Myglaren

Jan Myrdal and Rune Hassner create a socially satirical “cinéma vérité” film and introduce the concept of “mygla” in a TV film that made a major impact upon its premiere in 1966.

Myglaren (Christer Strömholm) has good intentions. He represents an organization dedicated to improving social well-being, and by pulling the right strings and cultivating the right connections, he advances both his cause and himself. Platitudes rain down over a three-course lunch, and without a second thought he forgoes dinner with his family to spend the evening with his mistress. As Myglaren climbs the career ladder and is welcomed into influential circles, the film delivers a sharp critique of a smug welfare-state Sweden that has lost itself in trivialities.

• Tobias Åkesson