The Identity Crisis, Reelive

Julie
Julie

I don't even know who I am anymore.

Ex-boyfriend
Ex-boyfriend

You can't just float through life like this.

Julie
Julie

But what if I don't know what else to do?

Ex-boyfriend
Ex-boyfriend

Then you need to figure it out. It's your responsibility.

Julie
Julie

But I'm terrified of making the wrong choice.

Ex-boyfriend
Ex-boyfriend

You think life is all about making the right choices?

Julie
Julie

I thought it was.

Ex-boyfriend
Ex-boyfriend

No, it's about making choices and living with them.

The Fleeting Relationship, Reelive

Aksel
Aksel

Do you really think we're compatible?

Julie
Julie

I want to believe we are.

Aksel
Aksel

But do you? Deep down?

Julie
Julie

I just... I don't know.

Aksel
Aksel

You're afraid of commitment, aren't you?

Julie
Julie

It's not that simple.

Aksel
Aksel

Then what is it?

Julie
Julie

It's about living in the moment.

Aksel
Aksel

And what happens after the moment passes?

The Art of Moving On, Reelive

Therapist
Therapist

Why do you keep holding onto these memories?

Julie
Julie

Because they were real, they mattered.

Therapist
Therapist

But are they helping you now?

Julie
Julie

No, but letting go feels like losing a part of myself.

Therapist
Therapist

You can preserve the good without being trapped.

Julie
Julie

What if there's nothing good left to remember?

The Uncertain Future, Reelive

Friend
Friend

Do you ever think about what you want to do with your life?

Julie
Julie

Every day.

Friend
Friend

And what do you come up with?

Julie
Julie

Nothing. Just this constant feeling of unease.

Friend
Friend

You're not alone in that.

Julie
Julie

But that doesn't help me figure things out.

Friend
Friend

Maybe it's okay to take your time.

Julie
Julie

If only I could convince myself of that.

The Reality Check, Reelive

Mother
Mother

When are you going to settle down, Julie?

Julie
Julie

I don't know if that's what I want.

Father
Father

Everyone else your age is starting families.

Julie
Julie

But I'm not everyone else.

Mother
Mother

You should be thinking seriously about your future.

Julie
Julie

And what if I want a different future?

The Moment of Truth, Reelive

Julie
Julie

You expect me to fit into your life perfectly.

Aksel
Aksel

I'm just asking you to try.

Julie
Julie

Try to be someone I'm not?

Aksel
Aksel

It's about compromise.

Julie
Julie

Not when it changes who I am.

Aksel
Aksel

This is about us, not just you.

Julie
Julie

And what about my dreams?

The Confession, Reelive

Julie
Julie

I need to be honest with you.

Aksel
Aksel

What’s going on?

Julie
Julie

I’m starting to feel trapped.

Aksel
Aksel

Trapped? By me?

Julie
Julie

Not just by you, but by everything.

Aksel
Aksel

I can’t change who I am.

Julie
Julie

And I don’t want to change you.

Aksel
Aksel

Then what are we doing?

The Breaking Point, Reelive

Julie
Julie

I can’t keep pretending.

Aksel
Aksel

Pretending what?

Julie
Julie

That this is okay.

Aksel
Aksel

What’s not okay?

Julie
Julie

The fact that we’re both unhappy.

Aksel
Aksel

If we’re unhappy, why can’t we fix it?

Julie
Julie

Because it’s not just about fixing things.

Aksel
Aksel

Then what is it about?

Julie
Julie

Understanding who we really are.

The Last Goodbye, Reelive

Aksel
Aksel

So this is it, huh?

Julie
Julie

It seems like it.

Aksel
Aksel

I thought we had more time.

Julie
Julie

Me too.

Aksel
Aksel

Will you remember the good times?

Julie
Julie

I will. Always.

Aksel
Aksel

And what about us?

Julie
Julie

We were a part of each other’s stories.

Aksel
Aksel

Maybe that's what matters.

Julie
Julie

Goodbye, Aksel.

The Reflection, Reelive

Julie
Julie

What do I want?

Julie
Julie

Why can’t I figure it out?

Julie
Julie

Is it okay to be lost?

Julie
Julie

Maybe this confusion is part of the process.

Julie
Julie

Life isn’t a straight line, is it?

Julie
Julie

I wish I could just accept that.

