Sick of Myself, as seen by Kristoffer Borgli

Picture of the film SYK PIKE (SICK OF MYSELF) by Kristoffer BORGLI © Oslo Pictures

Kristoffer Borgli takes on the role of newcomer at the Festival de Cannes. His feature film, Syk Pike (Sick of Myself), which humorously addresses the issue of one's self-image in society, is presented as part of the Selection in Un Certain Regard. A great first for the Norwegian filmmaker.

What inspired you to begin work on this film?

The story arose from a bunch of little observations, a lot of small things, both personal and cultural. An ephemeral tendency had recently emerged, a general romanticization of suffering that seemed to infiltrate everything from social relationships to corporate advertising. It seemed like an interesting thing to explore in a story.

 

What was the atmosphere like on the film set?

I don’t think any of us working on this film has ever been more serious about making something funny. 

 

Could you share a few words about your actors?

There’s a nice mix of veterans and first timers in this film, some who I met for the first time, some who were close friends. It felt like the hardest obstacle was to get everyone to agree to play these somewhat horribly (flawed!) characters without any hesitation. Once they got over their doubts, however, they all did a phenomenal job.

 

What did you learn during the course of making this film?

How truly great the filmmaking process can be when you are surrounded by so many talented people who are all pulling in the same direction.

 

What would you like people to remember from your film?

Every single frame. 

 

What inspired you to become a filmmaker? What were your sources of inspiration?

I worked at a video store in my teenage years. I watched a lot of films there, but I think David Lynch was the first director who made me aware that directors possess an artistic vision, something that both unites and distinguishes each of their projects.

 

What is your cult film and why?

Whenever I get asked about favorite movies, the first movie that pops up into my head is Alexander Payne’s Sideways. Instead of saying this, however, I usually spend a few more seconds trying to come up with something more sophisticated, but I embrace it now. This film taught me that comedy works better when the characters appear to be prisoners caught up in a dramatic situation.

 

Can you tell us about your upcoming projects? 

As a matter of fact, I'm going to direct an American comedy in which the characters become helplessly stuck in a dramatic situation!.