Take the Money and Run
A Danish museum gives Jens Haaning over half a million kroner to recreate a piece showing a worker’s annual income in Denmark and Austria using banknotes. Instead, he submits two empty frames with blank canvases, calling it Take The Money and Run. The piece becomes a sensation, but the museum demands their money back and threatens to sue. Jens refuses, arguing that refunding the money would destroy the integrity of the artwork.
Fueled by media attention, Jens envisions selling the piece for millions. However, his bipolar disorder triggers increasing mania. When the museum sues and takes him to court, he loses and is ordered to repay the money and legal costs. Already in financial distress, Jens spirals into depression, affecting his health.
Faced with the dilemma of protecting his artistic vision, Jens considers appealing the case to defend artistic freedom. Just as he contemplates his next move, a new opportunity emerges.
This film portrays a man who challenges the art world’s norms so profoundly that the world must ask: Is he crazy or a genius?
Director & Photography: Ole Juncker
Editor: Lars Juul
Producer: Mette Heide
Co-producer: Bjarte Mørner Tveit
Sound Design: Rune Palving
Sound Editing: Lars Halvorsen
Foley: Rune Van Deurs
Animation & Colouring: Rasmus Brinck
Compositing: Astrid Brix Torø & Julie Raunsmed Peitersen
Animation Producer: Lise Uldbjerg Jørgensen
Animation Studio: JA Film
Grade: Christian Schwanenflügel
Coordinator & Graphics: Jacob Utzon
Additional Photography: Lars Juul & Tao Ahler
Second Unit: Niels Borchert Holm
Composer: Francois Rousselot
Music: Upright
Art Directors: Philip Einstein Lipski & Maria Biilmann
Publicist: Line Bilenberg
Translation: Oneliner
Parkour Artist: Moumen “Momo” Machlah
Voice Over: Mette Mailand & Mette Walsted Vestergaard