The Embrace, Reelive

Julie
Julie

You came.

Aksel
Aksel

I wouldn't miss it.

Julie
Julie

It's beautiful, isn’t it?

Aksel
Aksel

Yeah, like everything we once shared.

Julie
Julie

Do you miss us?

Aksel
Aksel

Every day.

Julie
Julie

Maybe we were part of something special.

Aksel
Aksel

We were.

The Change, Reelive

Friend
Friend

Have you thought more about moving?

Julie
Julie

Every day.

Friend
Friend

What’s holding you back?

Julie
Julie

Fear, I guess.

Friend
Friend

But it could change your life.

Julie
Julie

What if it changes it for the worse?

Friend
Friend

Or for the better.

Julie
Julie

I just wish I knew.

The Vulnerability, Reelive

Julie
Julie

Sometimes I feel like I’m not enough.

Confidant
Confidant

Not enough for who?

Julie
Julie

For my dreams, for my relationships.

Confidant
Confidant

That’s a heavy burden to carry.

Julie
Julie

I know.

Confidant
Confidant

It’s okay to feel this way.

Julie
Julie

Is it?

Confidant
Confidant

Yes, it means you care.

The Regrets, Reelive

Aksel
Aksel

What do you regret the most?

Julie
Julie

Not taking chances.

Aksel
Aksel

Like with us?

Julie
Julie

Yes, I guess.

Aksel
Aksel

You’ve let too many possibilities slip away.

Julie
Julie

And what about you?

Aksel
Aksel

Choosing comfort over love.

Julie
Julie

Is it too late for us?

The Decision, Reelive

Mentor
Mentor

What are you afraid of, Julie?

Julie
Julie

Making the wrong decision.

Mentor
Mentor

What if it’s the step you need?

Julie
Julie

What if it leads to regret?

Mentor
Mentor

Every choice has its risks.

Julie
Julie

How do I choose wisely?

Mentor
Mentor

You follow your heart, and you trust yourself.

Julie

Life is not about finding yourself; it's about creating yourself.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Aksel

It's easy to say you love someone, but what does that even mean in practice?

Aksel

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

Do you ever think about who you could have been if you hadn’t made those choices?

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

I’m not a bad person; I just haven’t figured it all out yet.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Aksel

We’re all just trying to do our best in a world that doesn’t really give a damn.

Aksel

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

Who do you want to be? That’s the real question.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

You can’t create happiness for others if you can’t find it for yourself.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

Is it selfish to want to discover what you want, even if it hurts people along the way?

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Aksel

Love doesn’t always last, but the memories can.

Aksel

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

Every moment is a chance to start over.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Aksel

You’re not meant to be perfect; you’re meant to be real.

Aksel

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

What you want can change; that doesn’t make you a bad person.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Aksel

We all wear masks, but who are we under them?

Aksel

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

Living for the moment sometimes means living with regrets.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Aksel

Nostalgia can be a trap; it keeps you from moving forward.

Aksel

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

We're all searching for something; it's the journey that shapes us.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Aksel

You find love when you stop searching for it.

Aksel

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to simply be yourself.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Aksel

Trust takes time, and time is never on our side.

Aksel

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

What if all these choices lead to nowhere?

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

I want to embrace chaos, but it terrifies me.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Aksel

Connection is a complicated dance; sometimes you step on toes.

Aksel

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Julie

You have to confront your fears to overcome them; it's the only way to grow.

Julie

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive
Aksel

Time doesn’t heal all wounds, but it teaches us to live with them.

Aksel

The Worst Person in the World, Reelive

Woman

Woman by Sharon Van Etten, Background music during a key emotional moment

Home

Home by Caribou, Playful scene with the characters

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) by ABBA, Party scene where characters are dancing


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Julie and Aksel's Breakup

In a dimly lit café, Aksel confronts Julie about her feelings. Julie, feeling trapped by expectations, reveals her uncertainty about their future together. Aksel's tone shifts from concern to hurt, making the emotional weight palpable.

Context: Their relationship had been filled with passionate moments, but Aksel's commitment contrasts sharply with Julie's fear of settling down. This moment highlights Julie's internal conflict and her struggle to define herself.

The Party Scene

At a friend's party, Julie feels out of place among her friends who have settled into their lives. She catches glimpses of her friends' happiness and reflects on her own dissatisfaction. The music is loud, but her isolation is deafening.

