Headhunters (2011)
"Hodejegerne" (original title)

An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary.

Director:

Morten Tyldum

Writers:

Lars Gudmestad, Jo Nesbø (novel),

Stars:

Aksel Hennie, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Synnøve Macody Lund

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 4 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Aksel Hennie	...	Roger Brown
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau	...	Clas Greve
Synnøve Macody Lund	...	Diana Brown
Eivind Sander	...	Ove Kjikerud
Julie R. Ølgaard	...	Lotte (as Julie Ølgaard)
Kyrre Haugen Sydness	...	Jeremias Lander
Valentina Alexeeva	...	Natasja
Reidar Sørensen	...	Brede Sperre
Nils Jørgen Kaalstad	...	Stig
Joachim Rafaelsen	...	Brugd
Mats Mogeland	...	Sunded
Gunnar Skramstad Johnsen	...	Monsen 1
Lars Skramstad Johnsen	...	Monsen 2
Signe Tynning	...	Morning Show Hostess
Nils Gunnar Lie	...	Morning Show Host

Storyline

Roger Brown works as one of the most powerful headhunters in Norway. To support his extravagant lifestyle, he is also an art thief, which he does in cahoots with his friend, the gun toting Ove Kjikerud. They replace the originals with forgeries, which go undetected at least until the trail back to the thieves goes cold. His outward bravado, based primarily on building upon reputation, masks his insecurities, especially in his short physical stature. He feels he needs that confident demeanor and wealth to get what he wants, including his trophy wife, art gallery owner Diana Brown. However, he almost seems to like the thought of what Diana represents more than Diana herself. As such, he has a mistress on the side named Lotte. The issue of having a baby - Diana wants to get pregnant while Roger doesn't want her to - is another bone of contention in their marriage. The two sides of Roger's professional life intersect when Diana introduces him to Clas Greve, who would be perfect for the ...

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Plot Keywords:

painting | headhunter | art | gun | art gallery | 

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Taglines:

The hunt is on.

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Genres:

Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for bloody violence including some grisly images, strong sexual content and nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

Norway Germany

Language:

Norwegian Danish Russian English

Release Date:

26 August 2011 (Norway)

Also Known As:

The Headhunters

Filming Locations:

Oslo, Norway

Box Office

Budget:

NOK 30,300,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$43,013 (USA) (27 April 2012)

Gross:

$1,196,752 (USA) (10 August 2012)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Friland, Yellow Bird Films, Nordisk Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital (5.1 surround)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39:1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Casting for the twin police officers Monsen proved particularly difficult because the twins had to weigh over 220lbs and be identical. Lars Skramstad Johnsen and Gunnar Skramstad Johnsen fit the bill.

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Goofs

The empty bullet casings in the final shootout are much too large to have come from either gun fired. They appear to be rifle shells.

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Connections

Featured in Maltin on Movies: Best and Worst Movies of 2012 (2013)

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Soundtracks

"Weathervane"
Written by Pål Waaktaar
Performed by Weathervane (Jimmy Gnecco & Pål Waaktaar)

User Reviews

Norwegian crime thriller with twists

Dark Scandinavian crime movies being all the rage lately, this intelligent, action-packed thriller didn't disappoint. I went into the film without reading the book or indeed knowing a single thing about the film. I enjoyed it.

I was drawn into this northern world with its interesting people and beautiful natural scenery. What also made this movie stand out was the fast-paced plot with many unusual and unexpected twists. It is the kind of film that has you glued to your seat to see what could possibly happen next to the main character. Roger Brown, the headhunter, becomes headhunted. (But what's the story with the English name??)

No movie is perfect. There were a few plot problems and I have to admit I looked at my watch half way through, despite the fast pace.

Perhaps the film could be faulted for showing only two types of Norwegians: rich sophisticates and yokels (all blond of course). Aren't there any ordinary middle-class people in Norway?

Also, some of the scenes may be too difficult for the squeamish to watch. Not exessive, but just a little over the top.

I'd give this film a higher score, but I am not a fan of the genre. Still, I did enjoy it for what it was and would recommend it to anyone. It's a good movie.