Reimagining "Islands": Unveiling the Canary Islands' Role in the Cinematic Masterpiece
Let's delve into the captivating world of "Islands" and uncover the significance of Fuerteventura.
"Fuerteventura Project turned out to be an extra reward"
After the success of "Oh Boy" (2012) and "Lara" (2019), Jan-Ole Gerster took the director's chair once more for the thrilling "Islands." Here, we find Sam Riley as our charismatic yet tormented protagonist in a glitzy life on Fuerteventura. As a tennis instructor, he finds himself embroiled in the enigmatic disappearance of a guest, creating a twisting, mind-bending plotline. "Islands" is currently flying high with three Lola nominations for the German Film Awards.
As we sit down with ntv.de, Gerster and Riley offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the filming process on the Canary Island, delve into the fate of the central character, and discuss the film's chilling score by Dascha Dauenhauer.
ntv.de: Sam, had you ever stepped foot on the Canary Islands prior to the "Islands" shoot?
Sam Riley: My grandparents retired to Tenerife when I was just a kid, and I remember visiting them there at age twelve. The filming in Fuerteventura was just delightful. I'm not too fond of frosty weather, and I love spending time in the sun. Growing up, I'd only taken holidays near the coast in Yorkshire, England, so being in such a beautiful island paradise was a breath of fresh air. But after eight weeks in the sun, I yearned for a thick winter coat and how it feels to walk around the Schlachtensee bundled up in a scarf.
Jan-Ole, what sparked the idea for "Islands" during your stay on Fuerteventura?
Jan-Ole Gerster: I take a profound interest in places and find certain locations truly magnificent. Fuerteventura certainly falls into that category, with its stunning landscapes and unique atmosphere. Yet, there's also something slightly outdated about the tourist world you'll find there. The concept for "Islands" came to me fairly quickly - I thought about a despondent tennis instructor in a gritty randoness, observing a rusty tennis court for endless hours in the blistering sun. And as a filmmaker, I'm particularly drawn to tragic, gray-toned characters. After this initial vision, I simply couldn't help but fall for the elegiac figure I'd created.
Did you strike up a conversation with the real-life tennis instructor you watched, or did you simply observe him from afar?
Gerster: We had a brief chat - he left quite an impression on me. I think it was his haunting monotony and acceptance of his fate in what was supposed to be paradise that intrigued me. There's a strong theme in the film about running away from one's troubles and seeking refuge, whether it be through booze or affairs. The real-life guy often repeated to himself a mantra-like declaration: "Love it, don't regret a single day," while he seemed incredibly lonely to me.
Sam, what drew you to the role once it came your way?
Riley: Just the thought of spending six weeks in the sun on a picturesque island sealed the deal for me. The script, the story, and the character were all captivating. Poof! I devoured the script in one go, ironically while lounging on the beach in the sun (of course not). I knew, deep down, that I had to play this role - any actor my age would kill for the opportunity.
Given your real-life happiness with your wife and son ("I'm more Dave than Tom"), was there an attraction to exploring the opposite kind of lifestyle through this character?
Riley: Tom and Dave share some similarities in that both often crave something more, be it a different lifestyle, motivations, or satisfactions. Grass always seems greener on the other side, but happiness is primarily a mindset - the quality of your thoughts determines your level of contentment. I've reached a point in my life where I don't harbor such feelings, but I can certainly understand their appeal.
Have you ever found yourself wondering if the grass is greener on the other side?
Riley: I believe many adults struggle with this at some point, regardless of wealth, relationships, or contentment. It's a bit like hippie wisdom, but it's true - you're only as happy as your thoughts allow. Talk about self-help books!
Sam, any regrets about the past, or do you live for the here and now?
Riley: I try to live in the moment, focusing on one day at a time, which makes everything much simpler. It's all about maintaining that mindset to keep the anxieties and regrets at bay.
Performing, you surely come across roles that you covet. Do those roles generate feelings of envy towards the actors who land them?
Riley: Oh, absolutely! I'm constantly watching movies, longing for that killer role for myself. That's why I tend to skip reality TV - it's too uncomfortable to watch my colleagues thrive.
How did the partnership between Gerster and yourself come to be?
