A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence
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A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence

“A mixture of absurdist, hilariously deadpan humor, shock, and utter horror.” —Toronto International Film Festival

Winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, Andersson’s film mirrors a bird’s panoramic perspective of the world and shares the fear of a coming apocalypse should humans choose not to intervene. Specifically, the bird watches two comedic traveling salesmen peddling unusual items. Other characters appear in numerous vignettes that explore a wide range of topics, from the serious (the immediacy of death) to the mundane (repeating phrases in phone conversations). Naturally, Andersson finds humor in all of his scenarios, as each is a reminder that things could be worse. 2014, DCP, in Swedish with English subtitles, 100 minutes.