Review of The Snowman (2017) by Aggeloskallinis — 19 Oct 2017

Hollywood strikes again and the outcome is rather disappointing. As a result, we get yet one more film with the linear-cliche concept: the "good guy" wins the "bad guy" and saves the weak and incapable characters.

The movie modified even the books basic story at a maximum level for its needs, which is totally understandable to fit the needs of a film, but, this didn't go well with the movie's plot which is boring and predictable.

At about 2/3 of the duration, we get a sudden speed up of the plot while since the beginning it was all about irrelevant events and persons taking screen time (Val Kilmer). Also leaving behind an extremely complex and unexplained plot.

Character development is almost non existent despite strong appearances by the main actors (Fassbender,Ferguson). In most crime-detective movies, there is some way to show how the investigation progresses but here, the main character (Harry Hole) doesn't communicate with the viewer in any way nor shows the progress of his own investigation.

We get long scenes of deep thought instead, that do not contribute communication. The ending is so changed that its almost another story, without any thrill or suspense, that doesn't in any way "fill" the viewer up as neither the "villian" is given enough time (for the viewer to have emotions) nor his motives are well explained.

On the bright side the movie accomplishes good winter landscapes and a somewhat okay atmosphere but these traits along with the outstanding performances, can't save this mess.