Context: This scene emphasizes Julie's deep-seated fears about adulthood and commitment. It serves as a mirror to her life choices, amplifying the tension within her regarding her place in the world.

Julie Meets Eivind

When Julie and Eivind first meet, there's an undeniable chemistry. They share laughs and flirtations that spark hope and excitement for Julie. Their interactions are light yet charged with potential.

Context: This moment is essential as it introduces Eivind as a contrast to Aksel, embodying Julie's desire for freedom and spontaneity. It sets the stage for her internal struggle between love and independence.

The Moment of Infidelity

In a heated moment, Julie and Eivind share a deeply passionate kiss in a secluded corner, fully aware of its implications. The world around them fades, making the kiss feel both thrilling and wrong.

Context: This act of betrayal is a crucial turning point for Julie's character. It showcases her conflicting desires and sets off a chain reaction in her relationships.

Julie’s 30th Birthday

As Julie blows out her birthday candles, an unsettling feeling washes over her. While friends cheer, her eyes reflect a mixture of joy and discontent. It's a moment of clarity amidst celebration.

Context: This scene serves as a stark realization of her nearing 30 and her fear of not having accomplished enough. It’s a pivotal moment that encapsulates her character's journey of self-discovery.

The Forest Escape

During a road trip with Eivind, the two escape into a serene forest where they embrace freedom. The lush greenery symbolizes the freshness of their relationship, contrasting Julie's previous life.

Context: This scene underscores the allure of new experiences and highlights Julie's desire to break free from societal expectations. It’s a visual representation of her internal struggle.

Julie Reflects on Her Choices

In a quiet moment alone, Julie gazes into the mirror, reflecting on her life choices. Tears stream down her face as she grapples with regret and uncertainty.

Context: This moment of introspection is vital for understanding Julie's emotional turmoil and her journey toward self-acceptance. It provides clarity on her motivations and fears.

The Phone Call with Aksel

In a tense phone conversation with Aksel, Julie tries to explain her feelings. Aksel’s calm demeanor contrasts with Julie's emotional chaos, leaving her feeling even more lost.

Context: This exchange showcases the complexity of their relationship and highlights the difficulty in communicating one's true feelings.

Julie’s Rejection of Aksel

In a quiet, painful moment, Julie decides not to attend Aksel's art exhibit. Her heart aches with the weight of her decision, showcasing her struggle with the reality of her choices.

Context: This decision symbolizes Julie's desire for independence and her recognition that she cannot continue on a path that feels wrong for her.

The Final Encounter with Eivind

Julie and Eivind meet one last time at a café. Their conversation is filled with unspoken words and bittersweet goodbyes. The atmosphere is heavy, yet strangely uplifting.

Context: This scene encapsulates the fleeting nature of their romance and the bittersweet reality of love. It's a moment of acceptance and closure.

The Liminal Space

Julie finds herself in a surreal dream-like sequence where she reflects on her life paths, witnessing different versions of herself. This metaphysical moment forces her to confront her identity and choices.

Context: This sequence is critically important as it dives deep into Julie's psyche, representing her fears of stagnation and the plethora of possibilities that life offers.

The Sonic Landscape

As Julie walks through the city, the sounds around her shift from chaotic noise to a serene melody, symbolizing her internal transformation. This auditory change creates a visceral experience of hope.

Context: This scene is key to representing Julie's transition from confusion to clarity. The soundscape acts as a metaphor for her evolving self-awareness.

The Loss of Aksel

The heartbreaking moment when Aksel passes away is depicted with stark realism. Julie is left alone, grappling with her emotions, as memories of their time together flood her mind.

Context: This moment reshapes Julie's character arc, pushing her toward deeper self-understanding and reflection on love and loss.

The Aftermath of Aksel’s Death

Julie visits Aksel’s parents to express her sorrow. The conversation is painful but cathartic, as they confront their collective grief and share memories that humanize Aksel.

Context: This poignant interaction emphasizes the theme of interconnectedness and the residual impact of love and loss, deepening the emotional resonance of the film.

Julie's New Path

In the closing scenes, Julie takes a step toward a new future. She smiles genuinely, symbolizing hope and acceptance of her journey, with the city bustling around her.

Context: This transition represents Julie's growth and the acceptance of her imperfect choices. It connects to the central theme of self-discovery and resilience.

The Conversation with Her Therapist

During a session with her therapist, Julie unpacks her fears and desires, speaking candidly about her longing for authenticity. The vulnerability in her voice is striking.

Context: This interaction showcases her struggle for self-acceptance and highlights the importance of seeking help as part of the journey to personal growth.

The Birth of Aksel’s Art

In a montage, Julie sees Aksel's art come to life in exhibitions. Each piece resonates with her, reflecting their shared memories and her regret, mixing pride with sorrow.

Context: This serves as a tribute to the impact of their relationship, showcasing how love and art are intertwined, which adds depth to the story's emotional core.

The Airport Scene

As Julie prepares to leave the city, she stands at the airport watching people reunite. Her expressions oscillate between sadness and hope, as she contemplates her next steps.

Context: This moment serves as a poignant metaphor for new beginnings and the often bittersweet nature of letting go.

The Flashback to Young Julie

A flashback reveals a young Julie full of dreams and ambition. This stark contrast to her present self creates a sense of nostalgia and reflection on how life can alter paths.

Context: It emphasizes the theme of lost potential and the necessary confrontation with one’s past to move forward.

The Goodbye to Eivind

As Julie prepares to say goodbye to Eivind, emotions run high. Their parting is filled with unspoken words and understanding, capturing the fleeting nature of their relationship.

Context: This moment deepens the narrative of transient relationships and reflects Julie's journey through love and self-discovery.

The Epiphany in the Rain

Caught in the rain, Julie experiences a moment of clarity. As she embraces the downpour, she literally washes away her uncertainties and fears, symbolizing rebirth.

Context: This is a powerful visual metaphor of renewal and resilience, tying into the film’s overarching themes of identity and growth.

The Dance in the Void

In a captivating scene, Julie dances alone in her room, expressing her repressed feelings. The choreography is spontaneous, representing freedom and self-acceptance.

Context: This moment stands out as a celebration of individuality and the joy of self-expression amid chaos.

The Final Voiceover

In the concluding voiceover, Julie reflects on her journey with a mix of sorrow and acceptance. Her words resonate with hope and understanding, tying together her experiences.

Context: This closure reinforces the themes of self-acceptance and the complexity of human relationships, leaving the audience with a bittersweet understanding of life’s imperfections.


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Casting Changes

Renate Reinsve, who played the lead role of Julie, was a relatively unknown actress at the time of casting. The director, Joachim Trier, took a gamble by casting her over more established names.

Why it matters: Reinsve's fresh energy and relatability brought authenticity to Julie’s character, helping to convey the film’s exploration of the complexity of modern relationships. Her performance has since become emblematic of the film's success.

Improvised Scenes

Several conversations in the film were partially improvised, allowing the actors to add a layer of realism to their interactions. This approach was particularly prominent during moments of emotional confrontation.

Why it matters: The improvisation heightened the emotional stakes and authenticity of the character relationships, creating a more organic viewing experience that resonated with audiences.

The Use of Color

The film features a distinctive color palette, carefully designed by cinematographer Kasper Tuxen, to reflect Julie’s emotional state throughout her journey.

Why it matters: These color choices subtly guide the audience's emotional responses, enhancing the storytelling by visually representing Julie's growth and turmoil.

Shooting Locations

Many scenes were filmed in and around Oslo, with the filmmakers making a deliberate choice to showcase the city as a character in itself, highlighting its beauty and vibrancy.

Why it matters: The choice of location adds depth to the narrative, as the setting parallels Julie’s journey through life, love, and self-discovery, making Oslo an integral part of the story.

A Reference to Norwegian Culture

Several moments in the film reference Norwegian cultural elements, such as the traditional '17th of May' celebrations and the importance of outdoor activities in local life.

Why it matters: These references ground the film in its specific cultural context, giving international audiences insight into Norwegian customs while staying true to the characters' identities.

The Non-linear Narrative

The screenplay employs a non-linear storytelling method, interspersing significant moments from Julie’s life to reflect her chaotic and uncertain emotional landscape.

Why it matters: This structure allows the audience to feel Julie's confusion and search for identity alongside her, making her journey resonate on a deeper, more personal level.

Using Real Conversations

Screenwriters Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt conducted interviews with real couples to inform the script, allowing genuine relationship dynamics to shape the dialogue.

