A faithful adaptation of a book which is very difficult to film as it is written as a sort of first-person interior monologue/hallucination. The cruel cold of 19th century Kristiana (Oslo) is evocatively captured by the crisp black and white photography. Per Oscarsson captures the twitchy stubborn pride of the lead perfectly.

Wants to be a little better than it really is - it's especially the cinematography and very primitive effects that let it down - but Per Oscarsson (who some will know from the Millennium films, and who tragically died a few weeks ago) is simply blistering in the lead role. A pity his international career never took off.

"Henning Carlsen's version of Knut Hamsun's novel plays out accordingly as harrowing tragedy of disintegration and grim comedy of intransigence." - Fernando F. Croce

Was a bit disappointed, especially since this is one of my favorite books. But, to be fair, it isn't an easy story to translate to film, and it was interesting to see Henning Carlsen's interpretation. Those who have read the book will get a lot more out of this. The performance by Per Oscarsson as Pontus was quite memorable.

Per Oscarsson som manisk forfatter der lider via sin stolthed. Hamsun kæmpede med sin tykhovedede stolthed hele livet - og blev dømt som nazisympatør efter 2.vk.

The writer's character traits (pride, eccentricity, etc.) were well-defined. His need for upholding appearences almost made me frustrated to the point of hatred. The theme of facade was wonderfully explored further in the subplot with the lady he approaches. Great visuals and an impressive performance by Oscarsson stand out.