"Planet Ibsen" is an exceptionally well-conceived, impeccably written and brilliantly directed piece of cinematic excellence.
On the surface, "Planet Ibsen" chronicles the rivalry between playwrights (Henrik) Ibsen and (August) Strindberg. As a whole, "Planet Ibsen" is about choices, impact and love.
There are many things to appreciate (and learn from) about this film; from the directing, to the cinematography, to the writing, to the producing.
Writer-director-producer Jonathan Wyche's direction and keen eye for dialogue reminds me of John Sayles' masterpiece "Lonestar." "Planet Ibsen" is incredibly smart and sharply-written with just the proper amount of precision required without being superfluous.
Mr. Wyche has also produced a stellar cast that fits picture perfect into the story. "Characters" would be an insult because I did not witness any. What I did witness was a birds-eye view of everyday people and how they coped with the travels and travails of life.
Like a fine piece of Egyptian fabric, Mr. Wyche has carefully interwoven the story lines at a steady pace that kept me extremely interested - so much so that when it was over, I wanted more.
Any student of writing, directing or producing will appreciate this film and, like myself, will use it as a guideline and blueprint for what future directors (and writers) should (and need) to aspire to.
