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D A T S M E H V A L O R E P
Profile MAGNUS MARTENS
Born 1973, Stord, Norway
Background Oslo-based writer and director Martens has worked in film and television for over a decade. He was writing his own crime comedy screenplay when he was offered the chance to create a script based on a story by the internationally popular writer Jo Nesbo. Wisely, Martens changed his plans, and adapted Nesbo’s story of tough criminals falling out over a pools win. On whether Jackpot is an action film or a comedy ‘A comedy, there was more action in the original script but we didn’t have the money to do it well. When we test-screened, people still thought it was an action comedy, like Snatch or Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. But it’s not an action comedy like a Renny Harlin action comedy, much as I like Renny Harlin!’
On the key to setting the tone for a black comedy ‘Casting is very important, with Henrik Mestad – I’d worked with him before, he’s a very serious actor who does a lot of preparation, working with real detectives. His shoes were really important to him, the ring he wore, the texture of his jacket. He downplays and does it straight.’
On the violence and gore in the film ‘Obviously, it’s too extreme for some people, it’s laughably over-the-top. In Tribeca in New York, they loved it, but were shocked by how far we went with the violence. The criminals in the film are not the kind who would use guns, they have everyday tools, it’s more shovels, pick-axes and nail-guns.’ On future plans ‘It’s another dark comedy, which again, I hope to make in Norway, although I’ve had interest from the US. And there’s talk of an American remake of Jackpot, but I don’t want to have anything to do with that, I’ve done that now.’ (Eddie Harrison) ■ Jackpot is on selected released from Fri 10 Aug.
9–16 Aug 2012 THE LIST 115
The Bourne Legacy The latest Bourne film may not feature Jason Bourne himself but it is still a sophisticated and thrilling action flick. See review page 116. General release from Mon 13 Aug.
Jackpot The Scandinavian crime thrillers keep on coming. Adapted from a story by Jo Nesbø, Jackpot is a dark comedy in the mould of the Coen Brothers’ Fargo. Read our interview, opposite and our review, on page 116. Selected release from Fri 10 Aug. The Genius of Hitchcock An impressive 16-film retrospective of the master of suspense spanning his early British silent films to the Hollywood greats of the 50s and 60s. Begins with a restored version of The Lodger. Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Fri 10 Aug–Thu 13 Sep
Dark Horse The latest film from Todd Solondz – director of blacker-than-black suburban comedy Happiness – is a wicked satire and one of his best films yet. See review at film.list.co.uk. GFT, Glasgow, Fri 10–Sun 12 Aug. Double Bill: The Order of Myths & Easy Rider Summerhall continues its season of double bills with this coupling based on the theme of Mardi Gras. Summerhall, Edinburgh, Sun 12 Aug.