Why it matters: This method brought an authenticity to the characters’ conversations, creating scenarios that feel relatable and realistic, enhancing the film's thematic depth.

Critical Acclaim and Festival Success

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021, where it received a standing ovation and garnered critical acclaim before its wide release.

Why it matters: The early festival success set high expectations and generated buzz, allowing the film to find a global audience and solidifying its reputation as a modern classic.

Unique Title

The title 'The Worst Person in the World' was chosen to invoke a sense of irony and self-reflection regarding the protagonist’s journey and moral dilemmas.

Why it matters: It challenges audiences to reconsider their perceptions of morality and identity, reinforcing the film's core themes of self-exploration and accountability.

Julie’s Job as a Graphic Novelist

The character of Julie was written as a graphic novelist to reflect the idea of storytelling and perspectives on life's complexities.

Why it matters: This choice mirrors the film's narrative style, allowing the audience to draw parallels between Julie’s professional and personal endeavors in creative interpretation.

The Café Scene

One iconic scene takes place in a café where characters engage in a deep discussion about love and commitment. This scene was shot in a real Oslo café.

Why it matters: The café ambiance provides an authentic backdrop for intense emotional discussions, grounding the characters in their real-life experiences and making their conversations feel more genuine.

Casting Friends

Several actors in the film were close friends or collaborators of Trier, fostering a comfortable atmosphere on set that allowed for nuanced performances.

Why it matters: This familiarity among the cast contributed to the film’s authenticity, as actors could naturally connect and portray subtle emotional dynamics.

Documentary Influence

Trier cited influences from documentary filmmaking, particularly in how the film captures the nuances of human interactions.

Why it matters: This blend of narrative cinema and documentary style deepens the audience’s connection to the characters and their lives, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

Cinematic Homage

The film features references to classic romantic films, subtly acknowledging their influence on contemporary narratives and relationships.

Why it matters: These homages situate the film within a larger cinematic dialogue, enriching its storytelling by connecting it to established genres while maintaining originality.

Julie’s Character Development

The screenwriters focused heavily on character arcs, ensuring that Julie felt like a fully formed character who evolves throughout the film.

Why it matters: This deep, layered development of her character fosters empathy, making her journey profoundly impactful and relatable to viewers.

Unique Soundtrack Choices

The film features a carefully curated soundtrack filled with Norwegian artists, providing a cultural context that amplifies the emotional beats of the story.

Why it matters: The music enriches the narrative landscape, enhancing scenes emotionally and grounding them in the local culture that Julie experiences.

Social Commentary

The film engages in social commentary about the pressures of modern life, especially relating to career choices and personal relationships.

Why it matters: By discussing these relatable themes, the film invites the audience to reflect on their own experiences, sparking conversations about societal expectations and personal fulfillment.

The Iconic Ending Scene

The film’s ending was deliberately left ambiguous, with co-writers Trier and Vogt wanting audiences to derive their own meaning from Julie’s choices.

Why it matters: This ambiguity strengthens the film’s themes of uncertainty and personal growth, allowing for varied interpretations and discussions among viewers.

Use of Symbolism

Throughout the film, symbolic imagery, such as the recurring motif of seasons, reflects Julie's internal struggles and evolution.

Why it matters: These symbols deepen the narrative experience, inviting viewers to engage with the film on a visual and thematic level beyond just the dialogue.

Creative Team Dynamics

The collaboration between Trier and Vogt was marked by extensive discussions on character truths and emotional authenticity.

Why it matters: Their shared vision contributed to the screenplay's depth, resulting in characters that feel genuine and three-dimensional, resonating with audiences.

Influence of Personal Experiences

Trier drew on his own experiences and observations of relationships to inform the script, lending an autobiographical touch to Julie's journey.

Why it matters: This personal element creates a relatable narrative, allowing viewers to connect with the characters’ experiences on a more intimate level.

Physicality in the Performance

Renate Reinsve’s physical performance was an essential aspect of Julie's character, with Trier emphasizing the importance of movement and body language.

Why it matters: This attention to physicality enhances emotional expression, allowing the audience to read depth and nuance in Julie’s character development.

Challenging Cultural Norms

The film addresses cultural expectations regarding relationships and individualism that are prevalent in Norwegian society.

Why it matters: By challenging these norms, the film sparks important conversations about personal autonomy and societal pressures, elevating its narrative significance.


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