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...
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...
