feature article: (Not) Docking the Boat: A trademark comedy by Hasse&Tage

This article discusses the various narrative, performative and cinematic strategies of Swedish comedy team Hans Alfredson and Tage Danielsson (aka Hasse&Tage) as they moved from stage to screen through an analysis of their second film, Att angöra en brygga/Docking the Boat (Danielsson, 1965). The theoretical point of departure is the question of the relationship between classical narrative structure and plots based on a series of gags. Through a combination of formal analysis of film style and mise-en-scène in select film sequences and a general discussion of popular cultural references, gags, acting style and visual framing, the article reveals that gags in the film usually serve a narrative purpose. The sophisticated appropriation of central themes representative of New Wave aesthetics demonstrates that Docking the Boat is only partially derivative of Hasse&Tage’s ventures as stage comedians. The article concludes with a suggestion that previous experiences from a variety of media platforms had a strong impact on their ability to develop a unique and highly cinematic visual and intellectually sophisticated film style.