Norwegian Film “No Comment” Satirizes Political Scandal and Power

The new film No Comment, directed by Petter Næss, delves into the complexities of political scandals, inspired by the real-life controversy surrounding former Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. The film, which premiered this week at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, explores how politicians navigate crises while maintaining their public personas.

Set against a backdrop of political pressure and scandal, No Comment follows the character Alma Solvik, portrayed by Laila Goody. Alma is embroiled in a scandal just before elections, as her husband, Sondre, engages in stock trading that appears to exploit government insider information. As public scrutiny intensifies, Alma assembles a crisis communication team led by Karianne, played by Pia Tjelta. The team crafts a strategy to divert blame onto Sondre, emphasizing the political necessity to win the upcoming election.

Næss highlights the universal themes of ambition and the lengths individuals will go to maintain their power. “This is a universal story about the will to power and how far you’re willing to go to maintain your position,” he shared with The Hollywood Reporter. The film captures the absurdities of political life, portraying characters caught in their own lies and the often childlike desperation for control.

The production was notably time-sensitive, as the team aimed to release the film before Norway’s parliamentary elections in early September 2023. Ståle Stein Berg, the screenwriter, remarked on the urgency of the project, emphasizing the need to encapsulate current political dynamics.

To prepare for their roles, Tjelta drew inspiration from political figures, specifically mentioning Kellyanne Conway. She sought to understand the motivations behind political maneuvering and the drive for power. Goody, reflecting on her character, noted the challenge of portraying a composed leader who reveals little emotion under pressure. “She gives very little away,” Goody remarked, adding that capturing this complexity made her role compelling.

The film balances humor with poignant social commentary. Næss aimed for a tone that highlights the absurdity of adult behavior in politics. He envisioned a film that places a camera where politicians typically avoid scrutiny, demonstrating their human vulnerabilities. “I think it’s interesting to see people who should know better come up with a lie,” he stated.

One standout scene includes the two lead characters attempting to rap as a means of emotional release amid the chaos of their political lives. Goody humorously noted the challenges of mastering this unexpected skill, while Tjelta described the experience as one of the most difficult aspects of her role.

Despite initial concerns from politicians about the film’s portrayal of power dynamics, Goody emphasized that No Comment was crafted with warmth and understanding. “It’s very important in a democracy to make fun of the people with the highest power,” she argued.

While the film draws from real events, Næss clarified that it avoids delving into the personal lives of the Solberg family, focusing instead on the broader implications of political maneuvering. “Everything mentioned in the film has happened. So for Norwegians, it’s a story that we are living here and now,” Tjelta explained.

The creative team believes that humor plays a vital role in addressing political frustrations. “The importance of laughter can’t be emphasized enough,” Berg remarked, underscoring the need for relief amid contemporary political tensions. Ultimately, No Comment serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty in politics, suggesting that politicians could benefit from greater transparency. Goody concluded, “People are so sick of the spin.”