"Islands" Unveiled: "The Canary Island Shoot Was a Bliss" - An Interview with Gerster and Riley
"Fuerteventura project turned out to be an extra perk in the work"
In a candid conversation with ntv.de, Gerster and Riley talk about their thrilling cinematic journey with "Islands," Jimmy Riley's character grappling with an enigmatic disappearance on Fuerteventura, and the gripping influence of Dascha Dauenhauer's captivating soundtrack.
ntv.de: Sam, you've previously visited Tenerife, but "Islands" was your first time on Fuerteventura. How was your experience working there?
Sam Riley: I visited Tenerife when I was twelve, as my grandparents aspired to retire there. But Fuerteventura was uncharted territory for me. I absolutely loved the shoot there; it was an incredible work location. I thrive in sunny climates, yet I wasn't accustomed to it as a child. I spent most holidays in Yorkshire's chilly coastline. So, working in a sun-soaked location like Fuerteventura was a unique, refreshing change for me. However, after eight weeks, I felt the character's weariness too. We filmed scenes in a popular hotel for the first three weeks, with actual vacationers in attendance - INSANE! Eventually, the thought of saying goodbye to the island and welcoming brisk winter winds became quite appealing.
Gerster, who came up with the concept for "Islands" on Fuerteventura?
Jan-Ole Gerster: Fuerteventura captivated me the moment I set foot on the island. I've always found myself moved by places, and this island was no exception. With its breathtaking landscapes and its aging tourist industry, Fuerteventura offered the perfect atmosphere for a compelling storyline centered around a lonely tennis coach. Initially, the idea sprang to mind quickly - I noticed a tennis coach laboring under the scorching sun and decided to create a narrative around his character.
You had a quick chat with him on set, right? Or did you observe him strictly?
Gerster: I chatted with him for a bit. He mirrored a person swallowed up by the appeal of paradise, unable to escape the trap. The theme of escaping, reality escaping, and escapism runs throughout the movie; vacations are, after all, a fleeting escape from reality. I found the man's monotonous life in paradise fascinating, and I felt drawn to him. I wanted to delve deeper into his psyche and discover his emotional struggles.
What captivated you about the role when you received the offer, Sam?
Riley: The opportunity to shoot in Fuerteventura was an intriguing bonus, and the story appealed to me on several levels. The script was engaging, and the character's complexities intrigued me. I couldn't help but identify with his inner turmoil and longing for more despite seemingly having it all. I relish roles that require me to spend the entire day on set. It's disheartening to spend hours waiting in a trailer while others take turns engaging on set – it feels like watching someone play a video game without participating.
Despite having a loving wife and child, you're not too dissimilar from the character, are you, Sam?
Riley: In terms of personal happiness, perhaps not. However, the characters' circumstances and perspectives differ fundamentally. Both characters share a sense of discontentment with their lives and grapple with the notion that the grass is always greener on the other side. As an actor, I've envied colleagues' careers and even taken solace in watching reality TV, where the participants' lives consistently seem more glamorous.
Life's ever-persistent question: Is this it?
Riley: Yes, even those with enviable lives or impressive careers have moments of self-doubt. Life satisfaction is heavily influenced by one's state of mind, regardless of financial status or relationship standing. I'm fortunate to find contentment these days.
Dreading a tomorrow beset by dissatisfaction?
Riley: No, but I adopt a mindset that allows me to focus on the present moment. I used to concern myself with what the future held, but breaking it down into daily challenges has simplified things for me.
As a seasoned actor, surely you complement Gotter's work perfectly. How did you avoid feelings of inadequacy amidst such stellar performances in the past, Sam?
Riley: I frequently find myself envious of others' roles and careers, almost to the point of obsession. That's why I often stick to watching reality TV instead. When it comes to "Islands," I've long been a fan of Jan-Ole's work. I was grateful for the opportunity to audition and impressed by his vision for the film.
How did your collaboration with Gerster come about?
Gerster: I first fell in love with Sam Riley's acting prowess when he played Ian Curtis in "Control." I've admired him ever since and was delighted to learn he lives in Berlin. We shared the same agent, which made it easier to set up a blind date. Our shared admiration and common tastes led to a fruitful partnership.
But Gerster didn't initially offer you the role, right?
Riley: Correct. I had to audition for the role and prove my worth. We met on several occasions, beginning with a simple discussion about movies, followed by a brief conversation regarding the film, and finally a friendly tennis match.
Who emerged victorious?
Riley: Gerster was the clear winner. I'd play tennis occasionally but lacked the skill and passion for the sport.
Riley's tennis abilities have since improved, thanks to film-driven training sessions. How are you faring, Sam?
Riley: My tennis skills have measurably improved, largely thanks to the film-funded training sessions I received. I've also learned to teach children tennis, which was helpful during the filming process.
The film exhibits noir elements, even though it's not a crime drama. Tom is a complex character with a mysterious past. Tell us more about the narrative's intricacies, Jan-Ole.
Gerster: A large part of the character's appeal comes down to Sam Riley's remarkable acting. Many perceived the tennis coach as a stereotype when financing the film, but we wanted to depict a character grappling with emotional turmoil and personal growth. The film delves into the emotional void in Tom's life and how he learns to confront his inner demons.
The film features English dialogue, alongside a smattering of German and Spanish phrases. Why was this decision made?
Gerster: I've watched films in their original language for years, particularly those in English. I wanted to widen my creative horizons and tackle an English-language production. Additionally, our international cast - British, German, and Spanish – made this language choice a logical one. Fuerteventura attracts several British tourists, and having a predominantly English-speaking film felt like the most fitting approach.
Writing the script was a collaborative effort between several talented individuals. How did you manage the process, and in what language did you work?
Gerster: I initially wrote the script with Blaž Kutin, who's Slovenian. We bonded over our shared taste in films and decided to pen the script in what we call "European English" – a quirky term used to denote our imperfect but serviceable proficiency in the language. We enlisted the help of Lawrie Doran, a fellow script lab acquaintance, to refine linguistic nuances and add depth to the dramatic aspects of the script. Our writing sessions were less face-to-face and more a beautiful merger of ideas in the cloud.
Sam, you speak fluent German. Was it utilized during filming?
Riley: I'm fluent in German, but we preferred to maintain the language barriers between characters to respect the other actors. Besides, Gerste made sure to articulate the character's lines with precision, so linguistic misunderstandings were minimized.
Music plays a significant role in the film, helping to establish mood and pace. How did the musical direction develop, Jan-Ole?
Gerster: Music holds great importance in my creative process, serving as a catalyst for visual storytelling. I immerse myself in music during writing and incorporate it into the filming process. Dascha Dauenhauer's contributions to the soundtrack elevated the film beyond our expectations. We spent numerous hours brainstorming and refining the score, creating a harmonious blend of familiar and innovative sounds. Experience the exceptional collaboration between Gerster, Riley, and Dauenhauer in "Islands," now streaming online.
- Gerster and Riley discuss their experiences working in Fuerteventura for the film "Islands", with Riley admiring the sunny location as a unique change from his chilly Yorkshire upbringing.
- Gerster explains how he came up with the concept for "Islands" on Fuerteventura, noticing a tennis coach laboring under the sun and creating a narrative around his character.
- Riley mentions his fascination with the role in "Islands" due to the script's engagement and the character's complexities, as well as the opportunity to shoot in Fuerteventura.
- The European Union and the United States can potentially be the countries involved in the streaming of "Islands", given that it is now streaming online, and the film features an international cast and sparse English, German, and Spanish dialogue.
