+offing+for+ this+probable+foreignIlanguage+Oscar+entry.+ + Each+of+the+three+central+characters+leads+a+double+life,+and+each+must+make+some+difficult+changes+in+ order+to+find+redemption.+First+we+meet+pretty+Eik+(Hera+Hilmarsdottir),+the+very+young+mother+of+a+ diabetic+8IyearIold.+She+can’t+make+ends+meet+as+a+nurseryIschool+teacher,+so+she+moonlights+as+a+highI end+prostitute.+Eik’s+path+begins+to+intersect+more+and+more+with+that+of+ragged,+bearded+Mori+ (Thorsteinn+Bachmann),+a+poet+and+novelist+who+has+been+a+raging+alcoholic+since+a+tragic+incident+20+ years+earlier.+Although+he+looks+and+behaves+like+a+downIandIout+street+person,+he+actually+owns+a+nice+ home+in+a+desirable+district.+ +

Meanwhile,+Solvi+(Thor+Kristjansson),+a+former+soccer+star+recruited+into+the+snake+pit+of+international+ banking,+wants+the+rights+to+Mori’s+property+in+order+to+facilitate+a+major+downtown+development.+As+he+ climbs+the+slippery+pole+to+the+top+of+his+new+profession,+he+starts+to+lose+touch+with+his+beautiful+wife+ Agnes+(Kristin+Lea+Sigridardottir),+and+their+little+daughter,+one+of+the+tots+at+Eik’s+nursery+school.+ + While+these+characters+might+have+been+mere+stereotypes+in+other+hands,+Zophoniasson+and+coIwriter+ Birgir+Steinarsson+give+them+nuance+and+depth.+Just+when+viewers+might+think+that+they+know+everything+ there+is+to+know+about+the+protagonists+from+their+initial+appearance,+the+script+delves+deeper,+revealing+ complications+and+contradictions.+ + Zophoniasson+further+compels+audience+attention+by+cutting+in+a+fourth+storyline+that+consists+of+ flashbacks+to+Mori’s+past.+These+provide+crucial+information+about+the+mystery+of+the+attention+he+pays+to+ little+girls+of+a+certain+age,+as+well+as+his+attraction+to+a+pond+near+the+center+of+town+and+fondness+for+a+ battered+postcard.+Eik,+too,+is+hiding+dark+family+secrets,+revealed+in+a+scene+that+somewhat+taxes+ credibility+(even+though+Zophoniasson+disclosed+in+a+postIscreening+Q&A+that+this+plot+point+came+directly+ from+his+family+life).+ + Although+he+initially+appears+to+be+a+straightIlaced+family+man,+Solvi+is+not+immune+to+the+excess+of+the+ bankers’+lifestyle.+A+“business”+trip+to+Florida+with+no+wives+allowed+leads+to+a+fateful+encounter+between+ Solvi+and+Eik,+whom+he+fails+to+recognize+as+his+daughter’s+teacher.+ + Never+feeling+overlong,+the+130Iminute+running+time+gives+the+characters+and+their+background+stories+ room+to+breathe.+Zophoniasson+shows+respect+to+all+of+his+characters,+making+even+the+minor+ones+feel+ wellIrounded;+it’s+not+surprising+to+learn+that+the+performances+were+developed+over+a+period+of+ rehearsal+and+improvisation.+ + GoodIlooking+widescreen+visuals+by+talented+lenser+Johann+Mani+Johannsson+create+the+feeling+of+ perpetual+scrutiny+that+goes+with+the+expression+“living+in+a+fishbowl.”+The+fading+light+and+wet+weather+of+ an+autumnal+Reykjavik,+where+people+try+to+stay+cozy+indoors,+makes+a+nice+contrast+to+the+Florida+scenes.+ Smart+costumes+and+production+design+signal+a+wealth+of+information+about+the+characters.+ + Toronto+Film+Review:+'Life+in+a+Fishbowl'+ Reviewed+at+Toronto+Film+Festival+(Contemporary+World+Cinema),+Sept.+4,+2014.+Running+time:+128+MIN.+ (Original+title:+"Vonarstraeti")+ + Production+ (IcelandIFinlandISwedenICzech+Republic)+An+Icelandic+Film+Co.+production,+in+coIproduction+with+Axman+ Prod.,+Harmonica+Films,+Solar+Films,+with+the+support+of+the+Icelandic+Film+Centre,+Media.+(International+ sales:+Films+Boutique,+Berlin.)+Produced+by+Julius+Kemp,+Ingvar+Thordarson.+CoIproducers,+Markus+Selin,+ Jukka+Helle,+Per+Janerus,+Karla+Stojakova.+ + Crew+ Directed+by+Baldvin+Zophoniasson.+Screenplay,+Zophoniasson,+Birgir+Steinarsson.+Camera+(color,+HD,+ widescreen),+Johann+Mani+Johannsson;+editor,+Sigurbjorg+Jonsdottir;+music,+Olafur+Arnalds;+production+ designer,+Gunnar+Palsson;+sound+(5.1),+Huldar+Freyr+Arnarson,+Arni+Benediktsson,+Petur+Einarsson.+ + With+ Thorsteinn+Bachmann,+Hera+Hilmarsdottir,+Thor+Kristjansson,+Valur+Freyr+Gunnarsson,+Kristin+Lea+ Sigridardottir,+Sveinn+Olafur+Gunnarsson,+Markus+Reymann,+Ingvar+Thordarson.+(Icelandic,+English+ dialogue)+

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TIFF*2014*Movie*Reviews:*50*and*Counting* By+Linda+BarnardI+08.28.2014++ http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/tiff/2014/08/28/tiff_2014_movie_revie ws.html+ + + +

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A+huge+hit+in+its+native+Iceland,+the+performances+make+up+for+plot+weaknesses+ and+a+tendency+to+the+obvious+in+this+intersecting+story+of+an+aging,+alcoholic+ writer+bent+on+selfIdestruction+after+a+longIsimmering+tragedy+(Ăžorsteinn+ Bachmann),+a+nursery+school+teacher+with+a+troubled+past+now+leading+a+double+ life+as+a+call+girl+(Hera+Hilmar,+superb)+and+a+handsome+former+soccer+star+juggling+ a+morally+bankrupt+boss+and+his+ambitions+to+succeed+in+a+financial+career.+L.B.+ + + + +

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TIFF*2014:*Reviews*of*'Foxcatcher',* 'Nightcrawler'*and*more.** By+Jim+SlotekI+09.08.2014++ http://www.torontosun.com/2014/09/08/tiffI2014IreviewsIareIin+ +

+ + Set+ in+ Reykjavik+ in+ 2007+ –+ in+ the+ heady+ days+ before+ the+ ’08+ meltdown+ revealed+ that+ Iceland+ had+ been+ ensnared+ in+ a+ giant+ banking+ ponzi+ scheme.+ Baldvin+ Zophoniasson+ creates+ a+ sociallyIcanny,+ sharplyIstructured+ soap+ opera+ involving+ a+ prostitute/singleI mother,+a+formerIsoccerIstarIturned+banking+executive+and+a+disheveled+drunk+who,+in+ his+ sober+ moments,+ is+ Iceland’s+ greatest+ poet/novelist.+ The+ budgetary+ limits+ become+ glaring+during+the+part+of+the+plot+set+at+a+decadent+yacht+party+in+Florida+(hint:+it’s+not+ Florida).+ But+ Zophoniasson+ (Jitters)+ gets+ the+ most+ out+ of+ a+ solid+ cast+ of+ actors,+ particularly+Thorsteinn+Bachmann+as+the+haunted+author+Mori.+ + + +

* Life*In*a*Fishbowl* By+Susan+G.+Cole+–+09.04.2014+ http://www.nowtoronto.com/tiff/2013/filmIdetail.cfm?ref=showtimes&film=2342+ + + +

+ + REVIEW*BY*SUSAN*G.*COLE*NOW*RATING:*NNNN* + Three+ stories+ connect+ loosely+ in+ this+ intense+ drama+ out+ of+ Iceland.+ Single+ mother+ Eik+ (Hilmar)+ works+ at+ a+ daycare+ centre+ and+ turns+ tricks+ on+ the+ side.+ Móri+ (Bachmann)+ is+ a+ famous+poet+turned+drunk.+And+Sölvi+(Christian+Slater+lookalike+Thor+Kristjansson)+is+an+ exIsoccer+star+now+working+at+a+bank+for+a+boss+with+unethical+practices.+ + + + !

