Bittersweet Twist- The Films of Aki Kaurismäki

Aki Kaurismäki comes from a land populated by emotionally reserved Nordic types and mosquito-breeding lakes, where it is cold and dark for six months out of the year. That would be Finland, though Fridley fits the bill. Specializing in low-budget movies that are smart, deadpan, and inspired equally by European art cinema and American rock and blues, Kaurismäki is Finland’s answer to Jim Jarmusch. This Walker retrospective covers fifteen of his features and short films made previous to 2002’s acclaimed Man Without a Past. You’ll most likely find us in line for one of his comedies, like the cult hit Leningrad Cowboys Go America or his droll second feature Calimari Union, an enjoyably plotless ramble about eighteen supercool guys in sunglasses, all named Frank except the one who isn’t. But Kaurismäki’s also got a powerful knack for humanist social realism, and some of his best work, like Ariel and Drifting Clouds, are about ordinary Finns trying to keep their dignity in an undignified world. Walker, 725 Vineland Pl., (612) 375-7622, www.walkerart.org