Docs Barcelona 2020 - The Hypnotist
The Hypnotist is writer/director Arthur Franck’s first feature-length film. This thrilling documentary follows the rise and fall of renowned hypnotist Olavi Hakasalo, otherwise known as Olliver Hawk, between the 50s and late 80s. The Hypnotist explores themes concerning multiple truths and the blurred lines between reality and performance. These same ideologies were able to influence not only the masses, but key political leaders in Cold War era Finland.
Franck uses both archived footage and staged reenactments to elegantly portray Hakasalo’s story. These methods bridge the gap between the audience and the film, creating a realistic tone. The eccentric color schemes and filters, edited by Markus Leppälä, make The Hypnotist a very unique viewing experience. Franck’s direction is also notably accompanied by Toni Teivaala’s colorful score. The music adds for greater continuity and allows the film to flow with ease. Teivaala’s score not only has its own unique feel, but also adds to the already eerie tone of the documentary.
This film takes a deep dive into the effects of self-glorifying behaviors and complexes. Franck’s direction leads audience members through all of the twists and turns that came with Hakasalo’s career. From fraud accusations, political manipulation and medical malpractice, a message that not everything is what it seems emerges. This same line is referenced multiple times throughout the duration of the film, most notably in Hakasalo’s own actions. The varying personas he puts forward – whether that be in his personal life or on stage – greatly differ from one another. Thus making the renowned hypnotist hard to place in one particular box.
The Hypnotist, at times, seems to be more about the political atmosphere surrounding Finland during the Cold War. There were many long stretches of time used to highlight President Urho Kekkonen, who was in office for 25 years. Hakasalo would continuously speakout against Kekkonen and, eventually, had involvement in his political agenda. While this prominent figure led to Hakasalo’s trial for fraud in the early 80s, the perpetuated mention of Kekkonen and his supporters seemed all too redundant at times. It ultimately interrupted and redirected the attention away from the actual focus of the documentary more times than not.
The Hypnotist is a well-crafted documentary that structures itself around topics of self-glorification and the overlap between reality and an act. With only a few redirections from its intended purpose, it still serves as an overall thought-provoking film.
