Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Juoksuhaudantie (Trench Road)
2004
***
Director: Veikko Aaltonen
Cast: Eero Aho, Tiina Lymi, Kari Väänänen, Aake Kalliala, Esko Pesonen, Ella Aho

This compelling but unsatisfactory study of the plight of the modern man is based on Kari Hotakainen's award winning novel. The protagonist Matti Virtanen is a provider, a husband, a cook, a father and whatnot. After losing his family in a break-up he becomes obsessed with buying a house that could reverse his fortunes. His slow decline into madness is touching but never entirely believable. The ending is especially flat and abrupt.