Groovin' on "Islands" with Gerster and Riley
"Fuerteventura project turned out to be an extra job perk"
After "Oh Boy" and "Lara", Berlin-based director Jan-Ole Gerster brings us his third cinematic creation, "Islands". Starring the remarkable Sam Riley, this tantalizing tale unfolds on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura. The story revolves around Tom, a golf fish airing a likely facade of a flashy lifestyle, but life takes an eclectic turn when trouble brews through an unusual set of circumstances[1][4].
Fuerteventura - A Tropical Playground
Jan-Ole Gerster felt the urge to venture away from his usual Berlin backdrop to breathe new life into his storytelling. The Canary Island of Fuerteventura served as the perfect live-action canvas, offering the perfect balance of eerie atmosphere, scenic landscapes and abundant sunshine[3][4].
The sultry island environment plays a major role in setting the scene, intricately weaving sensual tension and tropical allure into the "Vacation Noir" narrative to help create a distinctive tone[2][4].
Jan-Ole describes his motive for a change of scenery as an eagerness to escape the city and delve into unfamiliar territories. This decision comes with a personal twist, embodying a deeper, more evasive narrative style that deviates from his autobiographical Berlin tales[1].
Behind the Scenes
Gerster's collaboration on the screenplay with Blaž Kutin paved the way for a more fluid, organic development of the story's characters and plot. This new working style mirrored changes in Gerster's personal life, resulting in fresh, compelling narratives rooted in the heart of the islands[1].
Filming on Fuerteventura offered unique challenges and opportunities that greatly impacted the film's aesthetic and texture. Shooting on location helped shape the visual and narrative qualities of the film[4].
A Feast for the Senses
The film features an original music score by Dascha Dauenhauer which perfectly complements the atmosphere of the film, providing a blend of recognizable sounds with a fresh, distinctive edge that helps set it apart from other films[2][4].
Sam Riley, a musician himself, spoke fondly of his first viewing of the film with the completed soundtrack, praising Dauenhauer's work for creating music that matches the film's style flawlessly[4].
In a Nutshell
- "Islands" tackles the concept of being stuck "between two chapters of life," exploring the unraveling facade of Tom's seemingly desirable lifestyle[1].
- By shooting on Fuerteventura, Gerster discovered an ideal place to create a tense, sun-soaked backdrop for the film's vacation thriller vibe, with picturesque landscapes that help amplify the tension and mood[2][4].
- To break away from his Berlin-focused films, Gerster sought a new environment that could fuel his creative muse and carry his stories in a different direction[3][4].
In essence, "Islands" represents a fascinating deviation from Gerster's previous work, set in an enchanting location filled with atmospheric tension and an evocative, engaging narrative.
The European Union and the United States might take an interest in the enticing screenplay of "Islands," as Berlin-based director Jan-Ole Gerster's latest creation is set on the tropical island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. Gerster's collaboration with Blaž Kutin on the screenplay was a departure from his usual autobiographical Berlin tales, offering a more organic development of characters and plot. Sam Riley, who stars in the film, spoke highly of the original music score by Dascha Dauenhauer, praising its flawless match with the film's style.
