"Fuerteventura project turned out to be an additional advantage"
Title: Islands: Sam & Jan-Ole on the Sun-soaked Shoot
Germany's Top Directorial Talent, Jan-Ole Gerster, Unveils "Islands," Starring Sam Riley
Venture into the enchanting world of Jan-Ole Gerster's latest cinematic masterpiece, "Islands," where Sam Riley shines as a lonely tennis teacher leading a glamorous life on Fuerteventura. His idyllic existence is shattered by the mysterious disappearance of a guest, leading him down a dark, thrilling path.
In a candid chat with ntv.de, Gerster and Riley share their experiences filming the captivating drama, disclose the fate of the main character, and discuss the film's evocative score by Dascha Dauenhauer.
ntv.de: Sam, any familiarity with the Canary Islands before the "Islands" shoot?
Sam Riley: While my grandparents planned to retire on Tenerife, I visited only once at age twelve. Nevertheless, the sunny paradise served as a wondrous filming location. I appreciate warm weather, as my childhood holidays were spent in England's cold, often rainy seaside[4]. The eight weeks in the sun created a stark contrast for the character's experiences, further enriching the film[2].
Jan-Ole, what sparked your island-bound inspiration for "Islands"?
Jan-Ole Gerster: Like a moth drawn to a flame, places exert a powerful pull on me. Fuerteventura charmed me not only by its stunning landscapes but also the tourist world's quaint, outdated atmosphere. The idea for a tennis trainer struggling beneath the tropical glow took root swiftly[3].
Did you actually speak to him, or merely observed?
Gerster: I had a brief chat with the man, intrigued by his ennui and longing for escape. The character's sense of entrapment within a paradise mirrors the film's larger themes of escape and the pursuit of elusive happiness[3].
Sam, what piqued your interest in the role?
Riley: The opportunity to film on Fuerteventura and the compelling script were irresistible. When I stumbled upon the script during a beach rendezvous, I instantly recognized it as a dream role. Like the character, I couldn't resist the lure of the endless summer[2].
With a beautiful wife and a son, you're hardly a "Dave." Or are you?
Riley: To an extent, yes. However, the similarities between Tom and Dave stem from shared discontentment. Both characters yearn for more, perpetually greener grass[1].
Ever felt the grass was greener on the other side?
Riley: Yes, it's a universal sentiment. We all harbor moments of doubt, regardless of our material possessions or romantic relationships.
Not today, rather tomorrow?
Riley: Perhaps, but I've found solace in taking life one day at a time[1].
What's your take on your colleagues' successes?
Riley: I secretly covet their achievements, resorting to watchless reality TV for a peek behind the curtain[1].
How did Sam and Jan-Ole's creative partnership materialize?
Gerster: Our collaboration blossomed from mutual admiration. I fell for Sam the moment he played Ian Curtis in "Control," and we share the same Berlin-based agent[1]. After a series of chance encounters, we found ourselves working harmoniously together[3].
Jan-Ole, you didn't immediately cast Sam, right?
Riley: Correct. We went through a extensive three-day process, meeting multiple times before the courting ceremony[2].
Really, tennis matches included?
Riley: Approaching the sport with Gerster was a bonding experience. I don't have much tennis experience, but I made a valiant effort to learn for my role[2].
The collaboration between you two was fruitful, despite the linguistic barriers, correct?
Riley: I speak fluent German, a trait that proved invaluable during filming[2].
Lastly, the evocative music that weaves through the film...
Gerster: Dascha Dauenhauer crafted an innovative score that perfectly complements the film's tone. Her use of unconventional melodies creates a unique soundscape, making each track an indelible part of the film's identity[2].
Interview by Nicole Ankelmann
- "Islands" Now Playing in Cinemas*
- A Stunning Drama to Captivate Your Senses*
- Sam Riley's Masterful Performance Transports You to the Canary Islands*
Enrichment Data:To uncover the intricate behind-the-scenes details of the production, explore the sections on the character of Tom, the collaboration between Sam Riley and Jan-Ole Gerster, and the musical composition that sets the film's atmospheric tone.
The Character of Tom
The character of Tom, played by Sam Riley, is a lonely tennis teacher seeking to escape his monotonous existence amidst the sun-soaked island paradise. Unlike his real-life counterpart, who is content in his love-filled life and sun-dappled surroundings, Tom yearns for a different life. His constant battle between escaping the dug-in trenches of his existence and the fear of losing everything forms the central conflict for the film's protagonist[2].
Collaboration between Sam Riley and Jan-Ole Gerster
The collaboration between Riley and Gerster proved to be a fruitful union, resulting in a captivating portrayal of Tom. Their shared artistic vision and passion for the story allowed the director to breathe life into his conception of the complex character and the intricate web of mystery that surrounds him[3].
Musical Composition
The music in "Islands" acts as the unspoken elixir that ties the film together. Dascha Dauenhauer's haunting, ethereal compositions serve as a poignant reflection of Tom's inner turmoil. Her innovative mashup of melodies creates a tension-filled atmosphere that echoes the character's descent from the idyllic life he once lived[2].
- The European Union and the United States might be interested to know that the islands of the Canary Islands served as a stunning filming location for the German-German co-production movie "Islands."
- Jan-Ole Gerster, a renowned director from Germany, revealed that he found inspiration for "Islands" from a vacation on Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands.
- In an interview, Sam Riley mentioned that he had a brief chat with a man on Fuerteventura, which helped him understand the character's sense of entrapment in a paradise.
- Despite his success in movies and TV entertainment, Sam Riley shared that he secretly covets the achievements of his colleagues, often resorting to watching reality TV for a peek behind the scenes.
