The Entertainment System Is Down": A Film by Ruben Ostlund - A Unique Take on Human Behavior and Society
Swedish filmmaker Ruben Ostlund has shared details about his upcoming film, "The Entertainment System Is Down," set to debut at a major film festival in 2027. The movie will center around a plane crash during a long-haul flight from London to Sydney, featuring rowdy Australian cricket fans returning home after their team's loss in an Ashes series against England. Inspired by real-life events and his observations of Australian men, Ostlund aims to capture the friendly yet manly atmosphere of the passengers.
Despite not being a cricket enthusiast himself, Ostlund finds the sport intriguing due to its upper-class vibe. The film's plot takes a twist when passengers argue over the movie selection after the entertainment system malfunctions. The crew's attempt to please everyone leads to a disastrous outcome, all because the majority preferred an Adam Sandler film over a work by Andrey Zvyagintsev.
Ostlund is exploring the possibility of premiering the film on an actual flight in collaboration with an airline, adding an immersive element to the viewing experience. In a separate project, the director is collaborating with a modern art gallery in Rome on an exhibition that challenges public behavior. The concept involves placing €100,000 in a square for people to take, with the remaining funds going to support families in need.
Despite initial skepticism, Ostlund believes in people's generosity and hopes to revive the controversial exhibition idea. With a private donor willing to contribute, he aims to showcase the complexities of human behavior and societal values through his art.