Directed by Morten Tyldum
Starring Aksel Hennie, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Norwegian with English subtitles
One part Coen brothers and one part Hitchcock, Norways Headhunters is a darkly comic thriller with no shortage of twists and turns. Aksel Hennie (Max Manus) stars as Roger Brown, a corporate recruiter living a double life as a priceless-art thief in order to subsidize his lavish lifestyle. He soon meets former mercenary Clas Greve, the dashing Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones), who just happens to own an extremely valuable painting by Rubens. Roger decides to go for one final score but soon finds himself the hunted man. The film is based on Jo Nesbo's 2008 bestseller.
Whats striking about Headhunters is how brilliantly the story morphs from art-heist caper into full-blown chase with just enough dark comedy to keep things oddly profound; its a film that deftly breaks the mould of previous outings in the genre. The movie represents a growing number described as 'Scandi crime', Scandinavian crime fiction made famous largely thanks to Stieg Larssons Millennium trilogy. The unfolding intensity of the plot is masterfully handled by Tyldum and the acting is engrossing, especially from the talented Hennie who is at times hypnotic.
Headhunters is not for everyone graphic violence and nudity peppered throughout the movie may turn a more conventional audience off the films finer points. A sagging middle section also slows the otherwise brisk pace down a bit.However, a film like this needs to be appreciated for the simple fact that some of todays best thrillers are often being created outside of Hollywood.
