Nordic Noir's Dark Depths: Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen on These Chilling Crime Stories

Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, & Movements

Join Cinema Scope as host Andy Nelson and guest Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen dive into the intriguing world of Nordic Noir. This episode uncovers the secrets that make this subgenre a global sensation, from its bleak landscapes to its complex characters.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Nordic Noir

Nordic Noir captivates with its atmospheric settings and gripping narratives. Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen, an expert in Scandinavian and comparative literature, explores how these films reflect the political and social undercurrents of the Nordic countries. Blending suspense with meaningful critique, Nordic Noir offers a unique lens on society.

Exploring Iconic Films

This episode covers a range of films: Insomnia, Jar City, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Headhunters, and The Guilty. Discover how these stories delve into moral ambiguity, hidden secrets, and the dark sides of seemingly perfect societies. Themes of racism, misogyny, and human complexity are intricately woven into these narratives.

Beyond the Screen: Nordic Noir's Impact

In our member bonus, we delve deeper with The Man on the Roof, The Hunters, Smilla's Sense of Snow, The Pyramid, Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes, and The Snowman. These films extend the conversation, highlighting the genre's wide-reaching influence and its role in shaping global crime fiction.

Don't miss this engaging exploration of Nordic Noir and its lasting impact. Tune in to Cinema Scope to uncover the stories that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the genre, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the compelling world of Nordic Noir.

Film Sundries

• Find Jakob on LinkedIn or on UCL’s site
• Nordic Noir Book Club
• Recommended and Discussed Movies
  • Man on the Roof on YouTube (no English subtitles) or Scarecrow Video’s Rent by Mail
  • The Hunters on Amazon and JustWatch
  • Smilla’s Sense of Snow on JustWatch or Scarecrow Video’s Rent by Mail
  • Insomnia on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • Jar City on Apple and JustWatch
  • The Pyramid on YouTube
  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on Amazon and JustWatch
  • Headhunters on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • The Snowman on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • The Guilty on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
• Our Letterboxd List

• (00:00) - Welcome to Cinema Scope • Nordic Noir
• (01:46) - Meet Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen
• (05:01) - What Is Nordic Noir?
• (08:34) - Not Film Noir
• (09:53) - Global Reach
• (13:52) - Origins
• (24:42) - Fascination with Crime Fiction
• (27:46) - Key Characteristics
• (32:09) - The Visuals
• (36:05) - Pacing and Style
• (38:33) - The Films
• (40:44) - Insomnia
• (52:30) - Jar City
• (01:06:29) - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• (01:21:18) - Headhunters
• (01:31:26) - The Guilty
• (01:46:27) - Impact and Legacy
• (01:54:30) - Criticisms
• (01:58:24) - The Future of Nordic Noir
• (02:01:12) - Jakob’s Links
• (02:02:59) - Wrap Up

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart