Style trumps content in "Reprise," an audacious feature debut by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier.

A dizzyingly conceived and edited comedy drama about two young aspiring novelists, "Reprise" will leave audiences either exhilarated or exhausted depending on their patience for experimental techniques. The Miramax Films release opens in New York and Los Angeles on Friday.

The story line -- which alternates between realistic and fantasy sequences to an often confusing degree -- concerns best friends Erik (Espen Klouman-Hoiner) and Phillip (Anders Danielson Lie), who want to achieve the status of cult writer like their reclusive literary idol (Sigmund Saeverud). The opening sequence depicts them both sending off their debut efforts, which produce wildly differing results.

Phillip's work becomes a sensation, though his resulting media fame and troubled relationship with beautiful girlfriend Kara (Viktoria Winge) winds up sending him to a mental hospital. Erik, on the other hand, consistently founders, failing to get his work published and finding himself unable to even break up with his long-suffering girlfriend (Silje Hagen).

Trier's approach, revealing influences ranging from Godard to Truffaut to his own distant relation Lars von Trier, displays an exuberance that well befits the youthful energy of his characters. But he also he lapses into a self-indulgence that detracts from the film's overall impact, with an overly fragmented visual and narrative style that is sometimes more show-offy than illuminating.

Still, "Reprise" features many strong elements, from the affecting performances by its largely nonpro cast (the two leads were an advertising copywriter and doctor/musician, respectively, before they were tapped for their roles) to its often dazzling visuals to its super-hip, post-punk soundtrack.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter