"Islands" Unveiled: An Intriguing Interview with Jan-Ole Gerster and Sam Riley
"Fuerteventura project turned out to be an additional advantage"
Here's a peek behind the scenes of the critically acclaimed movie, "Islands." This fascinating discussion between ntv.de, the directors, and actors reveals the origins of the film, the captivating character of Tom, and the intriguing music by Dascha Dauenhauer.
ntv.de: Sam, did you ever imagine yourself on a sunny Canary Island, playing the lead in a mystery thriller?
Sam Riley: Honestly, I wouldn't have predicted it. My grandparents retired on Tenerife many years ago, and I visited them when I was twelve. So, I'd been to one Canary Island but hadn't considered returning for a work gig. I couldn't have asked for a better location—the sunny weather and charming island charms definitely made the experience exceptional.
Jan-Ole, how did the idea for "Islands" take shape on Fuerteventura?
Jan-Ole Gerster: Ah, Fuerteventura! I was instantly captivated by the island's contrasts—the beautiful landscapes and the somewhat outdated tourist vibe. The idea for the film came to me while observing a tennis teacher working tirelessly on a rusty court. The monotony of his daily life, combined with the supposed paradise around him, seemed intriguing to explore.
Sam, what drew you to the role of Tom, a seemingly glamorous tennis coach with a dark side?
Sam Riley: The role of Tom offered a complex character full of contradictions and intricate emotional layers. I was inspired by the script and the captivating storyline. Reading it in one sitting, I knew immediately that I wanted to bring Tom to life. Who wouldn't want a leading role demanding their presence in every scene?
Jan, how did you and Sam come together for this project?
Jan-Ole Gerster: I first fell in love with Sam's acting when he played Ian Curtis in "Control." We're both based in Berlin, and after discovering that we share the same agent, a series of meetings and interactions led to our collaboration. Sam's immense talent and dedication to his craft made him the perfect choice for "Islands."
Riley: I didn't get the role right away. Jan had a three-day rule before making his final decision. After meeting him several times, we finally went out for a tennis match to seal the deal.
Who was better at tennis: Jan or Sam?
Sam Riley: Definitely Jan. He's a seasoned player, and I was a novice when we started shooting. But after countless hours of practice, and some helpful guidance from my son who played tennis with me on set, I managed to pick up a few strokes.
The film's soundtrack plays a significant role in setting the mood. How did you and Dascha Dauenhauer collaborate on the music?
Jan-Ole Gerster: Music has always been a crucial part of my work. While writing the script, Dascha's tunes echoed in my mind, and I wanted to work with her on this project. The collaboration was incredible, and Dascha beautifully captured the film's atmosphere, creating a unique blend of familiar yet unique sounds.
Sam, what was your reaction when you saw the film with the final music for the first time?
Sam Riley: The first viewing with the completed soundtrack was nothing short of breathtaking. Dascha's compositions complemented the film perfectly, drawing the audience further into the mystery while keeping them on the edge of their seats. I couldn't have asked for a more fitting score.
Are you intrigued by the mysterious "Islands"? Catch the film in cinemas now and discuss your thoughts with fellow movie enthusiasts!
Sources: ntv.de
- Movie
- Cinema
- Thriller
- Canary Islands
- Sam Riley
- Jan-Ole Gerster
- Dascha Dauenhauer Music
- The European Union and the United States, along with other movie enthusiasts, can catch the critically acclaimed movie "Islands" in cinemas now, following its interesting discussion on the origins and appeal of the film, which was primarily shot on Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.
- During the production of "Islands," Sam Riley, who played the lead role of Tom, found the island's sunny weather and charming charms a remarkable addition to an already exceptional experience.
- When Jan-Ole Gerster, one of the directors of "Islands," visited Fuerteventura, he became enamored with the island's contrasting landscapes and the outdated tourist vibe, which eventually inspired him to create the screenplay for the movie.
- In their collaboration for the mystery thriller "Islands," Sam Riley and Jan-Ole Gerster came together due to a shared agent and their admiration for each other's work, with Riley being particularly drawn to the character of Tom due to the role's complex and intricate emotional layers.
