Mannen som log / The Man Who Smiled (2003)

Over Christmas BBC4 showed some new Wallander movies, although not series 2 of the show starring Krister Henriksson, rather a series of TV movies with Rolf Lassgård in the title role. The first one shown, and the first we watched (the only one so far!) was The Man Who Smiled which, unlike the Henriksson series, is adapted from one of Henning Mankell's original novels.

It's a bit weird seeing someone new inhabiting the role of Wallander, and all of his police colleagues, and seeing the character of Linda taking a minor, non-police role. Once I'd got past the fact that this Wallander is heavier, grumpier, angrier and more prone to boughts of fast and sweaty sex with hookers (he didn't know she was one, honest!) I enjoyed this mystery involving the region's most famous man, some scary African statues and a sharp-shooting assassin. Writing this 2 or 3 weeks later, I've only a hazy memory of it all, except to say that I remember the movie being very atmospheric and, well, 'Swedish'!

This Wallander was more verbose, less likable, but no less watchable. I look forward to watching the others currently sat on the recorder.