Film “No Comment” Exposes Political Scandals with Satirical Edge

The film No Comment, directed by Petter Næss and written by Ståle Stein Berg, premiered at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia this week. Drawing inspiration from real-life political scandals, the movie critiques the behaviors of politicians in the face of controversy, particularly highlighting the challenges of maintaining power amid public scrutiny.

Set against the backdrop of a fictional political crisis, No Comment follows the character Alma Solvik, portrayed by Laila Goody. Alma faces a scandal involving her husband, Sondre, who engages in stock trading that raises allegations of insider trading. This plot echoes the real-life situation of former Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, whose husband faced similar accusations during her tenure from 2013 to 2021.

In the film, Alma assembles a crisis communication team, led by Karianne, played by Pia Tjelta, to navigate the fallout from the scandal. The synopsis captures the essence of the film: “Alma puts together a crisis communication headquarters… The elections must be won, after all.” This line underscores the lengths to which politicians will go to protect their image and power.

Næss articulated that the film delivers a universal message about political ambition, stating, “This is a universal story about the will to power and how far you’re willing to go to maintain the power and the position you have.” He noted that while Alma may win the fictional election, in reality, Solberg faced significant pressure to resign, a testament to the complexities of political life.

As the creative team rushed to complete the film before Norway’s parliamentary elections in early September 2023, they infused it with contemporary relevance. Tjelta drew inspiration for her role from Kellyanne Conway, a notable political figure known for her media strategy. She reflected on her preparation, stating, “I read a little bit about her and about how different Norwegian PR houses worked… but it was all there in the script.”

Goody expressed her fascination with portraying a character who embodies both power and vulnerability. “What struck me was that she’s a very composed woman. She gives very little away,” she remarked, adding that the role was a compelling challenge, particularly due to its political satire elements.

The film includes humorous moments, such as a scene where the two leads attempt a rap to bolster their spirits during a crisis. Goody remarked, “Oh, the rap took practice, I promise you.” Tjelta echoed her sentiment, referring to it as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” Such scenes contrast with the serious themes of political deception and the desperate measures politicians might employ to maintain their standing.

Despite the potentially harsh portrayal of political figures, Goody emphasized the film’s compassionate tone. “This movie is actually made with a lot of warmth and some compassion for people in power,” she said. Næss confirmed this approach, explaining, “We don’t bring in elements that would disrespect their family,” referencing Solberg’s children.

The filmmakers aimed to highlight the absurdity of political life and the lengths to which individuals will go to uphold their narratives. Næss expressed his intention to create a relatable portrayal of politicians, commenting, “I think it’s interesting to see people who should know better come up with a lie, and everybody tells you that you’re lying, but you stick to the lie.”

The film’s narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty in politics. Goody concluded, “You feel when politicians are lying, and you can see it. I think they would benefit if they started to be more honest and open, because people are so sick of the spin.”

In its combination of humor and critique, No Comment not only entertains but also invites audiences to reflect on the nature of power and the political landscape, making it a timely addition to contemporary cinema.