The element of crime and punishment: Aki Kaurismäki, Lars von Trier and the traditions of Nordic cinema

Author: Schepelern, Peter

Source: Journal of Scandinavian Cinema, Volume 1, Number 1, 15 October 2010 , pp. 87-103(17)

Publisher: Intellect

Buy & download fulltext article:

The full text is free.

View now:

PDF 380.2kb

Abstract:

Finnish Aki Kaurismäki and Danish Lars von Trier are the two outstanding and internationally renowned auteurs in contemporary Scandinavian cinema, though both have enjoyed only moderate success at the box office in their home country. The article compares the two directors, characterizing their construction of a distinct universe, their attitude to nationality and internationalism, their political attitudes and use of religion or nostalgia as themes, their use of allegory and melodrama, as well as their attitude to low-budget production as a creative inspiration, all seen against the background of Nordic cinema traditions concerning sexuality, Heimat and the wisdom of society's marginalized figures.

Articles that cite this article?

Keywords: Aki Kaurismäki; Lars von Trier; Nordic cinema; auteur; art cinema

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1386/jsca.1.1.87_1

Affiliations: 1: University of Copenhagen

Publication date: 2010-10-15

More about this publication?

The Journal of Scandinavian Cinema is a new scholarly journal devoted to film in the Scandinavian countries. It aims to become the prime site for excellent research and engaging discussions on cinema in Scandinavia, both within the national context of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and as a region existing in a globalized world.
Editorial Board
Information for Authors
Subscribe to this Title
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites