Odd Horten is a train driver running the Oslo- Bergen route for over 40 years. He leads a quiet lonely life and heads out each day to do the same routine. He lives in a hotel. The plain lady who serves him food gives the suggestion that she would be available for more. Odd Horten is just not interested. His best friend seems to be his pipe which he smokes while at work.
The beauty of this film is the cinematography. Most of the film is in grey, black and white tones. You feel the cold from the snow. The train travels through the bleak cold countryside. There were a few short scenes that introduced some color which was quite a contrast to the bleakness of most of the film. Each shot is precise and the lighting is so effective. The film moves at a very slow pace much like Odd Horton himself.
After 40 years he retires from this routine job. The farewell party was hilarious .He is presented with a statue of a silver locomotive. All the workers make sounds like a train and whistle. It is all done with a straight face. The entertainment for the party is a quiz about train routes and trivia.
What is he going to do with his time? He is such a lonely character. He does meet a few interesting characters.
The ending is rather bizarre. I would say this is an unusual film that is extremely well performed.
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