Headhunters

It’s been long since two dead fat people were so funny… A perfect Nordic thriller, and, against expectations, it’s not serious or depressing, but a brisk and entertaining film that knows how to make you feel tension, surprise and fun. PS: Plus points for giving a certain animal species the end it deserved (#cantavoidphobia). (11/10/2011)

I finally understand why Jo Nesbo is considered a master in the field of crime literature. Based on such great source material, the screenplay is well-written and the film is well-directed. However, it must be noted that neither the screenwriters nor the director made any serious mistakes. For about three-quarters of the way, I was convinced that I was watching a 100% five-star film. Typical Scandinavian madness, pitch-black humor, crazy situations, absurdity - even if I didn't know the country of origin, I would immediately guess it's from one of the Nordic countries. But then comes the last quarter, delimited by Roger's encounter with his wife, playing on strong emotions, and the previous atmosphere starts to crumble a bit. When the finale arrived, I thought to myself that the screenwriter had indeed made two logical somersaults. Although the first one was saved by the final credits, the second one - how can a man in the main character's situation believe a woman and bet everything on one card? That really doesn't make sense to me. Nevertheless, Headhunters cannot be denied its originality, pervasive tension, captivating characters, and impressive ending. Despite some minor reservations, I lean toward a 5-star rating. There aren't many films like this, where it is a joy to follow the development of the plot and not be deceived by screenwriting shortcomings. Overall impression: 90%. Although I'm not a moralist, I definitely wouldn't let a 12-year-old child watch this film. After all, it is a quite bloody mess, not commonly seen in today's cinema. (08/18/2013)

Aksel Hennie was born for the role of the slippery Roger and the polished charisma of Nikolaj Coster-Waldau suits the film, but unfortunately, the originality was somewhere else. For every well-constructed idea or bizarre joke, there is also one wasted. I enjoy both the dramatic introduction and the chilling development of the thriller, but in the end, due to some minor simplifications, there is a lack of more satisfying twists. The Jo Nesbø source material has more lightness in it. (12/12/2015)

The difference between what I expected and what I got is too huge. Headhunters is a sort of brutal Nordic pulp, properly cold, chilling, and balanced with a reasonable amount of irony and detachment. The chilling moments don't quite measure up to the best of Fincher, the screenwriting twist where "it all goes pear-shaped" is a worthy match for the Coens, and the proper butchery makes one think of earlier equally proper old-school American pieces. With all the charming melancholy of Scandinavia and a not entirely predictable conclusion, Headhunters can comfortably endeavor for foreign film status for 2011. I would sincerely wish them that, although I "honestly" doubt they’ll even get a nomination. I'd love to be wrong, because the inventiveness in this is truly immense. (01/09/2012)

Whatever you're expecting… It won’t happen. A genre chameleon about a stunted Walken which proves that Joe Nesbø works well on the film screen despite the plotholes (the age of the corpse one can forgive with half-closed eyes, let's say, but the hospital staff or the one who finds Roger - is it possible that no one would get in touch or ask them after the case was publicized?). (02/11/2012)