*

*

*

TIFF*2014:*Baldvin*Zophoníasson's*Icelandic* Drama*'Life*in*a*Fishbowl'* by+Alex+Billington+|+September+12,+2014+ http://www.firstshowing.net/2014/tiffI2014IbaldvinIzophoniassonsIicelandicIdramaIlifeIinIaI fishbowl/* *

*

*

"What*is*light*without*dark?"+Every+once+in+a+while+I+come+across+something+so+unique,+so+ refreshing,+so+exciting+to+watch+that+as+soon+as+the+lights+come+up+I+immediately+want+to+ start+raving+and+telling+others+about+it.+This+is+one+of+those+films,+and+I+hope+I+can+bring+some+ additional+attention+to+it.+Thanks+to+a+tip+on+Twitter+from+filmmaker+@DarrenAronofsky,+I+ caught+an+Icelandic+film+called+Life&in&a&Fishbowl,+from+director+Baldvin+Zophoníasson,+an+ ensemble+feature+premiering+at+the+Toronto+Film+Festival.+Amidst+all+the+darkness,+death,+ stress,+and+horribleness+in+this+world,+here+is+a+story+that+finally+has+some+optimism+to+it.+ + As+explained+by+TIFF,+Life*in*a*Fishbowl+(which+just+opened+in+theaters+in+Iceland+this+ August)+is+described+as+a+"multipleInarrative+drama"+that+focuses+on+three+different+people+ living+in+the+cold,+darkness+of+Iceland:+"a+struggling+single+mother,+a+former+athlete+trying+to+ scale+the+corporate+ladder,+and+a+onceIacclaimed+author+turned+fullItime+drunk+—+whose+

lives+intersect+in+surprising+ways."+This+is+one+of+those+films+that+will+constantly+throw+you+ off;+right+when+you+think+you+know+what's+about+to+happen+next,+it+takes+a+sharp+left+turn,+ then+twists+again+in+ways+that+will+make+you+incredibly+tense+at+first,+but+relieved+by+the+ end.+That's+the+power+of+this:+it+makes+you+feel+every+emotion,+without+losing+hope.+The+less+ you+know+going+in,+the+better.+ + Thanks+to+seductive,+dark+cinematography+by+Jóhann+Máni+Jóhannsson+and+a+very+moody+ but+marvelous+score,+the+film+pulls+viewers+right+in.+Even+without+knowing+much+about+the+ characters,+or+even+the+setting+or+location+they're+in,+it's+not+hard+to+fall+into+this+and+feel+ attracted+by+its+cinematic+pull.+The+bigger+story+involving+all+of+these+people+is+very+sensual,+ addressing+poignant+topics+such+as+honesty,+integrity,+domestic+abuse,+the+power+of+sex,+ how+our+perceptions+can+be+off,+and+the+way+we+cope+with+all+of+this+while+also+struggling+to+ make+the+best+for+ourselves,+and+our+families.+But+instead+hammering+audiences+over+the+ head+with+how+prevalent,+and+unchecked,+all+of+this+is+(as+many+films+tend+to+do+nowadays)+ it+provides+some+lightin+the+darkness.+And+with+all+that+darkness,+all+the+shit+to+wade+ through,+it's+refreshing+to+find+some+light.+ + Over+the+last+few+weeks+(and+years)+there+have+been+a+number+of+films+like+The*Wolf*of* Wall*Street,+The*Girl*with*the*Dragon*Tattoo,+Ramin+Bahrani's+99*Homes+(at+ Telluride/TIFF),+and+Dan+Gilroy's+Nightcrawler+(at+Telluride/TIFF)+that+play+up+the+good+side+ of+this+corruption/debauchery+ever+prevalent+in+our+society.+They+tend+to+remind+us+that,+ despite+desires+for+a+better+world,+it's+not+as+easy+to+change+things+as+we+think,+and+ sometimes+we+have+to+cave+in+and+accept+the+bullshit+if+we+want+to+make+it+through+alive+(or+ sane,+or+with+a+nice+car).+However,+Life*in*a*Fishbowl+finally+says+screw*that+(not+literally)+ and+gives+us+a+bit+of+hope,+some+optimism,+to+hold+on+to+as+it+attempts+to+navigate+the+ troubles+of+a+stressed+out,+embittered+modern+society.+ + The+film's+characters+and+how+fleshed+out+they+are+make+this+compelling.+The+one+every+will+ fall+in+love+with,+despite+his+flaws,+is+Móri+played+by+Þorsteinn*Bachmann.+An+accomplished+ poet/writer,+he's+also+a+drunk+(or+"wino"+as+they+call+him+in+the+film)+but+listening+to+him+talk+ is+like+listening+to+poetry.+Everything+he+says+is+lyrical,+and+the+most+breathtaking+moments+ of+the+film+are+when+he+really+speaks+from+his+heart.+The+rest+of+the+Icelandic+cast+ including+Hera*Hilmar+as+Eik,+Thor*Kristjansson,+Sveinn*Ólafur*Gunnarssonand+Laufey* Elíasdóttir,+are+fantastic+and+all+of+them+add+something+special+to+the+film.+My+only+issues+ are+with+a+few+of+the+story+beats+that+occasionally+try+to+push+the+story+along+a+ bit+too+easily.+Almost+all+of+it+is+totally+realistic+except+for+a+few+scenes,+though+I+could+look+ past+those+when+it+comes+to+the+full+experience.+ + Despite+Aronofsky's+recommendation,+I+was+still+surprised+to+find+a+film+as+moving+and+ unique+as+this+one.+Baldvin+Zophoníasson+is+a+director+to+watch,+and+I+expect+we'll+be+seeing+ quite+a+bit+from+him+down+the+line.+He+proves+that+he+has+remarkable+storytelling+talent,+not+ only+in+blending+the+characters+together,+but+giving+taking+us+on+the+kind+of+emotional+ journey+that+resonates+deep+down+in+our+bones.+The+kind+that+reminds+us+and+reaffirms+that+ although+there's+plenty+of+destructive,+selfish+people+out+there,+there's+also+some+hope.+It's+ the+little+moments,+even+just+a+smile,+or+small+gestures,+that+can+make+all+the+difference.+ Seek+this+out.+

*

+

‘Life*in*a*Fishbowl’:*Toronto*Review* http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/lifeIaIfishbowlItorontoIreviewI730401+ +

+

The+Bottom+Line+ A+bland+Icelandic+‘Magnolia’+whose+strong+performances+can’t+compensate+for+a+lack+of+ originality+ Venue+ Toronto+Film+Festival+(Discovery)+ Cast+ Hera+Hilmar,+Thorsteinn+Bachmann,+Thor+Kristjansson,+Laufey+Eliasdottir+ DirectorIscreenwriter+ Baldvin+Zophoniasson+ + WriterIdirector+Baldvin+Zophoniasson+(“Jitters”)+unveils+his+second+feature+at+TIFF+ + A+prostitute+with+a+heart+of+gold.+An+alcoholic+writer+with+a+tortured+past.+An+honest+banker+in+a+ world+of+cheats.+Such+are+the+three+characters+whose+interlocking+storylines+make+up+Life+in+a+ Fishbowl,+an+Icelandic+network+narrative+that+takes+hints+from+Robert+Altman+and+Paul+Thomas+ Anderson,+but+has+neither+the+former’s+passionate+nonchalance+nor+the+latter’s+cinematic+ finesse.+Instead,+this+sophomore+feature+from+writerIdirector+Baldvin+Zophoniasson+(Jitters)+ heads+to+mostly+expected+places+in+a+mostly+routine+manner,+even+if+the+performances+are+good+

+

enough+to+maintain+interest+over+a+lengthy+130+minute+running+time.+Already+a+hit+at+the+local+ box+office,+the+TIFF+Discovery+selection+should+paddle+around+festivals+until+it+heads+to+calm+ waters+on+VOD.+ + An+opening+sequence+features+three+forwardImoving+tracking+shots,+each+of+them+creeping+up+ on+a+parked+car+sitting+alone+in+a+deluge+of+rain+(Magnolia,+anyone?).+We+then+cut+inside+to+ reveal+the+film’s+trio+of+protagonists:+Eik+(Hera+Himar,+Da+Vinci’s+Demons)+a+single+mother,+ preschool+teacher+and+hardworking+call+girl;+Mori+(Thorsteinn+Bachmann,+The+Deep),+a+brilliant+ novelist+and+poet+who+hits+the+bottle+each+night+before+he+inevitably+hits+the+pavement;+and+ Solvi+(Thor+Kristjansson,+Black’s+Game)+a+former+athlete+who’s+converted+to+the+world+of+finance,+ seemingly+to+feed+the+expensive+tastes+of+his+stayIatIhome+trophy+wife+(Laufey+Eliasdottir).+ + These+characters+are+not+entirely+original,+so+what+Zophoniasson+(who+also+penned+the+script)+ does+for+much+of+the+drama+is+hold+back+key+pieces+of+information,+structuring+his+story+in+such+a+ way+that+we+can’t+know+what’s+lurking+beneath+the+surface+–+literally,+in+a+visual+metaphor+ involving+broken+ice+–+until+the+third+act.+In+the+meantime,+the+three+leads+cross+paths+in+rather+ predictable+ways,+though+this+isn’t+perhaps+surprising+given+that+the+population+of+Iceland+is+ roughly+that+of+St.+Louis,+with+much+of+it+concentrated+in+and+around+Reykjavik+(where+the+film+ was+shot).+ + Of+the+different+plots,+that+involving+Eik+plays+out+as+the+most+convincing+before+it+crash+lands+in+ the+finale,+even+if+the+sprightly+Himar+maintains+a+credible+screen+presence+throughout.+The+ other+stories+simply+lack+inventiveness:+Mori+is+a+parody+of+the+tormented+genius,+wracked+by+ guilt+and+bottles+of+Johnnie+Walker,+spouting+cliches+(“Dreams+are+the+stuff+that+nurture+us+all”)+ when+he’s+not+recalling+a+personal+tragedy+told+in+sepiaItoned+flashbacks.+Solvi,+meanwhile,+ never+becomes+someone+of+substance,+other+than+being+perhaps+the+only+nice+guy+in+a+world+of+ corporate+aIholes.+ + There’s+not+much+else+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+has+going+for+it,+and+even+the+cinematography+feels+ watered+down,+providing+the+kind+of+washedIout+Alexa+color+scheme+we’ve+seen+too+many+ times.+Thankfully,+the+performances+add+some+texture+to+a+film+that+never+finds+a+true+identity,+ while+the+grim+Icelandic+settings+manage+to+provide+a+distinctively+depressing+background.+But+ the+rest+could+take+place+anywhere+with+anyone,+and+we’re+not+swimming+in+a+fishbowl+as+much+ as+we’re+treading+water+in+a+sea+of+familiarity.+ Production+companies:+The+Icelandic+Film+Company,+SolarFilms,+Harmonica+Films+AB,+Axmann+ Production+ + Cast:+Hera+Hilmar,+Thorsteinn+Bachmann,+Thor+Kristjansson,+Laufey+Eliasdottir+ Director:+Baldvin+Zophoniasson+ Screenwriters:+Baldvin+Zophoniasson,+Birgir+Steinarsson+ Producers:+Julius+Kemp,+Ingvar+Thordarson+ Director+of+photography:+Johann+Mani+Johannson+ Production+designer:+Gunnar+Palsson+ Costume+designer:+Margret+Einarsdottir+ Editor:+Sigurbjorg+Jonsdottir+ Composer:+Olafur+Arnalds+ Sales:+Films+Boutique+ No+rating,+129+minutes+

+

TIFF*2014*Review:*Life*in*a*Fishbowl* By+Charles+Trapunski+–+09.01.2014+ http://scenecreek.com/tiff/tiffI2014IreviewIlifeIinIaIfishbowl/+ + +

++++++++++++++ +

+

Baldvin+Z’s+film+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+already+a+massive+hit+in+Iceland,+and+its+description+in+the+ TIFF+ Program+ Book+ describes+ its+ characters,+ (the+ movie+ is+ essentially+ a+ threeIhander)+ as+ a+ metaphor+for+the+country’s+fiscal+and+financial+burden.+ + We+believe,+however,+that+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+far+more+impactful+because+it+presents+three+ characters+ that+ could+ have+ easily+ become+ clichés;+ the+ former+ athlete+ turned+ corporate+ toady,+ Sölvi,+ who+ must+ learn+ how+ to+ accept+ business+ machinations+ or+ stick+ to+ his+ guiding+ principles,+a+single+mother,+Eik,+hampered+by+the+high+cost+of+living+and+forced+to+turn+tricks+ in+ order+ to+ make+ ends+ meet,+ (she+ enters+ the+ world’s+ creepiest+ party,+ and+ led+ to+ a+ sweaty+ HawaiianIshirt+clad+man,+is+forced+to+perform+for+him+with+a+bored+expression+on+her+face.+ This+is+the+first+few+minutes+of+the+film).+A+third+character,+Mori,+appears+to+be+some+sort+of+ wino+or+vagrant,+with+wild+unkempt+beard+and+shabby+clothes,+but+it+is+later+revealed+to+be+ an+artist+and+poet,+and+still+having+the+ability+to+be+impactful.+ + These+ three+ characters,+ played+ seemingly+ effortlessly+ by+ actors+ Thor+ Kristjansson,+ Hera+ Hilmar+and+Þorsteinn+Bachmann+manage+to+transcend+cliché+because+of+one+reason+and+one+ reason+ only:+ they+ are+ fallible.+ Moreover,+ their+ redemptive+ arcs,+ which+ we+ think+ that+ are+ going+to+go+one+way,+go+another.+ + Credit+to+Baldvin+Z+for+recognizing+that+life+doesn’t+go+as+it+was+planned,+and+is+sometimes+a+ little+fishy.+

!

+

TIFF*2014*REVIEW:*LIFE*IN*A*FISHBOWL* By+William+Brownridge+–+09.03.2014+ http://thetfs.ca/2014/09/03/tiffI2014IreviewIlifeIfishbowl/#.VAsfz16mDSN+ + +

+

+

Eik+(Hera+Hilmar)+is+a+single+mother,++++just+trying+to+make+ends+meet.+Móri+(Þorsteinn+Bachmann)+ is+a+famous+author+and+poet+who+has+turned+to+drinking.+Sölvi+(Thor+Kristjansson)+is+a+former+ football+star+who+is+now+trying+to+climb+the+corporate+ladder.+They’ve+each+made+mistakes+in+ their+lives+and+they’re+all+on+a+collision+course+with+each+other.+Their+experiences+together+will+ change+them+forever,+even+offering+them+a+second+chance+to+make+things+right.+ + Director+ Baldvin+ Zophoníasson+ builds+ an+ absolutely+ incredible+ film+ with+ Life+ in+ a+ Fishbowl.+ Viewers+ are+ thrust+ into+ the+ lives+ of+ Eik,+ Móri,+ and+ Sölvi,+ without+ any+ explanation+ of+ what+ has+ come+ before.+ Slowly+ over+ the+ course+ of+ the+ film+ we+ begin+ to+ learn+ about+ the+ tragedy+ and+ mistakes+that+formed+each+character+while+we+also+watch+as+their+lives+become+intertwined.+ + While+ each+ character+ has+ options+ to+ overcome+ the+ hurdles+ in+ their+ lives+ and+ the+ choices+ they+ make+may+not+always+be+the+best,+which+only+adds+to+the+intense+realism+of+the+film.+Not+every+ decision+ is+ the+ right+ one,+ but+ it’s+ what+ they+ each+ choose+ and+ are+ forced+ to+ live+ with.+ Happy+ endings+ are+ what+ we+ make+ of+ them,+ and+ the+ film+ doesn’t+ focus+ on+ solving+ the+ problems+ that+ have+come+before,+instead+showing+how+each+person+must+ultimately+accept+the+good+and+bad+ to+move+forward+in+life.+

+ Is+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+essential+festival+viewing?+ This+is+a+definite+must+see+film.+Audiences+will+be+instantly+caught+up+in+the+story,+which+reveals+ its+secrets+at+a+perfect+pace,+keeping+viewers+mesmerized+until+the+credits+roll.+

! !

Life+in+a+Fishbowl+screening+times+ Friday,+September+5,+2014+–+9:30+pm+–+Scotiabank+Theatre+ Sunday,+September+7,+2014+–+1:45+pm+–+Scotiabank+Theatre+ Sunday,+September+14,+2014+–+1:15+pm+–+TIFF+Bell+Lightbox+ + +

More*About*Life*in*a*Fishbowl+ Life+in+a+Fishbowl+trailer* !

+

!

+

TIFF:*The*Underground,*Life*In*a*Fishbowl*and* In*Her*Place*Reviews* BY+JACQUELINE+VALENCIA+ON+ SEPTEMBER+2,+2014+ http://nextprojection.com/2014/09/02/tiffIundergroundIlifeIfishbowlIplaceIreviews/+ + * Life*In*A*Fishbowl*(2014)+ Dir.+Baldvin+Zophoníasson* + Following+his+highly+acclaimed+2010+ debut+feature+Jitters,+Balvin+ Zophoníasson+brings+TIFF+audience+a+ new+kind+of+magic.+In+Life*In*A*Fishbowl,+ the+director+manages+to+intertwine+ three+solid+subplots+to+create+an+ immensely+gripping+one.+ Eik+(Hera+Hilmar)+is+a+single+mother+who+ works+at+a+daycare+who+must+work+at+a+ prostitute+at+night+to+make+end+meet.+ Sölvi+(Thor+Kristjansson)+is+a+former+ football+star+the+corporate+world+as+a+ banker.+Móri+(Þorsteinn+Bachmann)+is+a+ writer+and+drunkard+dealing+with+an+endless+guilt+after+the+loss+of+his+daughter+and+the+ break+up+of+his+marriage.+ + At+first,+the+film+concentrates+with+Eik’s+compelling+story,+but+little+by+little+it+expands+to+ the+other+characters+in+cleverly+subtle+ways.+The+emotions+that+run+rampant+through+the+ film+are+tangible.+Tears+well+up+and+rage+festers+underneath+the+surface+in+scenes,+ making+the+audience+tense+at+the+possibilities+and+relieved+at+the+inevitable+conclusions.+ Having+already+been+an+enormous+hit+in+its+home+screens+in+Iceland,+there’s+hope+that+ it’s+reputation+will+help+it+overcome+the+more+prominent+films+at+TIFF.+I+hope+so,+ because+this+Life*In*A*Fishbowl+is+a+mustIsee+drama.+ + +

*

+

TIFF*2014*Review*–*Life*in*a*Fishbowl*(Vonarstræti)*(2014)* By+Trevor+Hogg+–+09.03.2014+ http://www.flickeringmyth.com/2014/09/tif+ 2014IreviewIlifeIfishbowlIvonarstraetiI2014.html+ + +

