Pyromaniac

Film Info

Norway 2016 | 96 min. Director: Erik Skjoldbjærg

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Pyromaniac

Synopsis

A pyromaniac ignites his first fire in a peaceful village. In the weeks to come it is followed by a series of fires, spreading fear in the small community. An inferno lurks under the surface as a local policeman uncovers the unthinkable truth: the pyromaniac is one of the local firemen, and the son of the fire brigade’s chief. The film is an intimate portrait of the pyromaniac and the fireman, as they dual for control of the young boy’s mind.

Cast & Crew

Director

Erik Skjoldbjærg
Producer

Edward Dreyer, Aage Aaberge
Screenwriter

Bjørn Olaf Johannessen
Director of photography

Gøsta Reiland
Main Cast

Trond Nilssen, Liv Bernard Osa, Per Frisch, Agnes Kittelsen
Editor (Cut)

Sverrir Kristijanson
Sound Design

Håkon Lammetun
Original Score

Gaute Tønder, Maja Ratkje
Production Design

Christine Wilhelmsen
Costume Design

Anne Pedersen
Makeup

Linda Boje

Director's comment

PYROMANIAC is a tense and authentic crime drama. I'm fascinated by the protagonist’s dualism as both fireman and pyromaniac. He will play as a modern "Jekyll & Hyde" - both the ultimate outcast and lifesaver. The film takes place in a beautiful and harmonious community, unable to fathom an attack by one of their own. To me this also resonates with Norway's reaction to the 22nd July massacre. Visually the film will explore our ancient fascination for flames. It appeals to our disposition to play with fire and cause destruction. Whilst also portraying the emotional traumas of a mother and father refusing to come to terms with the deeds of their offspring.

Biography

Erik Skjoldbjærg (born in 1964) is a Norwegian director and writer. He graduated from the National Film and Television School in London in 1994, and made his debut with INSOMNIA in 1997, which he also co-wrote. The film was selected for the ”Semaine de la Critique” at the Cannes IFF, and re-made in 2002, with Christopher Nolan directing. PYROMANIAC is his sixth feature, previous titles include PROZAC NATION and NOKAS. His latest film, PIONEER, was selected by the Toronto IFF and pre-sold to UK, US and Japan, among others. Erik has also written and directed the ten-part drama series OCCUPIED, aired in US and most European countries this year.