MAN – With Other Standards (2007)

Directed by: Robert Matser | 90 minutes | comedy, crime | Actors: Isa Hoes, Medina Schuurman, Peter Faber, Waldemar Torenstra, Doris Baten, Beppe Costa, Dick van den Toorn, Rick Engelkes

The Netherlands is not exactly a country with a tradition in black comedies. Or rather: with a tradition in successful black comedies. ‘MAN’ is unfortunately no exception to the rule. For a film that advertises itself so categorically as ‘black comedy’, it is strikingly disappointing. After all, the idea that a comedy in which a few murders are committed can by definition be labeled ‘black’ is not entirely correct. The humor itself must also be black and that is where ‘MAN’ misses the mark. But if we leave out the label ‘black comedy’, it turns out that a nice and at times bizarre film remains.

Anyone who watches the film based on the official synopsis will be somewhat disappointed. A more accurate description of the plot goes as follows. A few months after her husband’s death, fashion designer Jeanine van der Schathuyzen (Isa Hoes) has to deal with a second setback. The designs that she and her fashion partner Olga van Walraeven (Medina Schuurman) made for a new lingerie line were stolen by a competitor. A new line is vital for the ladies, however, as their once successful fashion company has run into financial difficulties. With two weeks to go, the duo is trying hard to find inspiration for a new collection. When money lender Richard van Schoonhoven (Peter Faber) comes out of nowhere with a proposal, it seems like a godsend. But looks can be deceiving.

The title ‘MAN’ stands for ‘With Other Norms’. According to the official synopsis, those other standards come into effect when the ladies Van Walraeven and Van der Schathuyzen come into trouble with their new lingerie line. The fact is, however, that from the very beginning of the film, Olga already uses different standards. She leads a strange kind of double life that her colleague Jeanine does not suspect. How the two ever got in touch and what exactly their relationship is is never really clear. They form a strange couple, which is further accentuated by the choice of the lead actresses. Not hindered by any knowledge of the series ‘Rozengeur en Vodka Lime’ (from which both players are known) it can be said of the protagonists in ‘MAN’ that Medina Schuurman is absolutely credible as a villainous vamp because of her cold look, but that Isa Hoes not for a moment convincing. She just doesn’t have it.

Fortunately, Peter Faber is one of the few reasons why the film can still be called somewhat successful. It’s a joy to watch this old hand make the most of his role as a prominent moneylender. He is the one who has mastered the dry humor that benefits a black comedy. The other supporting roles are also very nicely filled, but most of the characters don’t really matter that much. This is mainly due to the script, in which they are simply not well thought out. The affair that Jeanine has with one of her young employees (played by Waldemar Torenstra) is barely visible and the subplot in which this boy wants to take revenge on the man who suddenly demands all the attention of his mistress, falls completely dead. It seems like some nice suggestions have been made for the story and every suggestion is half fleshed out. As a result, the film as a whole is not strong.

‘MAN’ tries to be a black comedy, but the black is usually not comical and the comic is generally not exactly black. So it’s a bit of both, but together it’s just nothing. The film also lacks a clear direction and can therefore only be called successful at times. What remains: a funny little thing that won’t wake anyone up, but certainly no one has to stay up for either.”