Life*in*a*Fishbowl*(Vonarstræti),+ 2014.+ Directed+by+Baldvin+ Zophoníasson.+ Starring+Hera+Hilmar,+Thorsteinn+ Bachmann,+and+Thor+ Kristjansson.+ + SYNOPSIS:+ The+lives+of+a+struggling+single+ mother,+a+former+athlete+trying+ to+scale+the+corporate+ladder,+ and+a+onceIacclaimed+author+ turned+fullItime+drunk+intersect+ in+surprising+ways.+ All+three+stories+begin+on+a+dark+ rainy+night+situated+in+car.++A+ young+woman+in+her+early+ twenties+walks+into+a+bar+and+ goes+up+stairs+to+sexually+service+ a+client;+she+returns+home+to+a+ babysitter+who+is+looking+after+ her+child.++The+single+mother+ goes+to+bank+where+she+is+behind+ payments+for+a+loan.++The+ mention+of+a+drunk+talking+to+the+

daughter+segues+into+the+second+story.+ + A+bearded+drunk+gets+pulled+over+and+taken+into+custody+for+driving+while+intoxicated;+ the+next+scene+deals+with+him+sitting+in+the+office+of+his+publisher+going+a+manuscript+for+ his+latest+book+titled+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+which+is+an+autobiographical+tale.++The+talented+ writer+who+is+too+fond+of+alcohol+walks+by+the+preschool+playground+where+he+speaks+to+

the+child+of+the+single+mother+before+he+is+sent+on+his+way+by+a+young+man+who+ intervenes.+ + Talking+in+a+car+are+a+handsome+couple+who+head+into+a+bar+where+at+a+company+party+is+ being+held;+the+husband+is+revealed+to+be+a+retired+soccer+star+who+has+become+a+rising+ star+of+the+bank.++The+athlete+turned+banking+executive+cross+paths+with+financially+ strapped+single+mother+on+board+a+yacht+at+another+corporate+gathering+and+they+have+ a+brief+affair.+Most+of+the+intersecting+between+the+storylines+occurs+between+the+single+ mother+and+the+author+who+developing+a+friendship+which+allows+both+of+them+escape+ the+confines+of+their+daily+lives.+ + It+is+an+ambitious+project+by+filmmaker+Baldvin+Zophoníasson+(Jitters)+who+is+able+to+ retain+the+human+element+throughout+as+well.+++A+tiresome+narrative+cliché+is+that+of+a+ female+character+who+has+to+engage+in+prostitution+so+to+support+herself+and+the+writer+ being+an+alcoholic+is+old+news.++Plot+is+not+a+defining+element+as+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+ about+individuals+going+on+a+journey+to+redefine+themselves.++Despite+having+to+do+a+ number+of+sex+scenes+Hera+Hilmar+(Anna+Karenina)+is+able+to+shine+to+give+a+soulful+ performance.++ + + +

*

* TIFF14:*UnderJtheJradar*gems*include*‘They* Have*Escaped,’*‘Life*In*a*Fishbowl,*‘In*the* Crosswind’* http://filmswoon.com/?p=1560+ + Life*In*a*Fishbowl****+ Icelandic+director+Baldvin+Zophoníasson’s+multiIcharacter+drama+feels+obvious+at+times,+and+a+ tad+too+predictable.+But+it’s+three+central+stories+are+endearing+enough+that+the+end+result+is+ pretty+charming.+ + + +

+ +

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TIFF*2014*Recap:*After*19*Films*in*Toronto*J* Which*Ones*Stand*Out?* by+Alex+Billington+|+September+12,+2014+ http://www.firstshowing.net/2014/tiffI2014IrecapIafterI19IfilmsIinItoronto/+ + + "What+have+you+liked+so+far?"+is+one+of+the+most+common+questions+I+hear+at+film+ festivals.+The+films+that+come+to+mind+first+&+foremost:+Mia+HansenILøve's+Eden+(hits+a+ little+too+close+to+home+for+many+reasons),+Jason+Reitman's+sensual+new+film+Men,+ Women+&+Children,+Dan+Gilroy's+dark+comedy+Nightcrawler+with+Jake+Gyllenhaal+riding+ around+the+streets+of+Los+Angeles,+Isao+Takahata's+animated+film+The+Tale+of+Princess+ Kaguya,+and+the+Icelandic+film+Life+in+a+Fishbowl.+After+eight+years+of+covering+film+ festivals+I've+learned+that+whatever+remains+strongest+in+your+mind+at+the+end,+whatever+ they+may+be,+those+are+the+best+films.+Those+are+the+ones+that+are+worth+mentioning+ because+they+stand+out+due+to+some+deeper+reason.+ + The+ones+that+meant+the+most+to+me+this+year+were+the+ones+that+surprised+and+ delighted+me.+Eden+was+very+much+a+reflective+look+back+on+my+own+life,+while+ Nightcrawler+was+a+look+at+a+person+that+I+don't+ever+want+to+be.+The+Tale+of+Princess+ Kaguya+was+much+more+charming+than+I+expected,+and+Nightcrawler+was+much+more+ serious+than+I+expected+for+a+dark+comedy.+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+was+a+fantastic+late+festival+ discovery,+I'm+so+glad+I+went+out+of+my+way+to+see+it.+Reitman's+new+film+is+splitting+ critics+down+the+middle,+but+it+really+connected+with+me.+I+even+enjoyed+the+trippy,+ existential+mind+fuck+that+is+A+Pigeon+Sat+on+a+Branch+Reflecting+on+Existence+from+Roy+ Andersson.+It's+actually+a+ton+of+cinematic+fun,+like+nothing+else+out+there.+ + + + + + + +

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Life*in*a*Fishbowl*(TIFF*Review)* C.J. Prince September 5, 2014!

http://waytooindie.com/review/movie/lifeIinIaIfishbowlItiffIreview/+ + + +

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An!accessible!drama!that!treads!familiar! ground!but!executes!it!well!enough!to!make! most!of!its!tropes!forgivable.! !

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Iceland+takes+a+stab+at+the+multiple+narrative+ structure+with+Life*in*a*Fishbowl,+a+film+that’s+ become+a+hit+in+its+home+country.+The+film+follows+ three+different+people+living+in+the+same+town,+and+ as+these+stories+usually+go+(think+Babel+orMagnolia)+ all+three+end+up+crossing+paths+with+each+other+at+ some+point.+Director+Baldvin+Zophoníasson+crafts+a+ finely+made,+accessible+drama,+one+that+treads+ familiar+ground+but+executes+it+well+enough+to+make+most+of+its+tropes+forgivable.+And+while+Life* in*a*Fishbowl+is+far+from+bad,+its+clunky+screenplay+holds+it+back+from+living+up+to+its+full+ potential.+ + Eik+(Hera+Hilmar),+a+single+mother+working+at+a+preIschool,+turns+to+prostitution+to+pay+off+her+ debts;+Mori+(Þorsteinn+Bachmann)+is+a+successful+writer+and+poet+with+a+tragic+history,+his+ demons+pushing+him+to+spend+most+of+his+days+drinking;+and+Solvi+(Thor+Kristjansson)+is+a+former+ athlete+starting+a+new+job+in+the+financial+sector.+It+takes+some+time+before+the+three+different+ narrative+strands+start+connecting.+Eik+and+Mori+strike+up+a+close+friendship,+and+one+of+Solvi’s+ first+tasks+at+his+job+is+to+convince+Mori+to+sell+his+home+to+the+bank.+The+three+lives+end+up+ intertwining+through+other,+more+interesting+ways,+but+don’t+expect+any+big+revelations+or+last+ act+twists.+Zophoníasson+uses+these+characters+to+make+a+social+and+political+statement+about+ his+country,+showing+the+difficulties+in+personal+failure+and+overcoming+past+tragedies+to+earn+ redemption.+

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Solvi’s+storyline+gives+a+look+into+the+kind+of+predatory+financial+practices+that+led+to+the+financial+ meltdown,+and+Eik+&+Mori’s+stories+both+represent+the+lower+social+classes+hurt+most+by+what+ happened+in+2008.+Eik+and+Mori’s+friendship+make+up+the+heart+of+the+film,+mostly+thanks+to+ Hera+Hilmar+and+Þorsteinn+Bachmann’s+excellent+performances.+It’s+also+the+most+satisfying+part+ of+the+film+because+it’s+the+strongest+link+between+the+three+narratives.+Solvi’s+storyline+stays+ separated+for+the+most+part,+and+while+Thor+Kristjansson+does+a+fine+job+portraying+Solvi’s+ gradual+transformation+from+goodInatured+husband+to+corporate+sleazeball,+it+never+connects+in+ the+same+way+as+Eik+and+Mori’s+storylines.+It+also+ends+disappointingly,+feeling+inconclusive+ compared+to+the+satisfactory+wrapIups+for+the+other+two+characters.+ + Zophoníasson+shows+his+hand+a+little+too+much+as+well.+There’s+a+revelation+in+the+latter+half+that+ doesn’t+hit+the+mark,+mainly+because+it’s+an+inconsequential+twist+to+the+narrative.+This+is+where+ it+feels+like+Zophoníasson+twists+things+around+to+wring+more+emotion+out+of+viewers,+a+move+ that’s+only+bothersome+because+of+its+transparency.+The+same+goes+for+one+key+segment+ involving+Mori;+with+a+supporting+character’s+fate+left+hanging,+the+film+deliberately+switches+ over+to+another+plot+for+what+feels+like+ages,+purposely+dragging+the+tension+out+before+cutting+ back.+It’s+not+like+these+kinds+of+decisions+are+bad,+they’re+just+unsuccessfully+executed,+and+ seeing+the+director’s+hand+ruins+the+ability+to+stay+involved+with+the+material.+Life*in*a* Fishbowl+will+definitely+resonate+with+audiences+outside+of+Iceland+(I+wouldn’t+be+shocked+if+it+ ended+up+as+a+contender+for+the+Best+Foreign+Film+Oscar),+but+its+wellIhandled+drama+can+only+ help+it+so+much.+

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Life*in*a*Fishbowl*(TIFF*Review)*Movie*review+ !

