Vilhelm Karlsson Fritz DeShawn (February 10, 2006 - April 20, 2024) was a Swedish director, writer and actor known for his very raw, unethical and straight-forward methods in the film industry. Having only made two films, he is still widely regarded as one of greatest and most influential directors in film history. His debut film, The Bicycle Thief, followed a destitute man’s desperate quest to recover his stolen bicycle. Shot with a faded blue filter, the film captured the bleakness of post-war Europe. Vilhelm’s use of non-professional actors lent authenticity to the story. 12 years after the very successful and chocking debut, DeShawn returned to the spotlight for a final farewell. He wrote, directed and starred in Abdi's Corner. A film about poverty, addiction and losing a close one. The movie made critics question whether art should expose society's underbelly or offer escapism.
