Headhunters Review

2nd Apr 2012

Having seen the trailer, I was totally unprepared for Headhunters. Thinking I was going to see a thriller as gritty and dark as the Stieg Larsson series, I ended up laughing through most of film. I just hope that I was meant to.

Headhunters stars Aksel Hennie as Roger, the man who has everything. His millionaire’s lifestlye has all of the trappings you’d expect; great car, hot wife and a house to die for. All of this is possible as whilst he may be a headhunter by day, his alternate employment is as a very successful art thief. However, beneath the veneer of success, Roger is desperately insecure. His thievery is nothing but an attempt to keep his wife in the lap of luxury and ensure she doesn’t leave him.

All’s seemingly well until Clas Greve arrives, a Scandinavian hunk of a man. Roger is instantly concerned about Clas’ apparent relationship with his wife. In a bid to get even, Roger decides to steal Clas’ hidden Rubens masterpiece. And then hilarity ensues.

Roger chooses to forget that Clas is a psychotic, special armed-forces marines-type who has gone on to develop a tracking device with a very powerful corporation. Roger, on the other hand, has no real skills other than being able to use a scalpel (on paintings only) and selotaping his jacket to himself.

Aksel Hennie plays the part of a hapless, philandering art thief completely out his depth with such deadpan conviction that it could only be funny. Despite being introduced as an absolute tool, you will find yourself rooting for him and hoping that he’s the one that gets the girl in the end. That is, if he manages to survive the world of hurt meted out to him – expect martial arts, spectacular car stunts and a vicious pit bull that gets what it deserves.

This films hops from comedy, violence, action, romance and thriller at breakneck speed, but it all worked for me. Each moment is genuine, and the moments that it’s heartfelt are very sincere. But it’s the comedy in this film that really drives the film. Entertaining and different, Think ‘Usual Suspects’ meets ‘OSS 117’ and don’t be confused by the trailer.