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LIFE* IN* A* FISHBOWL* (aka* Vonarstræti)* J* TIFF* 2014* (TIFF*Discovery)*J*Review*By*Greg*Klymkiw* By+Greg+Klymkiw+–+08.30.2014+ http://klymkiwfilmcorner.blogspot.ca/2014/08/lifeIinIfishbowlIakaIvonarstrtiItiff.html+ TIFF+2014+(Discovery)+ Life+in+a+Fishbowl+(aka+Vonarstræti)+(2014)+ Dir.+Baldvin+Zophoníasson+ Script:+Birgir+Steinarsson+&+Zophoníasson+ Starring:+ Hera+ Hilmar,+ Thor+ Kristjansson,+ Þorsteinn+Bachmann+ + Review+By+Greg+Klymkiw+ + As+ a+ Canadian+ who+ writes+ about+ movies,+ has+ made+ more+ than+ a+ few+ movies+ and+ loves+movies,+I'm+ashamed+to+the+depths+ of+my+bowels+at+having+to+admit+that+the+ highest+ grossing+ Canadian+ film+ over+ the+ last+ year+ was+ the+ utterly+ loathsome+ flop+ The+ Mortal+ Instrument:+ City+ of+ Bones.+ By+ virtue+ of+ our+ nation's+ tax+ credit+ system+ and+ international+ coIproduction+ agreements+ and+ the+ blatant,+ sorrowful+ waste+ of+ our+ talent+ and+ locations,+ this+ sickeningly+ moronic+ teen+ fantasyI adventure+ based+ on+ adreadful+ franchise+ of+ illiterateIture,+ aimed+ at+ the+ lowest+ common+ denominator+ of+ those+ who+ purport+ to+ read,+ is+ no+ more+ Canadian,+ in+ terms+of+its+content+(if+you+want+to+call+it+ that,+ I+ prefer+ to+ describe+ it+ as+ faecal+ matter),+than+a+hairy,+barefoot,+offensively+unwashed,+stoveItopIhatIadorned,+shotgunI toting,+OzarkIdwelling+hillbilly.+ + + + + +

Oh+Canada,+how+dare+anyone+stand+on+guard+for+thee?+ + As+these+thoughts+of+national+shame+permeate+the+gelatinous+goo+of+my+brain+matter,+I+ seek+ respite+ from+ the+ horror+ and+ instead,+ as+ a+ longtime+ cottager+ in+ Gimli,+ Manitoba,+ I+ look+ to+ the+ tiny+ country+ of+ which+ I+ feel+ honorarily+ bound+ by+ virtue+ of+ so+ many+ years+ celebrating+Islendingadagurinn+and+secretly+whacking+off+to+photographs+of+those+grand+ old+ladies+crowned+each+year+as+"New+Iceland's"+Fjallkona.+ + Yes,+ Iceland,+ I'm+ looking+ at+ you,+ baby+ and+ I+ rejoice+ that+ your+ audiences+ recently+ supported+a+superb+new+indigenous+film+and+turned+it+into+a+humungous+domestic+box+ office+ hit,+ higher+ and+ more+ powerful+ than+ the+ mighty+ Mount+ Askja.+ That+ the+ film+ is+ a+ dark,+disturbing,+multiIlayered,+hauntingly+textured+and+deeply+moving+multiIcharacter+ drama+ that+ focuses+ on+ the+ legacy+ of+ three+ major+ banking+ institutions+ collapsing+ during+ the+Icelandic+Financial+Crises+of+2008,+is+what+ ultimately+ makes+ this+ picture's+ existence+ and+ success+ even+ more+ of+ a+ victory.+ North+ American+ exhibitors,+ broadcasters+ and+ distributors+ of+ motion+ picture+ product+ would+ never+ even+ greenIlight,+ much+ less+ allow+ an+ indigenous+film+with+this+subject+matter+to+be+ seen+ by+ those+ who+ would+ embrace+ it.+ Thankfully,+ one+ of+ Canada's+ most+ visionary+ sales+ companies,+ Raven+ Banner,+ has+ done+ us+ proud+ by+ acquiring+ this+ motion+ picture+ for+ distribution.+ + Life+ in+ a+ Fishbowl+ was+ a+ very+ difficult+ and+ challenging+work+for+me+to+get+through+I+not+ because+ it+ lacked+ anything+ aesthetically,+ but+ because+ it's+ so+ damn+ rich+ and+ emotionally+ complex.+That+said,+like+all+truly+great+drama,+ the+ surface+ layers+ work+ with+ very+ simple,+ basic+ standards+ to+ allow+ for+ its+ textures+ of+ theme,+character+and+narrative+complexity+to+bubble+and+roil+like+molten+lava+and+when+ necessary,+ explode+ with+ the+ force+ of+ Icelandic+ volcanoes.+ The+ screenplay+ by+ director+ Baldvin+ ZophonĂ­asson+ and+ Birgir+ Steinarsson+ practically+ sings+ with+ a+ musical+ quality+ I+ highs,+lows,+moments+of+contemplation+and+some+sequences+that+both+soar+and+jangle.+ When+ I+ eventually+ looked+ up+ the+ film's+ credits,+ something+ my+ readers+ and+ colleagues+ know+I+only+do+after+I+see+a+movie,+I+was+delighted+to+learn+that+this+was+the+first+shot+at+ screenwriting+from+the+singerIsongwriter+of+the+legendary+Icelandic+rock+band+Maus.+It+ made+ perfect+ sense+ to+ me.+ Let's+ not+ forget+ that+ one+ of+ the+ best+ contemporary+ screenwriters+in+the+world,+Nick+Cave,+has+a+similar+pedigree+to+this+film's+coIwriter+Birgir+ Steinarsson.+ +

Life+in+a+Fishbowl+compellingly+and+powerfully+focuses+on+three+characters+who+live+out+ their+ lives+ separately+ after+ the+ horrendous+ Icelandic+ financial+ crisis,+ but+ all+ of+ whom+ intersect+in+a+variety+of+interesting+and+gloriously+meshed+ways.+ + Eik+ (Hera+ Hilmar)+ is+ a+ dropIdeadIgorgeous+ single+ mother+ who+ works+ in+ a+ preIschool.+ Ravaged+ with+ debt,+ she+ puts+ on+ a+ brave+ face+for+her+child+and+others+in+her+life.+She+ has+ a+ strained+ relationship+ with+ her+ parents.+ They+ seem+ wellIoff+ enough+ to+ assist+ her,+ but+ even+ if+ they+ could,+ one+ doubts+Eik+would+accept+such+help+in+light+ of+an+extremely+horrendous+and+harrowing+ series+ of+ events+ from+ her+ childhood.+ Eik's+ nights+are+occasionally+filled+with+partItime+ work+ to+ supplement+ her+ meagre+ income,+ but+it's+the+kind+of+work+she+approaches+by+ shutting+ herself+ down+ emotionally+ with+ as+ much+inner+strength+as+she+can+muster.+ + Hilmar's+ performance+ here+ is+ astonishing.+ She+ evokes+ a+ wideIrange+ of+ emotions+ and+ the+ camera+ clearly+ loves+ her.+ She's+ got+ all+ the+ potential+ to+ be+ snatched+ up+ by+ the+ Hollywood+ machine+ as+ her+ star+ potential+ ascends+ very+ high,+ indeed.+ That+ said.+ her+ work+ here+ is+ so+ challenging+ and+ luminous,+ one+ questions+ whether+ she'd+ ever+ get+ the+ kind+of+roles+in+mainstream+work+that+she's+more+than+capable+of+playing.+She's+already+ been+used+in+such+typically+cliched+work+as+David+S.+Goyer's+slick,+fauxIsophisticated,+but+ empty+TV+series+Da+Vinci's+Demons.+Ugh!+Please+give+this+lady+work+worthy+of+her+talent.+ Then+again,+one+supposes+she+can+always+count+on+Icelandic,+European+or+independent+ filmmakers+to+fill+the+need+for+truly+great+roles.+ + Móri+(Þorsteinn+Bachmann)+is+an+acclaimed+and+muchIbeloved+Icelandic+literary+figure,+ but+he+also+lives+alone+in+a+house+that+seems+untouched,+as+if+it+were+a+museum+piece+ reflecting+ both+ happier+ times+ and+ tragedy.+ He's+ also+ an+ alcoholic.+ Many+ great+ writers+ have+been+and+he,+like+they,+uses+booze+to+numb+the+pain+which+wracks+his+soul.+He's+ written+a+new+novel,+but+it's+his+first+in+a+long+time+and+while+waiting+for+word+from+his+ publisher,+ he+ whiles+ away+ his+ time+ performing+ poetry+ in+ a+ local+ "arts"+ bar,+ downing+ gallons+ of+ fiery+ rotgut+ with+ other+ drunks+ in+ a+ lessIthanIupscale+ dive+ and+ during+ his+ benders,+ he's+ prone+ to+ both+ accidents+ and+ being+ beaten,+ robbed+ and+ left+ on+ the+ pavement+by+his+"fairIweather",+equallyIsoused+cronies.+ +

