Finnish Oscar Hopeful Inspired By Dirty Harry

In a panel discussion for Deadline, director Teemu Nikki has revealed that Finland’s Oscar entry Euthanizer (Armomurhaaja) is inspired by the Dirty Harry movies.

Euthanizer follows Veijo (Matti Onnismaa), an antisocial mechanic who euthanises sick and old pets on the side. Despite their bleak future, Veijo treats the animals with respect as they meet their end, but is less merciful to their neglectful owners.

Teemu Nikki told Deadline: “I wanted to make Dirty Harry with animals but with my values, not 1970s values… It’s the biggest taboo for the hero to kill a dog. Rambo can kill nations, but you can’t imagine Rambo killing a dog.”

“There’s a rule: If you want to make a bad guy in the movie, have him kill a dog. I want to make the opposite, I wanted to make the main character do the unspeakable thing and make you love him anyway.”

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