In praise of older actresses

It's pretty hard to carry on as a woman in this world, but Swedish film "Gossip" tells you it's tougher for actresses. Especially when they are no longer young and must scheme and fight for love, jobs and respect. Directed by Colin Nutley ("Under Solen"), "Gossip" revolves around one day in the lives of nine women, all in the acting profession and all of whom have just auditioned for the title role in an American remake of "Queen Christina," which in 1933 pushed Swedish actress Greta Garbo to Hollywood stardom.

It's obvious that "Gossip" was made in the land of Bergman and Ikea, not Southern California: The screen is full of women over 40 and men over 50, there are deep conversations and scrutinizing close-ups in stark, stylish settings. Nothing very thrilling. If "Gossip" was proposed to a Hollywood boardroom full of Havana-sucking gents, the project would probably have never got off the ground; just too low on the sexiness.

But ah, this is Sweden, and standards are different. Older women are treated with reverence and are still in demand, both professionally and in their private lives. Such is the message brought to you by "Gossip."