Music & Arts

Three Things to Know about the Great Lasse Hallström

Among the upcoming Disney live-action movies is “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” which finished shooting in January for a 2018 release date and stars A-listers Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and rising star Mackenzie Foy.

Directing the all-star cast was none other than Lasse Hallström, a Swedish director you know, even if not by name.

Here are three things to know about one of the great Swedish directors of all time.

Why Do I Know That Name?

Hallström is the director behind brilliant films like “The Cider House Rules” and “Chocolat.” He made his first major impression in America with “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” More recently, he directed 2011’s “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen,” which won Best Motion Picture at the Golden Globes, and 2017’s “A Dog’s Purpose.”

No Star is Too Big

In addition to the stars above, here’s a partial rundown of the actors Hallström has worked with: Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, Robert Duvall, Tobey Maguire, Michael Caine, Judi Dench, Kevin Spacey, Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford, Juliette Binoche, Richard Gere, Dennis Quaid, Jennifer Lopez, Julianne Moore and Ewan McGregor. He’s also directed his wife, Swedish actress Lena Olin.

All About ABBA

Hallström’s rise to fame started by directing most of the music videos for pop legends ABBA, including “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “Ring Ring” “Mamma Mia” and “Take a Chance on Me.”