Plot Analysis Summary
A metadata-driven narrative tracking the creation, casting, technical execution, and release of the 1988 Danish drama.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Pre-Production Genesis
The project begins with genre selection and director appointment. Jon Bang Carlsen drafts the original screenplay while Danish production funding is secured.
Key Events
-
Film Conception — Initial idea for a dramatic feature film is conceived. Location: Production Office
-
Drama Genre Definition — Creative team settles on drama as the primary genre. Location: Development Studio
-
Director Jon Bang Carlsen Hired — Jon Bang Carlsen is appointed as the lead director. Location: Danish Film Institute
-
Original Script Drafted — Jon Bang Carlsen writes the original screenplay from scratch. Location: Writer's Room
-
Danish Production Initiated — Official production funding and logistics are secured in Denmark. Location: Denmark
-
Principal Cast Assembly — Core ensemble of actors is selected for principal roles. Location: Casting Agency
Cast Assembly & Filming
A principal ensemble is assembled including Patricia Arquette, Vincent Schiavelli, and John. Color photography commences under Alexander Gruszynski's direction.
Key Events
-
Principal Cast Assembly — Core ensemble of actors is selected for principal roles. Location: Casting Agency
-
Patricia Arquette Casting — Patricia Arquette is officially cast in a leading capacity. Location: Audition Room
-
Vincent Schiavelli Casting — Vincent Schiavelli joins the principal cast lineup. Location: Audition Room
-
Nina van Pallandt Casting — Nina van Pallandt secures a key role in the ensemble. Location: Audition Room
-
Geoffrey Lewis Casting — Geoffrey Lewis is added to the principal cast roster. Location: Audition Room
-
Richard Bright Casting — Richard Bright completes the early principal cast assembly. Location: Audition Room
-
John Cast as Protagonist — Allan Olsen is cast as John, the central protagonist of the film. Characters: John
Location: Casting Office
-
Supporting Cast Integration — Kirsten Olesen, Lars Bom, Nonny Sand, and Dan Priest join the production. Location: Rehearsal Hall
Technical Execution & Editing
Principal photography concludes and footage moves to post-production. A collaborative editing team begins shaping the narrative structure.
Key Events
-
Supporting Cast Integration — Kirsten Olesen, Lars Bom, Nonny Sand, and Dan Priest join the production. Location: Rehearsal Hall
-
Cinematography Framework — Visual style and camera operations are planned for filming. Location: Camera Department
-
Alexander Gruszynski Appointed — Alexander Gruszynski takes over as the official cinematographer. Location: Production Set
-
Color Filming Execution — Principal photography begins with full color capture. Location: Danish Locations
-
Editing Phase Commences — Raw footage is handed over for initial editorial assembly. Location: Post-Production Suite
-
Multi-Editor Collaboration — Bruce Cannon, Tómas Gislason, and Henrik Fleischer collaborate on cuts. Location: Editing Bay
Finalization & Release
The runtime is locked at 94 minutes. The finished drama is prepared for its official 1988 theatrical debut.
Key Events
-
Multi-Editor Collaboration — Bruce Cannon, Tómas Gislason, and Henrik Fleischer collaborate on cuts. Location: Editing Bay
-
Runtime Finalized at 94 Minutes — The film reaches its official 94-minute runtime duration. Location: Final Cut Room
-
1988 Theatrical Release — The completed drama premieres and enters the 1988 film market. Location: Cinemas
Drama about a young Dane who has traveled to America to find the father he can hardly remember. In New Mexico he gets to know the daughter of a political-religious fanatic who runs a "survival school". The young Dane is interested in the girl and admits to school. Later, however, there will be a violent showdown with the fanatic. But was this man, in fact, his father?