A Creative Partnership Forged in Absurdism
In the cinematic landscape of director Kristoffer Borgli, there is often a recurring presence that eagle-eyed viewers might recognize: Jordan Raf. The New York City-based musician and actor has become a staple in Borgli’s filmography, appearing in nearly every one of the director’s projects. From a cameo in 2022’s Sick of Myself to his role as a “dream travel guru” in Dream Scenario, Raf has carved out a unique niche as both a performer and a musical contributor.
In Borgli’s latest feature, The Drama, Raf appears as a wedding caterer—a role that serves as a subtle nod to their long-standing collaboration. While some of his scenes were ultimately left on the cutting room floor, his influence on the film remains significant, particularly through his music.
The Evolution of a Collaboration
The relationship between Raf and Borgli began at a Hollywood party in the late 2010s, a setting Raf describes as “Entourage-adjacent.” Despite the superficiality of the environment, the two bonded over a shared sensibility for the absurd. At the time, Raf was navigating the music industry following a major label release, while Borgli was transitioning from Norwegian short films to the Los Angeles commercial scene.
“We were just desperate to make stuff,” Raf recalls. Their creative synergy was solidified through projects like the music video for “Scales of St. Michael,” which featured bodybuilder Frank Yang. This partnership eventually led to Raf’s transition into acting, a pursuit he had been passionate about since his teenage years.
Crafting the Sound of ‘The Drama’
Beyond his on-screen appearances, Raf’s musical contributions are integral to the atmosphere of Borgli’s films. For The Drama, he penned the track “Sky Turns Red,” which underscores a pivotal scene in a bookstore. The song, described as a timeless, aching crooner, captures the apocalyptic feeling of a relationship in decline.
Raf notes that Borgli’s artistic vision is complex, blending a “very European” sensibility with a deep appreciation for classic Hollywood aesthetics. This duality is reflected in their work, which often explores themes of hypocrisy and moral absolutism within the American cultural landscape.
