Detektor

This is one of the greatest domestic movie successes in Norway in years, not only scoring very well at the box-office here, but also achieving some rave reviews from the press. The two has usually been a rare combination for a Norwegian movie, but 2000 finally saw such an anticipated result coming.

Admittedly, Detektor has a lot going for it, screenplay by Norway's most successful novelist in recent years, and starring the most promising actor Norway has seen in years, as well as a very well-known comedian.

However, in my opinion, Detektor doesn't really deliver. There are indeed some very amusing scenes, and the actors over-all do a good job, but the story-line itself is weak and rather bland, and there's really nothing that compelling about it, except a couple of rather surprising turns in some places.

As for people raving about this making it abroad, I can't see it happening really, as very much of its appeal, which is the humour, as far as I can see, probably won't go down that well with foreigners (e.g. the Sami private detective).

Despite my disappointment, it's pleasing to see that people's faith in Norwegian movies seems somewhat restored. A movie that scored with both the audience AND the press was heavily needed, even though I personally don't think that much of the one that actually made it. Here's hoping there'll be some making it in 2001 as well, and hopefully I will be able to justify those more than this one...

When people think of European cinema they almost immediately will think of Spain or France, but have you ever thought of the Scandinavian countries as being a source of good and interesting movies? You probably already heard of Ingmar Bergman and the Dogme rules, but there are more Scandinavians who know how to make a good movie. The Norwegian Pål Jackman (I admit that he was a complete stranger to me as well) has made with "Detektor" a very enjoyable and intelligent comedy / drama. I really hope he'll make more movies in the near future.

This movie is about two friends who have only one thing in common. Daniel is 28 years old, still lives with his mother and works as a psychiatrist. His friend Ronny lives on his own and has his own radio station (if you can call it that) called 'Radio Illegal. Both share the passion for walking around with a metal detector, searching for some valuables in the ground. One day they find a little jewel with the name Janne engraved in it. Because Daniel wants to give it back to its rightful owner, he makes Ronny announce it on the radio. Soon a woman reacts and she comes to collect the jewel. Meeting her changes Daniel's life completely and eventually he'll find out a lot of hidden secrets about his life and the lives of the ones that he loves.

The story is good and has some surprising twists to offer. The acting is certainly more than just OK and the same can be said about the humor, although I don't know if it will always be understood by people who don't know much about Scandinavia (For instance the jokes about the Laps or Sami). Personally I really enjoyed this movie and I give it an 8/10.

I thought the movie was really funny. I especially liked the alarm clock shaped like a cow, or was it? It's been a while since I saw it. Well, anyway, I would like to recommend it to everyone.

The main character and his friend like to find things with metal detectors (hence the title). One day they find a locket with an inscription. His friend talks about this on the radio, and the owner shows up to claim it. She and the main character fall in love, but then things get strange. To avoid giving too much away, I'll stop there.

I thought the acting was very good, the camera angles interesting, and the story engaging. I simply enjoyed this film more than any other I saw at Cinequest (the San Jose, CA film festival). I saw it on 2/24/2002.

I must be the only non-Scandinavian to have written a comment about this movie, which I caught at the Montreal International Film Festival. Reading the synopsis in the programme made me think it'd be some kind of drama with a light touch of humour, but it turned out to be the reverse! A comedy with some drama. Actually, a movie which manages to mix in some violence, comedy, a twist plot, police mystery, a bit of sex and a love story over all that! The last one which I saw which succeeded in doing that was von Trier's "The Kingdom".

True, this movie will not change your life and make you ponder for hours over it, but for me it was certainly a great change and relief from the overload of typical North American/Hollywood stuff (to be polite) that we get here. I can't stand "American Pie" anymore. Or "Ally McBeal". Etc...

It was also very refreshing to see some other kind of humour (too bad I don't speak Norwegian for I'm sure I missed some major subtleties), another language, and new faces of actors/actresses. I think Mads Ousdal did a great job of playing Daniel, the quiet/sweet psychologist, and loved Ronny and his Radio-Illegal program! Also liked the satanist, Jorgen... :)

A movie to see! (I will see it again before it pulls out forever from N.A. screens)