Nikolaj Arcel’s big break, internationally that is, came when he was tapped to co-writer the screenplay for the Swedish version of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. When I spoke with him by phone on October 22, 2012, it was inevitable that we would get to that film after discussing A ROYAL AFFAIR. And when we did, I was pleased to discover that my take on the gender-bending in both versions of that film were not unwarranted. As for A ROYAL AFFAIR, Arcel gave me some insight into how the current state of Danish politics is and isn’t reflected in those of the 18th century. And we both wondered why this amazing story, of an unhappy royal marriage, the country doctor that became vital to both parties, and the introduction of the Enlightenment into Denmark, wasn’t better known beyond Danish borders.
Your Thoughts?