As cynical veteran policeman Erlunder investigates the murder of an elderly man in Reykjavik, he begins to uncover secrets that connect his death to events that happened 30 years ago. The victim has a long criminal past and mysterious photos hidden in his apartment that take Erlunder to a small town outside of Reykjavik and lead the investigation to uncover police corruption and buried family secrets. To reveal many details of the plot would spoil the enjoyment of watching this police procedural unfold. While the mystery element of the film is familiar to any fan of the genre, it is well plotted with a few twists to keep you guessing about the resolution until the end of the film.
What makes this film unique is not so much the story as it is the unfamiliar details of the Icelandic setting. Both the urban and rural landscapes are photographed in a cold, dull light that shows them as isolated and harsh, yet oddly scenic. By contrast, in both form and function, the Icelandic Genetic Research Institute represents a more progressive and modern Iceland. Director Baltasar Kormakur shows a country trying to move forward while being uncontrollably tied to the past, as are the characters involved in the central mystery.
Erlunder is a stoic but likeable cop and his character shows how the dichotomy between Iceland's past and future plays out in daily life. He is old-school Iceland - he might buy dinner at a fast food drive-through but he orders sheep's head. His daughter rebels through the typical generational provocations of drugs and casual sex, and the younger police officers irritate him with their modern ways. Erulunder cannot hide his disdain for a young policeman who asks for a vegan menu and latte at a traditional local restaurant. However, Erulunder is clearly focused on the crime throughout the film and it is his detective work that ultimately solves the puzzle.
Erlunder is a stoic but likeable cop and his character shows how the dichotomy between Iceland's past and future plays out in daily life. He is old-school Iceland - he might buy dinner at a fast food drive-through but he orders sheep's head. His daughter rebels through the typical generational provocations of drugs and casual sex, and the younger police officers irritate him with their modern ways. Erulunder cannot hide his disdain for a young policeman who asks for a vegan menu and latte at a traditional local restaurant. However, Erulunder is clearly focused on the crime throughout the film and it is his detective work that ultimately solves the puzzle.
Jar City is not a ground breaking mystery but it is an engaging story with a unique Icelandic setting, compelling characters and stark, picturesque cinematography. Any fan of Nordic Noir is sure to be pleased with this film and, although they cannot be directly compared, I found it a more compelling movie experience than my viewing of the flawed Swedish adaptation of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Apparently, like Dragon Tattoo, Jar City is also slated for a Hollywood remake.
There is no DVD released in the U.S. but it can be viewed through Netflix streaming as well as iTunes and Amazon.