When+Móri+meets+Eik+and+her+daughter,+he+develops+a+loving+friendship+with+both+and+ even+manages+to+hit+the+wagon.+Unfortunately,+all+the+elements+that+make+his+life+have+ new,+ added+ meaning,+ are+ also+ the+ very+ things+ which+ threaten+ to+ knock+ him+ off+ the+ wagon.++ + Bachmann,+ like+ Hilmar,+ offers+ a+ deeply+ absorbing+ and+ complex+ performance.+ His+ moments+ of+ kindness,+ humour+ and+ even+ paternal+ caring+ betray+ his+ sensitivity,+ but+ he,+ like+ Eik,+ looks+ to+ shutting+ down+ emotionally.+ Móri,+ however,+ seeks+ booze+ to+ turn+ the+ inner+faucet+of+his+soul+to+the+"off"+position.+ + (As+a+side+note,+there+were+a+few+moments+in+Bachmann's+performance+wherein+I+was+ happily+reminded+of+a+legendary+night+of+drunken+laughs,+tears,+hugs+and+general+male+ bonding+in+Toronto's+Bistro+990,+the+nowIdefunct+TIFF+watering+hole,+where+I+shall+never+ forget+ hoisting+ moreIthanIaIfew+ with+ the+ great+ German+ documentary+ filmmaker+ and+ ZDF+executive+Alexander+Bohr+and+the+brilliant+Icelandic+auteur+Friðrik+Þór+Friðriksson.+ But,+I+digress.)+ + Sölvi+(Thor+Kristjansson)+is+a+former+proIathlete+who+has+been+sidelined+by+a+debilitating+ injury+ and+ now+ works+ as+ an+ executive+ in+ a+ financial+ corporation.+ Here,+ he+ seems+ destined+for+success,+but+his+immediate+superior+is+the+kind+of+immoral+scumbag+who'd+ think+ nothing+ of+ perpetrating+ the+ kind+ of+ criminal+ actions+ that+ brought+ Iceland+ to+ its+ knees.+Sölvi+is+placed+in+charge+of+a+sleazy+realIestate+deal+which+will+buy+up+a+swath+of+ properties+to+erect+a+new+megaIcomplex.+ + Kristjansson+deftly+handles+the+complexities+of+this+role+wherein+his+character's+sense+of+ morality+is+challenged+by+his+need+to+provide+for+his+beautiful+wife+and+child.+After+all,+in+ tough+times,+how+can+anyone+in+this+position+place+integrity+ahead+of+business?+This+is+ also+a+business+of+temptations+beyond+gettingIahead,+it+is+a+world+where+part+of+getting+ the+deal+done+involves+bonding+with+male+colleagues+in+the+exploitation+of+womenIforI hire.+ + There+is+a+sequence+of+debauchery+on+a+Florida+yacht+which+clearly+rivals+the+antics+of+ Leonardo+DiCaprio+and+Jonah+Hill+in+The+Wolf+of+Wall+Street,+Martin+Scorsese's+thrilling+ biopic+of+financial+scumbag+Jordan+Belfort.+I+use+this+harrowing+sequence+of+whoring+and+ boozing+as+one+which+best+exemplifies+Zophoníasson's+superb+direction+and+proves+that+ the+excellent+work+he+displayed+in+his+phenomenal+debut+Jitters+was+no+fluke.+ + Zophoníasson's+ touch+ here+ contrasts+ Scorsese's+ in+ a+ very+ interesting+ way.+ Where+ the+ Maestro+from+Little+Italy+injected+immorality+with+a+dazzling+virtuosity+that+heightened+ the+ depravity+ by+ exploiting+ it,+ Zophoníasson+ captures+ the+ exploitation+ with+ a+ kind+ of+ documentarian's+eye+I+it's+not+fun+at+all,+at+least+not+for+the+audience.+In+fact,+it's+gross+ and+horrific+what+these+grown+men+are+up+to+on+this+yacht+of+banal+depravity.+Brilliantly+ though,+ Zophoníasson+ and+ Steinarsson's+ screenplay+ allows+ for+ a+ series+ of+ subtle+ directorial+movements+into+territory+that+borders+on+another+sort+of+dazzling+style+I+one+

that+ is+ tender+ and+ romantic,+ but+ that+ eventually+ dovetails+ into+ something+ else+ altogether.+There's+a+denouement+to+this+sequence+which+occurs+a+few+scenes+later+that+ is+as+maddening+as+it+is+heartbreaking.+ + One+ film+ "critic"+ recently+ complained+ that+ Life+ in+ a+ Fishbowl+ is+ hampered+ by+ "plot+ weaknesses+ and+ a+ tendency+ to+ the+ obvious",+ but+ what+ these+ purported+ weaknesses+ might+be,+are+not+(as+per+usual+in+mainstream+criticism),+detailed+in+any+way,+nor+is+the+ review+ forthcoming+ in+ explaining+ what+ is+ meant+ by+ a+ "tendency+ to+ the+ obvious".+ Yes,+ metaphorically+one+cannot+help+but+see+these+characters+like+those+fish+in+a+bowl+who+ have+clearly+been+trapped+into+swimming+endlessly+in+every+available+whichIway+with+no+ hope+ of+ ever+ adding+ new+ boundaries+ or+ horizons,+ but+ it's+ these+ simple+ visual+ symbols+ that+allow+for+films+to+be+truly+great+and+transcend+them+the+way+ZophonĂ­asson's+film+ clearly+does.+ + The+simple+surface+elements+of+the+narrative+also+give+way+to+layers+of+emotional+and+ narrative+complexity.+The+aforementioned+whoringIonItheIboat+sequence+is+just+one+of+ many+moments+wherein+the+filmmakers+transcend+the+tools+that+only+the+very+best+will+ adhere+ to+ in+ order+ to+ create+ work+ that+ has+ lasting+ value+ and+ yes,+ maybe,+ just+ maybe,+ hope.+ + Make+no+mistake,+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+blessed+with+qualities+that+are+not+ephemeral.+The+ movie+is+universal.+It's+what+makes+movies+worth+seeing.+ + + THE+FILM+CORNER+RATING:+****+FOUR+STARS+ + Life+ in+ a+ Fishbowl+ is+ playing+ during+ the+ 2014+ edition+ of+ the+ Toronto+ International+ Film+ Festival+ in+ the+ Discovery+ series.+ It's+ been+ programmed+ by+ one+ of+ the+ world's+ leading+ proponents+ of+ Nordic,+ Scandic+ and+ Canadian+ Cinema,+ Steve+ Gravestock.+ For+ further+ information+on+dates,+times+and+tickets,+visit+TIFF's+website+HERE.+Raven+Banner+is+the+film's+distributor.+

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Life*In*A*Fishbowl* 08.19.2014+

http://tofilmfest.ca/films/?by=Film&at=Life_In_A_Fishbowl&yr=2014#Life_In_A_Fishbowl+ + Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+about+three+people+whose+lives+are+intertwined.+After+a+horrible+tragedy,+a+ writer+drinks+himself+into+oblivion+on+a+20Iyear+binge.+A+young+single+mom+moonlights+as+a+ prostitute+to+make+ends+meet.+A+former+soccer+star+is+recruited+into+the+snake+pit+of+ international+banking+and+loses+touch+with+his+family.+ A+hit+at+the+domestic+box+office,+Icelandic+director+Baldvin+Zophoníasson's+intriguing,+multipleI narrative+drama+follows+three+people+—+a+struggling+single+mother,+a+former+athlete+trying+to+ scale+the+corporate+ladder,+and+a+onceIacclaimed+author+turned+fullItime+drunk+—+whose+lives+ intersect+in+surprising+ways.+ While+glimmers+of+hope+do+emerge+as+his+film+progresses,+Zophoniasson+is+also+painfully+aware+ that+knowledge+is+hardIwon+and+harder+to+apply:+even+when+offered+a+second+chance,+his+ characters+seem+doomed+to+make+the+same+mistakes.+One+of+the+country's+most+successful+ domestic+hits+in+recent+memory,+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+rightly+assuming+its+status+as+one+of+the+key+ Icelandic+films+of+the+decade.+ +

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* 2014*Toronto*International*Film*Festival*Film* Reviews+ by+Gilbert+Seah+–+08.23.2014+ http://alphasmagazine.com/2014ItorontoIinternationalIfilmIfestivalIfilmIreviews/+ +

LIFE+IN+A+FISHBOWL+(Iceland/Sweden/Finland/+Czech+2014)+***+ Directed+by+Baldvin+Z.+ Three+intertwined+stories+in+this+film+set+in+the+capital+of+Iceland+ is+Baldvin+Z.’s+plot+line.++Eik+is+a+single+mother+struggling+to+make+ ends+meet+by+any+means+possible.++Sölvi+is+a+former+athlete+ who’s+now+trying+to+climb+the+corporate+ladder+and+deal+with+a+ dictatorial+boss+whose+ethics+leave+more+than+a+little+to+be+ desired.++Mori+is+a+onceIwellIrespected+author+who+now+ appears+to+be+a+fullItime+drunk.++Eik+is+the+link++She+is+ires+as+a+ prostitute+at+one+of+Solvi’s+company+parties+award+a+yacht+wile+ getting+Mori+to+look+after+her+kid.++LIFE+IN+A+FISHBOWL+offers+a+good+look+at+Icelandic+life+and+it+did+well+at+ the+local+box+office.++Apparently+the+film+depicts+actual+such+swindles+in+Iceland+and+the+commentary+on+ artists+runs+quite+true+as+a+whole.++The+whole+exercise+feels+like+a+smaller+23Istory+version+of+Robert+ Altman’s+SHORT+CUTS+which+I+was+bot+particularly+impressed+with+either.+

+

+

TIFF+Scandinavian+Quickies:+Force+Majeure,+Life+ in+a+Fishbowl,+Out+of+Nature+ http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2014/9/7/tiffJscandinavianJquickiesJforceJmajeureJlifeJinJ aJfishbowl.html* * * Life*in*a*Fishbowl*(Iceland)** I+am+told+on+Twitter+that+"Life+in+a+Fishbowl"+is+a+ terrible+English+market+title+and+that+the+title+of+the+ film+in+Icelandic+is+actually+Hope+Street.+Unless+that's+ a+the+adress+of+a+nearly+empty+home+which+ preoccupies+two+of+the+three+leads,+that+title+is+even+ more+perplexing+since+these+characters+are+quite+ unhappy.+"Life+in+a+Fishbowl"+is+the+name+of+a+novel+ within+the+film+(as+I+recall...+though+perhaps+that+was+ just+a+subtitle+flourish?).+It's+a+multiIstrand+narrative+ wherein+the+characters+are+all+connected+in+some+ way.+If+this+fills+you+with+as+much+terror+as+it+does+ me,+rest+assured+that+the+movie+doesn't+strain+for+ "twists"+or+"ooh,+that's+how+they+connect!"+ moments+of+faux+profundity+but+just+tells+it's+three+ stories+which+eventually+intertwine.+We+meet+a+ handsome+athlete+turned+banker+who+is+being+ showered+with+gifts+from+his+new+company.+(We+ know+that+these+gifts+will+come+with+a+hefty+price+ even+if+he+doesn't+since+he+is+a+movie+character+and+ we+have+seen+lots+of+movies.)+We+also+follow+a+local+celebrity+poet+stumbling+drunk+around+the+ city+who+has+just+finished+his+first+novel+in+many+years+but+who+is+perpetually+drowning,+ figuratively+speaking,+and+not+just+in+drink.+Finally+there's+a+struggling+single+mother+who+earns+ her+extra+cash+as+a+prostitute.+ + There's+nothing+particularly+new+or+grandly+ambitious+here+which+makes+the+film's+rather+ rapturous+blurbs+from+home+"best+icelandic+film+ever"+puzzling.+Still,+it's+quite+engrossing+with+a+ novelistic+feel+and+amounts+to+a+big+leap+forward+for+the+director+Baldwin+Z+(Jitters).+[This+film+is+ Iceland's+Oscar+submission+and+though+it's+good,+it's+not+half+as+distinctive+as+their+great+ submission+last+year,+Of+Horses+and+Men.]+B/B++ + + +

