Myglaren

'Myglaren' is a Swedish word which can be translated 'wangler' or maybe 'wheeler-dealer' - someone who uses morally questionable tricks for his private benefit, a tick on society's back.

Unfortunately, I don't remember this movie in detail, not having seen it much since 1966, but already then, it made an impact on me. This is a realistic penetration of the minds of those who want to be on top, want to be better off, want to grab the biggest piece of the cake. Yes, it's ugly. Still, this documentary style drama is done in low key, leaving for the audience to draw the conclusions - not that they are hard to reach.

The script writer is Jan Myrdal, one of the leading figures of the Swedish literary scene - constantly provocative, in his own ideology of what I like to call conservative socialism. The lead is played by Christer Stromholm, the very most renowned Swedish art photographer ever, who died in 2002. He plays this role exquisitely.

In Swedish movie history, this is no doubt a very important work, and it needs to be shown repeatedly. What it reveals is not a thing of the past, but a sadly constant ingredient in society.