Really? Him? Or is it just a delicious self-parody?
A commentary on how the neuroatypical and the elderly can contribute to society,the Swedish The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared (2013) follows the farcical adventures of Allan, from birth to being 100 years old. As a boy, he is more than fascinated with explosives.
He’s obsessed.
Consigned to a mental hospital, he becomes one of the victims of the eugenics movement, thereby telling the historically knowledgeable audience that he will ever be on the margins of society. But there’s a small problem with that message: knowing about explosives is a useful skill for a century wracked with war. Participating the Spanish Civil War and witnessing the first nuclear blast put him at the center of the events of the century.
If only he knew. His dying mother implored him not to think too much, and he’s followed this axiom, never overthinking his decisions, simply putting forth his opinion or taking advantage of opportunities. He may reach his 100th birthday not a rich man, but comfortable.
Until a fox kills his cat.
Perhaps taking revenge on the fox is not truly useful to society, but as his usual series of decisions unfolds, well, let’s just say whoever gets in his way do not fare well as they try to out think a man who doesn’t put too much effort into thinking himself.
In the end, this is a paean to the autonomous citizen, bumbling along, and whether he stays more or less within the pale of civilized society on purpose or by accident, at 100 years old, he’s still contributing.
And watch out for Sonja.
Recommended.