+ +

evil-genius.ca +

TIFF*2014*Review*–*LIFE*IN*A*FISHBOWL* September+12,+2014++ http://evilIgenius.ca/?p=739+ + +

+

+

Baldvin+Zophoniasson’s+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+a+tedious+exercise+in+melodrama+that+plods+along+for+ two+lifeless+hours+before+reaching+an+allItooIobvious+conclusion.+Eik+is+a+24+yearIold+single+ mother+who+works+at+a+daycare+but+hooks+on+the+side+to+support+her+diabetic+daughter.+Nori+is+a+ disheveled+alcoholic+writer+in+his+fifties.+Sölvi+is+a+professional+soccer+player+sidelined+by+injury+ who+is+starting+over+as+a+banker.+Their+lives+are+peripherally+connected+but+increasingly+ intertwine+as+the+story+progresses.+ + The+film+employs+multiple+narrative+threads+that+dovetail+into+one+another+in+the+manner+of+ Paul+Thomas+Anderson’s+Magnolia+and+Paul+Haggis’+Crash.+For+good+measure,+Zophoniasson+also+ jumps+back+and+forth+in+time.+ + The+first+half+hour+sets+up+the+three+intersecting+story+lines+and+the+connections+between+the+ main+players.+A+fourth,+apparently+unrelated+story,+is+also+introduced+at+the+30+minute+mark+to+ set+up+a+dubious+and+unnecessary+third+act+twist.+ + There’s+also+a+painfully+obvious+but+unspoken+family+secret+that+causes+great+tension+between+ Eik+and+her+parents.+Although+interesting+in+itself,+it+is+mishandled+as+a+red+herring+to+suggest+ that+Nori+may+be+sinister+in+a+way+that+he+is+not.+ + Despite+outstanding+performances+by+Hera+Hilmar,+Thorsteinn+Bachmann,+Thor+Kristjansson+as+ Eik,+Móri+and+Sölvi,+and+the+cinematography+of+Jóhann+Máni+Jóhannsson,+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+ bogged+down+by+a+hackneyed+script,+poor+pacing+and+awkward+shifts+in+tone.+

+ The+revelation+that+a+sudden+business+trip+coincides+with+Sölvi’s+daughter’s+birthday+and+his+ boss’s+wife’s+due+date+is+meant+to+tell+us+that+bankers+are+evil+and+put+money+over+everything+ but+is+laughable+in+its+awkwardness.+The+shift+from+smallItown+Iceland+to+a+hookersIandIblow+ yacht+party+off+the+Florida+coast+is+a+stylistically+and+tonally+jarring+contrivance+that+is+at+odds+ with+the+rest+of+the+film.+ + The+third+act+twist+is+visually+and+narratively+confusing+and+requires+a+coda+in+the+form+of+a+ drunken+bar+scene+to+ensure+that+it+is+understood.+ + A+hit+in+its+native+Iceland,+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+resonated+with+domestic+audiences+due+to+its+ depiction+the+effect+on+ordinary+people+of+the+greed+that+lead+to+the+collapse+of+that+country’s+ banking+system+in+2008.+Stripped+of+such+a+context,+the+film+collapses+under+the+weight+of+its+ leaden+plotting,+clichéd+characters+and+facile+conclusion.+ + Director:+Baldvin+Zophoníasson+ Country:+Iceland/Finland/Sweden/Czech+Republic+ Year:+2014+ Language:+Icelandic/English+ Runtime:+130+minutes+ Rating:+14A+

+ + +

2014*Toronto*International*Film*Festival*Film* Reviews* by+Gilbert+Seah+–+08.23.2014+ http://alphasmagazine.com/2014ItorontoIinternationalIfilmIfestivalIfilmIreviews/+ +

LIFE+IN+A+FISHBOWL+(Iceland/Sweden/Finland/+Czech+2014)+ ***+ + Directed+by+Baldvin+Z.+ Three+intertwined+stories+in+this+film+set+in+the+capital+of+ Iceland+is+Baldvin+Z.’s+plot+line.++Eik+is+a+single+mother+ struggling+to+make+ends+meet+by+any+means+possible.++Sölvi+is+ a+former+athlete+who’s+now+trying+to+climb+the+corporate+ ladder+and+deal+with+a+dictatorial+boss+whose+ethics+leave+more+than+a+little+to+be+desired.++Mori+is+a+onceI wellIrespected+author+who+now+appears+to+be+a+fullItime+drunk.++Eik+is+the+link++She+is+ires+as+a+prostitute+ at+one+of+Solvi’s+company+parties+award+a+yacht+wile+getting+Mori+to+look+after+her+kid.++LIFE+IN+A+ FISHBOWL+offers+a+good+look+at+Icelandic+life+and+it+did+well+at+the+local+box+office.++Apparently+the+film+ depicts+actual+such+swindles+in+Iceland+and+the+commentary+on+artists+runs+quite+true+as+a+whole.++The+ whole+exercise+feels+like+a+smaller+23Istory+version+of+Robert+Altman’s+SHORT+CUTS+which+I+was+bot+ particularly+impressed+with+either.+

+

+ +

+

Baldvin*Z,*Life*In*A*Fishbowl*done* By+Wendy+Mitchell+ 09.05.2014+

http://www.screendaily.com/features/interviews/baldvinIzIlifeIinIaIfishbowl/5076840.article+ + +

+

* Icelandic* director* Baldvin* Z’s* second* feature* interweaves* the* story* of* three*very*different*characters*struggling*with*modern*life*in*Reykjavik.* + It+screens+in+the+Discovery+section+starting+today,+Films+Boutique+handles+sales.+ +

How*big*a*hit*is*the*film*in*Iceland?*

+ We’re+ now+ the+ ninth+ biggest+ Icelandic+ film+ since+ the+ beginning+ of+ the+ Icelandic+ film+ industry.+ It’s+ the+ biggest+ film+ this+ year,+ even+ including+ films+ like+ The+ Hobbit.+ It’s+ a+ pleasant+surprise+for+the+whole+industry+of+Iceland,+because+like+many+other+countries+ the+local+films+have+not+been+doing+as+well+at+the+box+office.+I+think+I+just+made+the+right+ film+at+the+right+time.+ +

* *

* * * You* worked* with* actor* Thorsteinn* Bachmann* for* three* years* developing* this* character* of* Mori* the* alcoholic* poet.* What* is* it* you* enjoy* about* working*with*actors?* + It’s+the+character+development.+I+get+so+much+of+talking+about+characters’+background+ stories,+and+when+we+do+this+preparation+you+see+it+coming+alive+on+the+screen.+ +

What’s*next?*

+ I’m+going+back+to+teenagers+[his+first+feature+Jitters+was+a+teenage+story],+it’s+a+love+story+ between+teenage+girls+but+it+takes+place+in+a+bad+environment,+they+are+like+15+years+old+ and+they+are+injecting+this+medicine,+it’s+an+ugly+world+here+in+Iceland+that+nobody+wants+ to+talk+about+it.+I’m+going+to+a+bad+place.+ +

+ +

*

+

* *

++

+

TIFF*2014*//*Life*in*a*Fishbowl** 09.15.2014+ http://www.chch.com/tiffI2014IlifeIfishbowl/+ +

+ * Life*in*a*Fishbowl+is+an+Icelandic+drama+directed+by+Baldvin+Zophoníasson+(or+Baldvin+Z+for+short).+ From+the+official+TIFF+synopsis:+ Icelandic+director+Baldvin+Zophoníasson’s+intriguing,+multipleInarrative+drama+follows+three+ people+—+a+struggling+single+mother,+a+former+athlete+trying+to+scale+the+corporate+ladder,+and+a+ onceIacclaimed+author+turned+fullItime+drunk+—+whose+lives+intersect+in+surprising+ways.+ + We+talked+to+Baldvin+and+two+of+the+film’s+stars,+Hera+Hilmar+and+Thor+Kristjansson,+about+the+ film’s+success+in+Iceland+and+the+reception+it’s+receiving+abroad.+

* Stars*from*The*Judge,*Cut*Snake*on*day*two*at* our*TIFF*suite* 09.06.2014+ http://www.tribute.ca/tiff/index.php/2014/09/06/starsIfromItheIjudgeIcutIsnakeIonI dayItwoIat+ ourItiffIsuite/#.VA3EB16mDSO+ + The+ suite+ was+ buzzing+ on+ day+ two+ with+ actors,+ directors+ and+ producers+ eager+ to+ discuss+ their+ new+ films.+ + Chronicle+ star+ Alex+ Russell+ came+ by+ to+ discuss+his+new+film+ Cut+Snake,+about+an+ exIcon+ who+ tries+ to+ rebuild+ his+ life+ in+ a+ small+ town+ to+ escape+ the+ sins+ of+ his+past.+He+gave+us+some+of+his+best+accents+and+talked+about+whether+or+not+he'd+love+ to+take+on+another+superIpowered+role+as+Superman.+ + Zain+Meghji+sat+down+with+young+Emma+Tremblay+(Elysium,+The+Giver)+to+talk+about+her+ role+ alongside+ Hollywood+ legends+ Robert+ Downey+ Jr.+ and+ Robert+ Duvall+ in+ the+ TIFF+ premiere+film+The+Judge.+ + Take+a+moment+to+look+through+our+gallery+of+all+the+guests+that+came+by+our+suite+to+ promote+films+such+as+In+Her+Place,+a+Korean+film+about+a+wealthy+couple+trying+to+adopt+ a+troubled+teen's+unborn+child,+Life+in+a+Fishbowl,+a+multiInarrative+story+set+in+Iceland,+ following+ the+ lives+ of+ three+ very+ different+ people+ whose+ lives+ begin+ to+ intersect,+ and+ many+more.+ !

