New Film “No Comment” Satirizes Political Scandals with Humor

A new film titled No Comment delves into the murky waters of political scandal and the lengths to which leaders will go to maintain their power. Directed by Petter Næss, known for works like Elling and Gone With the Woman, the film premiered this week at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia. The narrative is loosely inspired by the real-life controversies surrounding former Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, who faced scrutiny over her husband’s stock trading activities.

The film’s plot centers around a fictional Prime Minister, Alma Solvik, portrayed by Laila Goody, who finds herself embroiled in a scandal just before elections. The storyline unfolds as Alma’s husband, Sondre, engages in questionable stock transactions that suggest he is leveraging inside information from the government. To combat the fallout, Alma assembles a crisis communication team, led by Karianne, played by Pia Tjelta, who develops strategies to manage public perception. The campaign’s mantra becomes “Sondre is the culprit,” highlighting the desperation of politicians in the face of adversity.

Næss emphasized that the film addresses universal themes of power and ambition. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he remarked, “This is a universal story about the will to power and how far you’re willing to go to maintain the power and the position you have.” Although Alma wins the election in the film, Næss noted that real life often diverges from fiction, referencing the actual calls for Solberg’s resignation amid scandal.

The rapid production of No Comment was driven by the urgency of Norway’s parliamentary elections earlier in September 2023. Berg, the screenwriter, shared that the team worked diligently to complete the film in time, highlighting the relevance of its themes in contemporary politics.

Both Goody and Tjelta drew inspiration from real political figures for their roles. Tjelta noted her character was influenced by Kellyanne Conway, stating, “I read a little bit about her and about how different Norwegian PR houses worked.” She identified the character’s drive for power as an important aspect of her portrayal.

Goody found her character’s composed demeanor fascinating, reflecting on the challenges of interpreting a leader under public scrutiny. “When this case blew up in the media, she was impossible to read,” Goody explained. Her excitement for political satire was evident as she expressed her admiration for shows like The West Wing and Wag the Dog.

The film’s humor contrasts with the dark subject matter of political scandals. Næss pointed out that while the storyline could be serious, the comedic elements help to depict the absurdity of the situations politicians find themselves in. He explained, “I think it’s interesting to see people who should know better come up with a lie, and everybody tells you that you’re lying, but you stick to the lie.”

In one memorable scene, the two leads bond over a rap performance, illustrating their camaraderie amidst chaos. Goody humorously noted the difficulty of their rap training, while Tjelta described it as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

Despite initial concerns from some politicians about how their characters would be portrayed, Goody emphasized that No Comment is crafted with warmth and compassion for those in power. She stated, “It’s very important in a democracy to make fun of the people with the highest power.”

The film refrains from delving into the personal lives of its characters out of respect for their families. Næss clarified, “We don’t mention them. We don’t bring them in.” This decision reflects a thoughtful approach to storytelling, focusing instead on the political machinations at play.

As the film resonates with current events, Tjelta remarked on its authenticity: “Everything is true, but not accurate. Everything mentioned in the film has happened.” The filmmakers aim to provoke thought about honesty in politics, with Goody concluding, “I think politicians would benefit if they started to be more honest and open, because people are so sick of the spin.”

In a time when political discourse can often feel heavy, No Comment offers a refreshing perspective through humor, reminding audiences of the importance of laughter in confronting difficult truths. The film highlights not only the follies of leadership but also the need for transparency and integrity in political communication.