Stockholm

From what I've read this retelling of the 1973 robbery/hostage taking of the Kreditbanken bank in Stockholm is fairly accurate, although, obviously dramatized for a movie. Seems that the hostages, to some extent, had more faith in their well being from the captors than from the government & police. Thus our first widely discussed incident of hostages having some sympathy w/their captors. Both robbers continued, in minor ways, their history of crime after either serving their time or court hearings. Amusingly well acted.

This is a strange film to discuss. It's not sure whether it's a comedy, a drama or possibly a thriller. There's not enough tension to make it a thriller, there are some comedic moments, but not enough to make you laugh, and the characters are too thinly portrayed to make you invest in them for the drama to work. But, despite that, it's as fascinating in some ways as a slow-motion car crash - you just can't avert your eyes. Bizarre.

Did you ever wonder about the origin of the psychological condition known as "Stockholm Syndrome"? The title of this rather comical account of a bank robbery turning into a hostage situation telegraphs the answer. Although the script is fictional, it is based on the actual 1973 events that added one term to our vernacular, and one section in pertinent psych texts. Good thing. As this ordeal plays out, it would have been too absurd to make up from whole cloth and successfully pitch to any studio.

Ethan Hawke is the solo robber at the beginning. But instead of grabbing the cash, he keeps a few hostages and demands the release of a prisoner (Mark Strong), among other terms. This goes on for a couple of days with more ups and downs and zany mishaps than one finds in any of Elmore Leonard's delightful comic caper novels or the movies they spawned. Not easy to do, unless you're the Marx Brothers. True to the premise, one of the hostages (Noomi Rapace, looking more prim and uptight than her norm) becomes the first to develop the symptoms. Another novelty is seeing the invariably-bald Strong sport a full head of lanky hair. Not his best look.

The film drags on a bit too long for the claustrophobic setting, as nearly every shot we see occurs within the bank. That cost it one of the potential stars, above. Hawke's edginess is amusing for a while, but grows tedious as he loses his cool over so many setbacks and complications. Even so, it's a generally amusing and entertaining diversion. Expect a fairly farcical variation on Dog Day Afternoon to watch it in the right frame of mind.

I'm genuinely surprised that (as far as my internet research goes) this bizarre tale is roughly true. I liked the acting, direction and scripting. Although I can see why the way they handle the comedic aspects would put some off. Aren't humans weird!

Writer and director Robert Budreau did a great job directing, but his writing needed more "oomph". Pacing was a little slow, and not much comedy - all of it pretty much shown in the trailer. The acting however, was outstanding, especially from Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace. Enjoyable film on how Stockholm Syndrome was recognized as a psychological diagnosis. A 7/10 from me.