"Fuerteventura project proved an extra reward"
Title: Isles Unleashed: A Glimpse into the Making of "Islands" with Jan-Ole Gerster and Sam Riley
A new masterpiece by renowned director Jan-Ole Gerster, "Islands," promises to captivate audiences with its enigmatic charm. Starring Sam Riley as a solitary tennis coach living a glamorous life on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura, the film delves into the surreal mystery surrounding a guest's disappearance. "Islands" has garnered three Lola nominations at the German Film Awards.
In a candid conversation with ntv.de, the creative duo shares their intimate experience making this intriguing movie on the island paradise, the fate of the central character, and the fascinating influence of composer Dascha Dauenhauer's haunting score.
ntv.de: Sam, had you ever visited the Canary Islands prior to the "Islands" shoot?
Sam Riley: My grandparents were set to spend their retirement years on Tenerife, and I joined them when I was twelve. Fuerteventura, however, was a whole new adventure. The destination proved to be a wonderful filming location, outfitting my character's sun-kissed dreams perfectly. Despite my affinity for sunny climates, I understood the character's workweariness as the strings of paradise started to fray. The first three weeks, we filmed in a hotel populated by tourists - a chaos unlike anything I'd ever experienced! Eventually, I yearned for frigid winters, brisk walks by the Schlachtensee, and the solace of a thick winter coat.
Jan-Ole, any memories of how "Islands" idea was sparked on Fuerteventura?
Jan-Ole Gerster: Ah, Fuerteventura, a place that ignited my cinematic imagination like no other. I've a peculiar talent - reaction to surroundings. I fell deeply in love with the island's striking landscapes and the simultaneous allure and decay of the tourist world. It only took me a few days to envision the tale of a tennis trainer living a monotonous existence amidst the island's illusion of paradise. I was smitten with the lonely figure I observed for two weeks from my hotel balcony, pushing tennis balls to tourists with a worn-out, occasionally melancholic tune.
Did you approach the mysterious tennis coach for a conversation?
Gerster: Always the observer, I had a brief chat with him. His sense of longing, overshadowed by a socially isolated existence, struck me as a poignant representation of escape and reality's evasion. The Hydra-like themes of flight, escapism, and seclusion are at the heart of the narrative. Tourism itself can be seen as a form of paradoxical escape from our mundane lives for a few days, indulging in behaviors we ordinarily wouldn't. The tennis coach, while seemingly living in paradise, was inescapably trapped, drowning in a self-imposed exile.
Sam, how did the character appeal to you when you received the offer?
Riley: Fuerteventura's sun-soaked shores proved to be a welcome respite for this British actor, but it was the script's intriguing story and complex character that truly sealed the deal. I read it in one sitting, despite being spotted on the sandy beach, uncharacteristically shrouded from the sun. Tom, the enigmatic tennis coach, beckoned to me like a siren song, offering a rare opportunity for an actor to delve deep into a multidimensional character absorbing both light and shadows.
In your life, are you more of a Dave or a Tom - content with what you have or yearning for more greener pastures?
Riley: On the outside, maybe I'm more Dave with a gorgeous wife and a son to cherish. But just like Tom, I occasionally find myself questioning the meaning of life, grappling with happiness, and contemplating the vexing question, "Is this it?" It's a never-ending search for fulfillment that plagues us all, regardless of our circumstances.
Have you ever felt the grass was greener on the other side?
Riley: Of course, but I've learned to focus on one day at a time. Embracing the present moment helps alleviate feelings of discontentment and creates a clearer path towards contentment.
As an actor, aren't there times when you watch a film and think, "Oh, that role would've been perfect for me?"
Riley: Absolutely, it doesn't depend on fame or wealth - it's the roles we covet. I find myself drawn to the flickerings of reality TV more often than not, knowing full well it serves as a cruel reminder of the roles I'll never play. (laughs)
How did you and Jan-Ole connect and collaborate on "Islands"?
Gerster: I've been enamored with Sam Riley's acting ever since he portrayed Ian Curtis in "Control." Our shared Berlin address and mutual agent facilitated our fateful rendezvous. After several playful encounters, I knew he was the one to bring Tom to life.
But, Sam, you weren't immediately cast, correct?
Riley: No, it took several meetings before I had the privilege of donning the role. Jan-Ole insists on a three-day rule, which translated to a series of tantalizing dates that left me hanging on the edge of my seat. During our first meeting, I kept the discussion centered around films to avoid coming off as too eager. On our second rendezvous, I expressed my deep admiration for the project, and by the third, we were exchanging banter as a foretaste of our later on-screen chemistry. Tennis matches, anyone? (laughs)
Who reigned victorious on the court?
Riley: Let me put it this way - Jan-Ole's tennis prowess surpassed my own. But hey, I'd like to believe my acting skills could hold their own against any ace in the game. (winks)
Sam, your tennis skills have improved as a result of the "Islands" shoot?
Riley: Indeed, I've developed a newfound appreciation for the game thanks to the training sessions sponsored by the production company. Four hours a week comes at a steep price, but I made the most of my lessons and even coached my son on set for added authenticity. To this day, he plays tennis quite proficiently.
The film's noir-like atmosphere doesn't transpire from genre but rather the intricacies of the plot and the depth of its characters, making it an indelible masterpiece on the cinematic landscape. "Islands" is now screening in German cinemas, so bundle up and lose yourself in the sun-kissed dreams and existential musings of this intricate tale.
Source: ntv.de
- Film
- Cinema
- Drama
- Canary Islands
- "The European Union and the United States might have a chance to discover Jan-Ole Gerster's latest work, 'Islands,' on their screens, as it delves into the mysteries of a tennis coach living a seemingly glamorous life on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura."
- "Sam Riley, who starred in the movie, has fond memories of visiting Fuerteventura before the 'Islands' shoot, as it reminded him of his childhood in Tenerife - a paradise with its 'strings starting to fray'."
- "Jan-Ole Gerster acknowledged that the enigmatic idea for 'Islands' was sparked while he was on Fuerteventura, drawn to the unique blend of striking landscapes and the simultaneous allure and decay of the tourist world."
- "During the filming, Sam Riley claimed he found his character's workweariness relatable, despite enjoying sunny climates, just like Gerster's central character who yearned for a change despite being surrounded by 'sun-kissed dreams'."
