"Fuerteventura project turned out to be an added advantage"
Rewritten Article:
Gerster and Riley Dissect "Islands": The Paradise Minefield
Following "Oh Boy" (2012) and "Lara" (2019), Jan-Ole Gerster delivers "Islands," his latest directorial masterwork, featuring Sam Riley as a lonely and seemingly glamorous tennis coach. The tantalizing drama, currently up for three Lolas at the German Film Awards, unfolds on Fuerteventura, where an elusive guest vanishes under bizarre circumstances.
In an exclusive interview with ntv.de, Gerster and Riley discuss their experiences filming the captivating tale in the Balearic haven, delve into the fate of the lead character, and dissect the deep-seated resonance of Dascha Dauenhauer's haunting score.
ntv.de: Sam, were you no stranger to the sun-kissed paradise before embarking on "Islands"?
Sam Riley (SR): My grandparents dreamt of settling down on the sun-soaked shores of Tenerife, and I paid them a visit at the age of twelve. Yet, it had been an aeon since my toes had danced on Canarian sands. The vibrant island became a refreshing retreat during the shoot, offering me a respite from the mundane. While I'm no fan of perpetual sun, the invigorating change served as a refreshing antidote to the dreary Yorkshire terrains of my childhood. After eight weeks of sun-soaked serenity, I craved the embrace of a thick winter coat and a wander through the chilly Schlachtensee in a scarf.
Jan-Ole Gerster (JG): Did the exotic Isle of Fuerteventura spark the creativity for "Islands"?
JG: An island possesses the power to trigger strong emotional reactions. As soon as I set foot on Fuerteventura, I fell in love with its staggeringly beautiful landscapes and the mysterious, somewhat outdated tourist world that it harbored. The mingling of idyllic beaches and unexplored labyrinths enticed me to immerse myself in its mystique and spin a tale around it. Roaming the island with an open mind, I soon happened upon a tennis coach, a solitary figure who captivated my imagination. I spent two weeks observing him from my balcony as he pushed tourists over the net on a rusty court, a monotonous symphony that whispered tales of his monotonous life in paradise. As an observer, I became entranced, and "Islands" was born.
ntv.de: Initially, did your fascination stem from merely observing him or did the conversation extend beyond mere interaction?
JG: I did engage in a brief conversation with him, which revealed a man seemingly content with his life in paradise, yet still suffering the throes of loneliness. The overarching themes of escapism, longing for an idyllic escape, and the pain of unfulfilled dreams serve as the core of the film. The glossy, sun-soaked exterior of the island, which initially appears to offer a perfect escape, soon reveals its insidious potential for entrapment.
SR: What drew you to the role, Sam? Was it the idea of six weeks under the warm Spanish sun?
SR: A part of me admittedly fantasized about six weeks of tanning amidst the balmy islands, but the true complexities of the script, its intricate plot, and the sheer dynamism of the protagonist piqued my interest. One evening, on a grounds-eye-view of the beach, I devoured the script with an insatiable fervor—the mesmerizing role of a man torn between sanity and oblivion was tailor-made for me.
JG: Your life mirror the facade of "Dave," to a certain extent, don't you think? With a partner and a child?
SR: Indeed, there is an underlying similarity between "Dave" and me. However, there are also contrasting aspects to our lives, creating an enigma that heightens the allure of the role. Both "Tom" and "Dave" struggle to find contentment in their respective surroundings, each comparing their lives to those of others, fueling the insatiable desire for something better.
ntv.de: Is there ever a time when you too feel the verdant grass appears greener on the other side?
SR: I believe that, at times, we all indulge in such self-deprecating thoughts, irrespective of our circumstances. As time progresses, I've learned to approach life in snippets rather than pondering the future or the past—a realization that simplifies the complexities of life.
JG: As an artist, do you ever find yourself yearning for roles that elude you, failing to land them?
SR: Yes, all the time. I neither covet another's private life nor their career, but I do resent the missed opportunities that escape me. To alleviate such melancholy, I've taken to watching mediocre reality television—an inadvertent yet effective method of dulling envy by observing unremarkable lives.