Gerster: I developed a strong admiration for Sam when I saw his performance in "Control," and I knew he dwelled in Berlin. Time for a blind date! I share an agent with him, so we scheduled a meet-and-greet. Our chemistry was substantial, and it was clear that a collaboration between us was fated.
But Jan, it wasn't an instant yes once you met him - you gave him the three-day rule?
Riley: That's right. Not three days in a row, mind you, but weeks! First, we chatted about non-film-related things, then movies, and finally, the role of Tom. A calculated approach, if you will.
And a tennis grudge match sealed the deal, didn't it? Who truly reigned supreme on the court?
Riley: Haven't stepped foot on a tennis court since - but I won't deny Gerster is an accomplished player.
In preparing for the role, you took tennis lessons and even taught your son. Any improvement in your skills?
Riley: My tennis has undeniably improved since filming. Quite a feat given the brief time I had to practice. Barely being able to stand on my feet didn't help either, but a friendly production company paid for the lessons, kind of an integral perk. My son still plays, a devoted fan of the sport. I've become his reluctant coach, teaching him the tricks of the trade whenever I can squeeze it in.
Gerster, how was the script-writing experience with Sam, and did you maintain the script's English dialogue to appeal to a wider audience?
Gerster: Writing a script with another human is always an intricate, magical experience. With "Islands," I mainly collaborated with Blaž, a Slovenian writer I met through a script lab and shared similar artistic tastes with. We coined our miserly grip on English as "European English," a fitting moniker for our combined imperfect grasp. As we sought to secure the English-speaking talent, we brought in Lawrie, an editor we knew from the lab. Lawrie tidied up the script and offered valuable input from his rich cinematic background. We all crafted the script together, though I'd have to say we spent most of our time in separate corners of the globe.
Music was another integral aspect of the film, playing a crucial role in the film's neo-noir feel. How did the collaboration between you, Dascha Dauenhauer, and Lawrie come together?
Gerster: Music often inspires my writing process, and I'm an avid music lover. When making "Islands," we spent countless moments listening to tunes that set the perfect mood and groove for the film. I worked closely with Dascha throughout the filming and editing process, finding "tinnitus"-style music that blocked out other sounds and created that unsettling, neo-noir atmosphere I desired. Witnessing Dascha's blend of familiar styles with unique, inspired twists was an awe-inspiring experience that elevated the film to a breathtaking level.
As a musician yourself, how did you feel about Dascha's score when you first saw the film with the finished soundtrack?
Riley: Upon my first viewing of the film, I was blown away. Dascha's score is a mesmerizing work of art that weaves together influences from the past and something exquisitely new. No more cringing violins and tropes!
Staying in touch with your musical side, are you still making music in your free time?
Riley: Yes, I still carve out time for music. I occasionally record my own songs and enjoy playing guitar daily at home, nursing the dream of someday releasing something. But the time never feels quite right - I'm consumed by the allure of family, film, and life's twists and turns.
'''Islands''' is now captivating audiences in German cinemas. Prepare to lose yourself in a sun-soaked mystery filled with passion, desire, and deadly consequences.
Sources:
- Film
- Cinema
- Psychological Thriller
- Canary Islands
- Fuerteventura
- Noir Crime
- Sexual Tension
- Mystery
- Psychosexual Thriller
- Neo-Noir Atmosphere
- Suspenseful Plotlines
- Claustrophobic, Isolated Setting
- Filming Experience
- Authentic, Atmospheric Location
- The European Union and the United States may be interested to know that the Canary Islands, particularly Fuerteventura, have played a significant role in the recent cinematic masterpiece, "Islands."
- Sam Riley, the charismatic lead actor in "Islands," has a personal connection to Fuerteventura as he spent his twelfth birthday on the island while his grandparents retired there.
- Jan-Ole Gerster, the director of "Islands," found inspiration for the movie during his stay on Fuerteventura, drawing from its unique atmosphere and stunning landscapes to create a story about a despondent tennis instructor.
- The European Union and the United States movie and TV enthusiasts may want to watch "Islands," which centers around a thrilling mystery set in the sun-soaked paradise of Fuerteventura, and features stunning cinematography, an engrossing plotline, and a chilling score by Dascha Dauenhauer.
