Page 2 January 16, 2020
Danish Journalist Investigates a Questionable
The unfolding narrative plays out with elements
reminiscent of The Keepers, or even
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Brügger
knows how to draw in his audience. He
begins with some breaking the fourth wall
components that work as a series of hooks
that require us to sit up and pay attention,
as the information in the film is densely
layered. Like Werner Herzog, Brügger becomes
an onscreen persona, leaning into the
subtle comedy of his European mannerisms
contrasted with the foreign atmosphere of
Central and Southern Africa, though by no
means pandering to their differences. Part of
Brügger’s strength that is visible onscreen
is that he is willing to listen. He diligently
follows any possible lead, as well as captures
it on camera.
The research enthusiast in me is inspired
by the tenacity in finding a story very well
hidden, and dormant for over 50 years. The
film enthusiast in me is inspired by how well
crafted a story about such research is so well
compiled. It’s a dense project, as you can
imagine, and at times it doesn’t slow down
for the viewer to keep up with the names of
subjects and conspirators. Ultimately, though,
it’s worth your time to focus and keep up
with every step of the way. The role Brügger
plays pays off as we get a front-row seat to
the challenges and frustrations of researching
such a challenging story. Not every lead is
successful; the film wisely includes some false
trails so that we never know if a particular
moment will be fruitful or futile.
The culminating film is a masterful and
compelling story that has larger and deeper
implications that are endlessly debatable.
Suffice to say, Cold Case Hammarskjöld was
one of the best documentaries of 2019. •
H. Nelson Tracey for cinemacy.com
The true crime documentary Cold Case
Hammarskjöld (pronounced Hammer-Scold),
now streaming on Hulu, follows Danish director
Mads Brügger as he and investigator
Göran Björkdahl attempt to investigate a
long-dormant case: the mysterious death of
UN General Secretary Dag Hammarskjöld in
a plane crash in 1961. The event happened
in the Congo and quickly ruled an accident,
but Hammarskjöld’s controversial support of
African autonomy from their previous colonial
powers and outside forces (including but not
limited to the UK and the US), combined
with some sketchy handling of the situation
at the time, indicate this may have been more
than an accident. Chillingly unbelievable yet
undoubtedly real, it is President Kennedy
who expresses his sympathy for the unexpected
death of this leader – imagine how
that plays knowing what became of Kennedy
two years later.
Entertainment
Film Review
H. Nelson Tracey
Death in Cold Case Hammarskjöld
Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
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