Winner of the Special Grand Jury Prize at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival, Songs From the Second Floor is getting its well-deserved NY theatrical run. Through a series of exquisitely staged vignettes, this black comedy depicts an absurd world whose social fiber is quickly unraveling. In a class of its own both visually and contextually, this surrealist masterpiece is Swedish director Roy Andersson’s first feature-length film in 24 years — a period spent making commercials and short films, winning critical acclaim for both. To truly appreciate the film’s brilliance, big screen viewing is recommended. Songs From the Second Floor is playing at Film Forum.

Songs From the Second Floor is a New Yorker Films release.

(Originally appeared in Flavorpill in July 2002.)