This course aims to explore the distinctiveness of crime fiction films produced in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Finland) for both TV and the cinema and attempts to understand why they have garnered so much interest in the UK and North America.
The films often have their roots in Nordic literary crime fiction and the TV series from Sweden (Wallander) and Denmark (The Killing) have introduced similar stories to a wider audience. ‘Nordic Noir’ offers stories that are ‘dark and grim’ and in some way challenge our assumptions about ‘civilised life’ in the celebrated social democracies of Northern Europe.
You’ll have the opportunity to discuss literary sources with their political perspectives as well as films with roots in familiar film genres. Screenings on the course will include the Icelandic Jar City (based on the novel by Arnaldur Indridason) and the Swedish The Girl Who Played With Fire (the second film in the Stieg Larsson trilogy).
Beginners’ level, no prior knowledge required
Tutor: Roy Stafford, Freelance Film Lecturer
Course Screenings
Wed 25 Jan 18:00, The Girl Who Played With Fire
Wed 29 Feb 18:30, Jar City
Download the course outline here – The Rise of Nordic Noir Course Outline