NATTEVAGTEN (NIGHTWATCH)
Denmark, 1994, 105 minutes, Colour.
Nikolaj Coster -Waldau, Sofie Grabol, Kim Bodnia, Lotte Andersen, Ulf Pilgaard, Rikke Louise Andersson.
Directed by Ole Bornedal.
Ole Bornedal wrote a very successful suspense thriller about a serial killer, Nightwatch, released in 1994. It won many awards. Miramax persuaded Bornedal to write a script for an American version of the original and invited him also to direct it. It was released in 1997 to unfavourable reviews.
The Danish version has a very strong cast as does the American version. Ewan Mc Gregor plays the role originated by Nikolaj Coster -Waldau, a law student who takes a job as a nightwatchman in order to have time for study. However, mysterious things are happening, especially women being murdered and sexuality assaulted after their deaths. Nick Nolte plays the intense inspector trying to solve the case. Patricia Arquette plays the girlfriend. Josh Brolin plays the hero’s rather wild friend who seems to be wanting to bring him out of himself with all kinds of dares. Suspicion initially falls on him – but before the end, he is found to be innocent and it is then perhaps more obvious who the killer is.
The American version is enjoyable in its way. The Danish version has a greater intensity.
The following questions can be used for both versions of the film. The American names are used here. However, in the Danish version the hero is still called Martin, the girlfriend is Kalenka, the best friend is Jens.
1.An interesting murder mystery? Serial killer? A film of the 90s and the exploration of the dark side? A police investigation? A young man being framed for murder? The psychological background?
2.The town, the night scenes, the dark? The morgue, large, dark? The garbage area?
3.The title, the adaptation from the original Scandinavian film? The comparison between the two? The musical score?
4.The credits sequence: the prostitute, the aggressor, the death, the assault, the removal of the eyes?
5.Martin as a law student, his relationship with Katherine? His friendship with James? The bonds? His taking the job, the work, the opportunity for study? The atmosphere, the alarms, the doctor? His brashness? His being interrogated by Inspector Cray? His naivety? Becoming more frightened, the increased number of the corpses? James and his dare? The restaurant, the background of sexual encounters, the clash with the girl? The building up to doubt concerning James? The archives? The build-up to the climax, Martin in danger, vindicated?
6.James as best friend, his manner, personality, risks, sexual encounters, the discussions with Joy, trying to set her up with Martin? His suspicious behaviour? His change of behaviour? The build-up to the climax?
7.Katherine, her work, her relationship with Martin, in love, sharing, the proposal, her being hurt? Joy and the visits? The dangers?
8.The prostitutes, Joy, the set-up with James, the humiliation? The irony of her relationship with Inspector Cray?
9.Inspector Cray, his tough manner, his staff, conducting the investigations, the interview with the doctor, the interrogation of Martin? The information, his theory and the need to confess? The set-up? His framing Martin, the murders, his violence, the final confrontation?
10.The atmosphere of the dark side, serial killers? Deaths, sexuality and violence?