TIFF*2014*Interview:*Thorsteinn*Bachmann*

*

Posted+by:+Elizabeth+Hughes+Belzil++//++October+5,+2014+@+6:42pm+ Filed+under:+Interviews+ http://www.showbizmonkeys.com/movies.php?id=2896+ + It's+commonly+said+that+actors+appear+smaller+in+real+ life+than+they+do+on+the+screen.+However,+such+is+ decidedly+not+the+case+with+Thorsteinn+Bachmann,+ star+of+the+acclaimed+Icelandic+film,+Life+in+a+Fishbowl.+ In+addition+to+being+struck+by+the+actor's+giant+ proportions,+I+observed+he+looked+several+years+ younger+than+he+appeared+in+the+film.+Bachmann+plays+ the+character+of+Mori,+a+nationally+revered+poet+whose+ life+has+taken+a+precipitous+descent+into+dissolution+ following+a+personal+tragedy.+"His+problem+is+the+pain+ II+it's+so+deep+he+hasn't+been+able+to+deal+with+it.+.+ .What+he+still+has+to+do+in+the+end+is+forgive+himself,+"+ Bachmann+said+of+his+character.+With+his+face+ obscured+by+a+grey+tangled+wreck+of+a+beard,+he+ wanders+Reykjavik+in+a+drunken+stupor.+The+actor,+by+ comparison,+is+clean+shaven+and+sharply+dressed,+ though+perhaps+a+trifle+weary+in+the+eyes+from+several+ days+of+festival+promotions.+ + The+film+is+set+in+2007+on+the+eve+of+the+global+ financial+recession+and+follows+three+characters+whose+lives+intersect:+a+young+woman+from+a+ respectable+family+who+moonlights+as+a+prostitute,+a+former+football+star+turned+whiz+kid+ banker,+and+Mori.+"It+has+a+take+on+the+economic+boom+that+took+place+in+Iceland+in+the+last+ decade...Things+were+starting+to+get+strange.+What+we+experienced+was+a+shift+of+moral+ baselines+where+the+bankers+became+the+rock+stars+of+society."+Though+the+story+is+fictional,+ much+of+the+action+drew+from+real+life.+The+film+features+the+bankers+enjoying+a+deb+ +

+ + auched+weekend+replete+with+drugs+and+hookers+on+a+yacht+called+The+Viking.+The+ship+ apparently+takes+its+name+from+an+actual+boat+that+made+headlines+for+playing+host+to+similar+ misdeeds+for+financial+sector+elites.+"One+of+the+real+bankers+tried+to+stop+it+from+premiering+in+ Iceland+which+of+course+made+people+want+to+see+it+more,"+Bachmann+related+with+a+subtle+ smirk.+ + The+central+characters+form+a+trifecta+of+preIcollapse+perspectives.+Mori+and+the+banker+are+"l+ + ike+fire+and+water"+while+the+young+woman+is+somewhere+in+between,+at+a+constant+struggle+ between+the+pursuit+of+money+and+the+enrichment+of+her+soul.+Bachmann+described+Mori+as+"a+ broken+man+who+from+my+poetic+eyes+is+watching+from+an+isolated+distance+not+liking+it+too+ much."+As+he+represents+the+subdued+conscious+of+the+nation,+the+young+woman+gravitates+ towards+him.+At+the+same+time,+she+finds+herself+entangled+in+the+world+of+prostitution.+I+was+ curious+about+the+prevalence+of+the+sex+trade+in+Iceland.+"It's+really+underground,"+Bachmann+ stated,+"The+law+is+no+prostitution.+When+money+started+to+flow+into+Iceland+things+started+to+ change+rapidly+and+we+started+to+see+a+gap+growing+between+the+poor+and+rich...+Whereas+in+the+ decades+before+they+were+more+on+the+same+ground.+.+.+.When+it's+all+about+money+people+get+ caught+up+in+it.+If+life+is+just+a+business+to+be+managed+if+I'm+not+doing+it+there+must+be+ something+wrong+with+me."+ + Without+giving+anything+away,+I+will+state+that+each+character+commits+an+act+of+moral+failing+ and+then+redeems+himself/herself.+In+the+case+of+the+banker,+however,+the+redemption+remains+ incomplete.+"It's+before+the+fall+of+the+banks+so+he's+not+there+yet."+Bachmann+speculated+on+ director's+intentions:+"It's+a+warning:+don't+get+caught+up+in+this+materialistic+world."+In+some+ ways+the+choice+may+also+reflect+the+nation's+feeling+that+the+punishment+of+those+responsible+ for+the+economic+downturn+has+not+been+apt.+"People+wanted+the+bankers+in+jail.+.+.they+need+to+ stare+at+the+white+prison+walls+in+order+realize+what+they+did+was+wrong."+ +

North+American+viewers+will+find+much+to+relate+to+in+the+political+and+social+themes+explored+by+ the+film.+Audiences+in+Iceland+have+already+embraced+it.+"It+came+as+a+surprise+that+it+was+a+box+ office+hit+.+.+.+at+least+one+fifth+of+the+nation+has+seen+it+already+and+it's+still+going+on.+It+was+really+ well+received."+The+filmmakers+initially+feared+for+its+success.+"We+thought+maybe+it+would+hit+ too+close+to+home+with+the+heavy+social+issues+and+people+don't+want+to+see+that."+While+the+ financial+success+is+great+Bachmann+noted,+"What's+important+to+me+is+that+people+have+come+to+ me+and+said+that+they+were+so+moved."+Despite+the+global+chastisement,+the+actor+still+remains+ skeptical,+"We+humans+take+a+long+time+to+learn+.+.+.+You+see+signs+of+things+going+in+the+same+ direction."+The+film+is+a+timely+reminder+of+the+human+cost+of+not+learning.+ + Life+in+a+Fishbowl+is+Iceland's+official+entry+for+the+2015+Best+Foreign+Language+Oscar.+ +

* * Life*in*a*Fishbowl*is*pretty*good*for* @HeraHilma*@baddiz*@TIFF_NET*

*

!

Clip+from+interview+available+here:+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p9Q0TnJywA+ Archive*of*full*interview*not*available*online** *

!

Stephenholtshow a.k.a. “The Oscar Messenger�

Hera*Hilmar~Icelandic*actress~TIFF'14* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXrtnkOma0g+ + +

+ + + Stephen+Holt+talks+the+beautiful+young+Icelandic+actress+Hera+Hilmar(real+name+Hera+ Hilmarsdottir)+about+life+in+London+and+attending+LAMDA,+the+famous+London+acting+ school,+and+about+her+new+Icelandic+film+"Life+in+a+Fishbowl"+at+the+Toronto+ International+Film+Festival+2014.+ + Camera+~+Graeme+Phillips+ Editing+~+Kevin+Teller+ + + + +

+

Stephenholtshow a.k.a. “The Oscar Messenger” Thor*Kristjansson~Icelandic*Actor~TIFF'14* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnnAhaYx7rA+ + +

+ + + Stephen+Holt+talks+to+Icelandic+Actor+and+Juilliard+Acting+School+graduate+Thor+ Krisjansson+about+his+new+Icelandic+film+"Living+in+a+Fishbowl"+at+the+Toronto+ International+Film+Festival+2014.+ + Camera+~+Graeme+Phillips+ Editing+~+Kevin+Teller+ + + + + +

+

+

+

21+Questions+with+Hera+Hilmar+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzVaeKDNGgQ+ + +

+ TIFF+2014+EDITION+of+21+QUESTIONS+ Guest:+Hera+Hilmar+talks+about+acting+and+strong+women.++ Patrick+has+1+minute+to+ask+his+guests+21+questions.+Can+he+do+it?+ + Guest:+Hera+Hilmar+|+Actor+|+Life+in+a+Fishbowl+ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2172554/+ @HeraHilmar+ + Host:+Patrick+Gagliardi+ @gagsproductions+ + Produced+by+Open+Concept+Films+

+

!

* All+pictures+taken+by+GAT+during+the+Festival+are+available+here:+ https://www.flickr.com/photos/97627695@N03/sets/72157646880357040+

+ + We’ve+gathered+social+media+reactions+generated+at+TIFF+here:* https://storify.com/gatpr/lifeinafishbowlItiff14+

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Publicity+handled+by+GAT+PR+

*