Nordic Noir refers to dark crime dramas and detective stories that originated in Scandinavian countries. Some key conventions of the genre include bleak cinematography that makes viewers feel uneasy, urban settings depicted through mise-en-scène, and melancholy music. Popular Nordic Noir TV shows and novels often depict troubled detectives investigating mysteries in harsh, isolated landscapes while grappling with societal issues.

1. Nordic Noir

2. History
Per Wahlöö and Maj Sjöwall, wrote a series of 10 detective stories featuring a decent but dyspeptic policeman called Martin Beck. The
project took a decade, and the final volume was published shortly after Wahlöö died, aged 48, in 1975.
Viking sagas through 1820s psychological thrillers to 20th century cinema, the idea of strong men and women doing difficult things to
survive in a harsh landscape while struggling with their own issues is a core part of Scandinavian culture.
Most Nordic Noirs are based off novels, which are first made in Scandinavian countries, however the rise in popularity has had many
British adaptations made. In 2008, the BBC was producing an adaptation of Henning Mankell’s novels about a troubled, disillusioned
detective starring Kenneth Branagh. To promote it, they ran the original Swedish series with Krister Henriksson portraying the
rumpled, broken-down cynic Kurt Wallander.
The original version of Wallander quickly developed a cult following because of its unflinching look at society’s degradation and abuse
of power on a human scale.

3. Conventions
cinematography
Film noir cinematography is often distorted, and uncomfortable to look at, making the viewer feel uneasy. This reflects the tone of noir.
This is used through low and high angle shots.
Mise-en-scene
Film noir locations uses urban settings to make what was happening seem even more real to the viewer.
Low key lighting and high contrast images. (dark black and white)
Sound
Film noir sound was used to complement the feeling of pessimism that was reflected in the films.
● Melancholy downbeat music (Jazz)
● Use of quiet and silence
● Sudden noises
● Voice over of protagonist
● Sound effects and ambience of the city

4. Conventions
Editing
Film noir editing follows many of the traditional crime characteristics, but they are generally told non linearly.
● Non linear start at the end then tell the story in flashbacks.
● Often shot day for night using filters
● Continuity editing
● Jump cuts and juxtaposition
Characters
● Detectives
● Gangsters
● Millionaires
● Henchman
● Beautiful women
● Police
● Heroes

5. Institutions-borderliner
● The crime drama was first aired in Norway in 2017, later added to Netflix in march 2018.
● The eight-part series was originally shown in Norway in 2017 under its untranslated title of
‘Grenseland’ on the country’s TV2 channel.
● Megan Gallagher created this tv drama and wrote grand hotel in 2016, she also was apart of the
miscellaneous crew on cross of honour (an action drama) and kings of devil island (an action drama).
● The series was directed by Bård Fjulsrud, Gunnar vikene and Rener Denstad langlo.

6. Key texts
● The Bridge- When a body is discovered on a bridge between Denmark and Sweden, the two countries have to work together in
order to catch the killer.
● Trapped- This crime drama follows members of a police department as they try to uncover a mystery against the elements. In a
fjord near a small Icelandic town, a ferry arrives from Denmark with 300 passengers -- but only their journey stops here. A storm
overhead and a treacherous blizzard prevent the ferry and the townspeople from leaving the remote area. When a
dismembered, mutilated body washes up onshore, the local police realize a murder has taken place just hours earlier.
Everybody trapped in the vicinity immediately becomes potential suspects and chaos descends as they try to find the killer.
● Borgen- Prime minister Birgitte Nyborg wins a shocking victory and ushers in a wave of political struggles.
● Bordertown- A gifted detective that takes a job in a small town so he can spend more time with his family is soon drawn into a
network of disturbing murder cases.
● The killing- In the course of 20 gripping days we follow leads and observe the consequences of a heinous crime which rips
through the heart of Copenhagen. As the investigation unfolds, Copenhagen’s secrets, corruption and power struggles emerge
as the hunt for the killer intensifies.
● Borderliner- When police officer Nikolai investigates a local man's apparent suicide in his hometown, he plants evidence in
order to protect his brother, an undistinguished local cop, from being implicated in the crime. Nikolai's partner, however,
suspects foul play, trapping Nikolai in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse while on duty. As he crosses over to the dark side
by deceiving his partner things quickly spin out of control for Nikolai as the conspiracy surrounding the fake suicide spreads
through the town and across Sweden.

8. Analysis
Camera- A dark colour palette is used to create a intense and mysterious effect. An establishing shot is used to present a busy city
and cars driving across a bridge. A close up is used to present a girl and man who are clearly in trouble. This close up creates tension
as you can see there facial expressions clearly and feel connected to the characters. The close up of the hands on the steering wheel
cause tension because they are wearing black leather gloves which has connotations of crime.
Editing- The Trailer rapidly cuts to different scenes which makes it seem realistic and traumatic. This makes the audience feel the
tension. We are clearly introduced to most of the protagonists during these quick cuts.
Sound- at the beginning of the trailer there is diegetic dialogue between the characters. However dramatic non diegetic music comes
on about half way through which builds tension as the drama increases in the clip. This clearly highlights that its about crime.
Setting: A lot of the scenes are set on a bridge. It’s obvious this is an important setting because the show is called the ‘bridge’ this
straight away foreshadow trouble that was coming.
Costumes: One character is wearing black leather gloves and the face is not revealed. This suggests they could be a villain. The
gloves have connotations of crime and possibly murder trying to be covered up.