JG and SR: How did your creative partnership come about?
JG: My affection for Sam spurred from observing his compelling portrayal of Ian Curtis in "Control." Since then, I've been ardent admirer of his work and knew he resided in Berlin. Our fortuitous paths crossed, and our shared interests in film led us to form a creative bond, with Sam ultimately performing the lead role in "Islands."
SR: Was I your first choice for the lead role, Jan?
JG: Far from it. I had to get to know Sam before casting him as "Tom." Our initial encounters were spread out over two weeks, during which we exchanged insights on cinema and indulged in an impromptu tennis match. Eventually, when it became evident that our collaboration would flourish, I knew that Sam was the ideal candidate for the role.
ntv.de: Lastly, is it true that you compete in tennis circles? Who proclaimed the champion after your match?
SR: That incident has been exaggerated—Jan stands victorious on the tennis court, a skill I've yet to emulate. On a congenial note, I've found my tennis skills have improved since our filming, albeit marginally.
JG: How pivotal was music in the narrative weaving of "Islands"?
JG: Music weaves an intricate tapestry through the film, evoking the underlying anxieties and longing that permeate the story. During my writing process, I often listen to music, and portions of "Islands" were shaped by the rhythm and melodies that enveloped the film. I sought to push the boundaries of my artistry by composing a film in English, a language I find electrifying. However, my foray into the English language is driven by the necessity to extend the reach of German cinema beyond the borders of Deutschland.
JG: After collaborating with various authors to pen the script, how did you manage the writing process with Dascha Dauenhauer for the score?
JG: The role of music in the film is versatile, offering a convergence of suspenseful suspense and sobriety amidst the tropical surroundings. Dascha's unique, hybrid score seamlessly complemented the ethereal ambiance I envisioned, serving as an iridescent backdrop for the unfolding tale. I needed to communicate my vision in the abstract, trusting her intuition to capture the essence of the film. Our musical conversations were akin to those between Lynch and Badalamenti, as I expressed my cognitive dissonance using uncharted vocabulary, allowing lyrics to guide the composition process.
Islands is now playing in cinemas across Germany.
Categories:- Film & Cinema- Canary Islands- Drama- Tennis
Enrichment Data:The search results do not provide specific information about the backstory of the filming for the movie "Islands" on Fuerteventura. However, one result hints that the film "Islands," set on Fuerteventura, features an international cast, led by Sam Riley[2]. Additionally, the Canary Islands are popular filming destinations due to their diverse landscapes and favorable filming conditions[1][5]. For more context on filming in the Canary Islands, here are a few points:- Filming Locations: The Canary Islands provide a multitude of diverse landscapes, such as volcanic areas, beaches, and natural reserves, making them an appealing destination for film productions.- Tax Incentives and Production Support: The Canary Islands offer tax breaks for international film productions, providing a financial incentive for foreign filmmakers. To take advantage of these benefits, producers often collaborate with Spanish production companies registered in the Canary Islands[1].- Film Production Environment: Companies like FilmCanaryIslands cater to the needs of filmmakers, providing services suitable for both large and small-scale productions[1]. If specific information about "Islands" is needed, it may be helpful to seek official statements from the film's production team or related press releases.
- The European Union and the United States might show interest in the filming locations for the movie "Islands," given its international cast and the Canary Islands' popularity as a filming destination.
- Jan-Ole Gerster, while filming "Islands" on Fuerteventura, found inspiration in the island's landscapes and its seemingly outdated tourist world.
- Sam Riley, while filming "Islands," shared that he appreciated the island's vibrant atmosphere and refreshing change from his childhood in dreary Yorkshire terrains.
- In an interview, Jan-Ole Gerster and Sam Riley discussed their collaboration on the movie "Islands," highlighting their shared interest in cinema, which led to their creative partnership.
- The movie "Islands," currently playing in cinemas across Germany, features a haunting score by Dascha Dauenhauer, which plays a significant role in the film's narrative.
