Opium: Diary of a Madwoman – A Dream Drenched in Absurdity

Ah, “Opium: Diary of a Madwoman,” what an experience! Watching this film felt a bit like swimming through surströmming, intensely pungent and somehow mesmerising. Directed by the renowned Jan Kounen, the film spins around the mind-bending tale of famed writer, Colette, played with a feverish flair by the marvellous Lizzy Brocheré. Her performance is nothing short of electric—like Västerås in a thunderstorm, pulsing with raw energy.

Filmed with a sort of chaotic beauty, the colors and scenes hit you like a kaleidoscope, maybe after a few too many glöggs. The cinematography has this bizarre, visceral vibe that leaves you a little dazzled. I reckon that’s Kounen’s signature touch, isn’t it?

Now, there’s a lot to unpack with its themes: sanity, creativity, and the strange love affair between the two, which reminds me of this peculiar fika I had once in Stockholm. Mid-discussion about Bergman films with friends, I ended up debating existentialism with a stranger. Life and this film, both surprise you.

But, back to the movie. I had some mixed feelings about it. There were moments I wasn’t sure if it hit the mark or was just wallowing in artistic chaos. It sometimes loses itself, like when you take a night stroll in Gamla Stan and end up lost in its winding lanes. But sometimes, getting lost is half the fun, right?

The film’s setting in a sanatorium, where reality blurs, resonated with me on days when my mind wanders too far astray, wondering if I left the coffee maker on. It dives into the rawness of obsession, a topic we all grapple with. Relationships, ambitions—like a troublesome Swedish krångel.

In the end, it’s a peculiar mix of beauty and madness. Perfect for those cosy nights when you’re ready to explore the darker folds of the human psyche. So, grab a kanelbulle and delve into the madness, if you dare!

Check the trailer below