In Order of Disappearance

Very funny, great actors, weird setting, unpredictable narrative, just a great example of a black comedy done right. Stellan Skarsgard and Bruno Ganz are perfectly cast. Maybe the best 'blood in the snow' thriller-comedy since "Fargo". See it in a cinema.

Amusing black comedy that paints in broad strokes and requires suspension of disbelief about the details. The tone of the film is often surprising, initially combining brutality and violence before turning into a savage revenge film. As the body count accumulates, it's obvious the film is a parody. Stellan Skarsgård plays the successful and well-integrated immigrant who manages to out-punch or out-smart everyone. In his apparent simplicity and practical modesty, the film functions as a platform to parody the Norwegian mega-rich -the gangsters and drug runners- who live in designer apartments, drink smoothies but would never let artificial additives pass their lips. They present themselves as wholesome, if insane, gangsters cut-off from their children through broken relationships and their own wealth (parallels with Norwegian society abound). The least satisfying sub-plot is the sudden inter-ganster war with the Serbians (who at one point they mix up with the Albanians). They seem to provide the foreigner viewpoint on Norwegians, but somehow it isn't effective - notably because of troublesome Eastern European clichés. However, it doesn't take itself too seriously, also taking a pot shot at Norwegians who take Thai wives. It's major fascinations are the funny things Norwegians do and the hilarious idea of a Norwegian mafia. The ensuing farce doesn't quite come together, but the use of a logging machine as a weapon is amusing enough. The only major fail of the film is Skarsgård's wife, who appears to disappear at one point. They could have done more with her and perhaps made her unaware of what he was doing, providing domestic normality or a 'heart' for the film. Nonetheless, it's raucous, surprising and fun to watch and often laugh-out-loud funny, particularly if you get the Norwegian references.