The next October 13 the film version de The Snowman, la seventh (and perhaps most popular) novel in the Norwegian curator's series Harry hole, created by Jo Nesbo. It is directed by the Swede Thomas Alfredson and stars an international cast led by the German-Irish Michael Fassbender. I throw a look at history and analyze what awaits us to all readers (more devoted or not) of Mr. Nesbø.

The history

The novel meets now 10 years since its first publication and is the seventh installment of one of the most famous contemporary black series. Let us remember that the last, Thirst, the past came out Winners will be announced in March. We were lucky enough to speak with Jo Nesbø when he was in Barcelona to present it. Among other matters He told us something about this adaptation to the movies.

The Snowman mark a inflection point that collects the wake of the Excellent previous novel, The Redeemer, also preferred by many of the readers. Let's say the cycle of progression to plus that has culminated (for now) with Thirst. Of course, each reader has their favorite or can highlight other titles.

Synopsis

El argument takes us first to the 80 years where a mother and her child found for the first time with a more than haunting snowman. Then we return to present where other niño discover that his mother has disappeared. The only trace left of her will be her favorite scarf that hangs around the neck of ... a snowman.

To Harry Hole we still have it recovering from the shocking ending (one of the best of all) of The Redeemer and with his broken relationship with the one who is the love of his life, Rakel fauke. They are still friends and she now has another partner.

On the other hand, in the Homicide Squad of the Oslo Police Department they walk too calm. A new member, the bright Katrine bratt, which also hides a problematic personality. When Hole and his team start investigating what's going on, discover that in recent years many wives and mothers have disappeared. Shortly after another one disappears and it seems that Harry's worst suspicions can be confirmed: it is a serial killer. What they cannot suspect is how close it is and how far it can go.

Movie

Universal Pictures got the rights to the film and at first the prestigious name of Martin Scorsese to direct it. Finally took over the swedish director Thomas Alfredson, with a long history in his native country. When signing Let me in in 2008, it achieved international renown. With The top (2011) took hold and this snowman may be his definitive elevation. Furthermore, since the cast is so international (American, British, French and Norwegian), that at least the director was good connoisseur of the terrain and the environment.

Because here comes the other side usual division of opinions among the most knowledgeable readers of the series. The actor's choice to embody a character so often and clearly described as Harry Hole has had its controversy.

The common point of agreement is that Michael Fassbender is an excellent actor undoubtedly. But so at first glance, like that the Viking physique that is Hole does not give it. However, How many times has the cinema spoiled clear descriptions of literary characters or has improved? Obviously, viewers who do not have that literary reference will not find any war to wage in this regard. And the most devoted, critical or purist readers will have all the arguments to reaffirm their opinion, whatever it may be.

The point is that, as usual, we are facing an adaptation with all that this implies of differences (important, according to Nesbø himself) with its literary original. And we all know how different is the cinematographic language. With objective eyes and after seeing the trailer (in Spanish) presented this week, I will say that the most seasoned readers will need a rereading to refresh our memories. The cold tone so Nordic at the moment he is appreciated. And it will be interesting to see if they have kept the chilling and spectacular ending of the book, with all the consequences for Harry and the rest of the characters.

Distribution

Among others.

1. Michael Fassbender (300, Macbeth, Assassin's Creed): Harry Hole
2. Rebecca ferguson (The girl on the train): Katrine Bratt
3. Charlotte Gainsbourg (Antichrist, The Tree): Rakel Fauke
4. Jacob Oftebro (Redemption: The Cases of Department Q, The Last King): Magnus Skarre
5. JK Simmons (The city of stars): Arve Støp
6. Chloë Sevigny (American Horror StorySylvia Ottersen
7. James D'Arcy (Dunkirk, Master and Commander): Philip Becker
8. Toby Jones (Sherlock, Wayward Pines): Geft Raft.

Is also out there Val Kilmer and the cameo from Jo himself Nesbo, incentive for the most geeks that we will try to distinguish the guy strips who appears for a moment walking with a dog.

Fonts: IMDB - Getty Images - Universal Pictures

Why see it

To iron out prejudices, reaffirm or condemn them. For taking a glorious walk (for those of us who love the cold) through the city of Oslo. For entering or going through the mythical Schrøder restaurant to have a very dangerous beer with Harry. But, as always, for the simplest thing: to have clear opinion like the water. What's more, it is quite possible that readers of the series, with the unique and non-transferable image that each one has of Harry Hole (and the rest of the characters), do not affect them a lot of. Mine has certainly not changed one iota.