Movie Review - Headhunters

When: March 10, 2012
Where Hoyts Chadstone SC

Movies, like songs, are categorized, action, comedy, thriller, even a combination of genres, however sometimes a movie comes along and it just cannot be defined.  In the music industry, these are easily placed into the "Alternative" category.  But for movies, especially if it's a foreign language film (i.e. NOT english speaking) it is usually tossed into the "arthouse" section by the majority of the viewing public. 

As Joey from Friends would say "How many times do I have to say, I don't want to watch a movie where I have to read!"

I heard about this Norwegian movie Headhunters from a few trusted film critics whose opinion I listen to. 

First off the bat, I would say Headhunters is a cross between Catch Me If You Can and a bizzaro She's out of my League plot line.  The script is great (and from what I've read, it is based on a book) and keeps you guessing as to what is actually going on.

I heard on radio that the guy who plays the main character is the Norway version of Steve Buscemi....and that's the first thing I thought of when I saw his face.  The main character is an Art Thief.  And as the movie unfolds, it is explained that he really isn't doing it for profit.  And as a short guy myself (standing at 165.5cm) I can see why he'd want to compensate his lack of height by lavishing gifts on a tall blonde viking goddess that is his wife. 

Moving right along, his job allows him to do recon on "prospects" which fits the profile for his side job.

Unfortunately, it seems one of his prospects doesn't take kindly to something being stolen from him.  And for poor Roger Brown, his world just went up the creek without a paddle.

There's a side commentary about the hypocrisy and stupidity of men when it comes to relationships with women.  As Eddie Murphy once said "Watch the guys faces when you ask them to think their girlfriend is cheating on them with another man".

The film moves at a decent pace, with many jaw dropping moments, even a weird game of "chicken" where if Roger Brown blinked, he wouldn't blink again.

And I could throw in Die Hard as a point of reference for this movie....Roger Brown just found a way to stay alive in the most unbelievable, disgusting and crazy ways imaginable. 

The movie starts as an art theft gone wrong and ended up as a "What you see is not what you think is happening" movie. 

I will most definately buy the DVD because I was too busy catching my breath after the whirlwind last few scenes to actually comprehend what really happened. 

I hope word of mouth will enhance this movie's reputation, because in the end that's all you need. 

Rating: 9/10

PS. 

As I was making my routine inspections of movie posters after viewing Headhunters, I thought it was an indication of film society when there were SO many promo posters for 21 Jump Street and I could not find one poster promoting Headhunters. 

However to my relief, it seems there's already a Hollywood verson.  I just hope their version will be as good as the Hollywood treatment for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

The big question is, who will play Roger Brown?  It is very juicy role.  Unfortunately Steve Buscemi is a bit old, otherwise he would be perfect!