'Headhunters' Beats 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' in Norwegian Bow

BERLIN -- Norwegian crime thriller Headhunters killed on its local bow, taking $1.85 million in its first week in release, beating out the opening of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo in the territory. The Headhunters bow marks the second-best opening ever for a Norwegian film, behind World War II epic Max Manus.

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Both Headhunters and Max Manus feature Norwegian star Aksel Hennie. Directed by Morten Tyldum, Headhunters is based on the best-seller by Jo Nesbo and follows Roger, a successful corporate headhunter and secret art thief. After a big job goes bad, he is forced to run for his life.

Many had questioned whether Norwegian audiences would avoid Headhunters' violent storyline in the wake of the real-life massacre in the country last month. Headhunters international prospects already look bright. TrustNordisk has sold the film to over 30 countries, with Magnolia picking it up for a U.S. release.

Headhunters will have its North American debut at the Toronto Film Festival next month.