Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself

A film about the search for love and defining its boundaries. The less diligent and reliable Wilbur, who also suffers from various forms of depression and neuroses, is much more successful in gaining human sympathy and the favor of women than his older brother. Compared to Italian for Beginners, I rate this film by Lone Scherfig somewhat more critically. The main reason is the not very credible portrayal of the characters and their relationships. It's a bit of a mystery what fascinates all the women about Wilbur, who they constantly have to rescue from the bathtub or cut down from a chandelier. Everyone probably knows charming rascals who are completely unsuitable for ordinary family life yet extraordinarily attractive to women. However, Wilbur lacks their provocativeness and vitality. Nevertheless, the director's touch is evident, and the film is a good choice for those who enjoy psychological subtlety. Overall impression: 65%. (2006-07-19)