Strong ending. Daughters read the screenplay. Father, in alcoholic stupor, is frail and vulnerable in hospital Daughter takes the main part. Younger daughter's son is also in the movie. Final scene "looks" like a suicide . . . only when the word "cut" is shouted does the viewer realize it's actually a scene from the movie Dad has been wanting to make (though there are hints earlier). About 20 minutes of cuts would have made this a very good film.
Lots of fanfare about this movie, but it's a bore. Film director (Norway) with two daughters whom he has neglected desires to make a final film in his own home, based on suicide of his mother. He wants one daughter--most estranged--to take role of his mother. She refuses. He hires American actress, Elle Fanning, instead. He is unhappy with her efforts; she senses it. Daughter still refuses. Mother was in resistance movement against Nazis . . . second daughter does research on her imprisonment and torture. Acting is solid . . . scenes just go on too long. Static as well in development.