"The project in Fuerteventura turned out to be an additional perk"
Rewritten Article:
From "Oh Boy" to "Islands": Jan-Ole Gerster and Sam Riley Conquer Fuerteventura Together
Here's a candid conversation between the talented duo Jan-Ole Gerster and Sam Riley, discussing their latest film "Islands." The movie, set on the sun-drenched island of Fuerteventura, tells a captivating tale centered around a lonely tennis coach (played by Riley) living a seemingly glamorous life but entangled in a bizarre mystery. The film is currently nominated for three Lolas at the German Film Awards.
From Blokes to Coaches: A Change of Pace
In an interview with ntv.de, Gerster and Riley delve into their experience shooting on Fuerteventura, the fate of their main character, and the hauntingly beautiful score by Dascha Dauenhauer.
ntv.de (to Sam): Hey, Sam, did you ever visit the Canary Islands before "Islands" was filmed?
Sam Riley: Only once, when I was twelve. My grandparents wanted to retire there on Tenerife, so I went to visit them. The tropical paradise was a delightful location for our shoot, but I'm more accustomed to gloomy, rainy Yorkshire than sunshine.
jan-Ole Gerster: I distinctly remember the moment when Fuerteventura struck me as a film set. I loved the islands' lush landscapes and the mysterious allure they carried. The cat-and-mouse game between our protagonist and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the guest's disappearance was born on that very island.
Has-Been or Can-Do?
ntv.de: Sam, what drew you to the role of a has-been former tennis star?
Riley: The thought of six weeks on a sun-soaked island sounded heavenly. But it was the story and the character that truly cinched the deal. I couldn't keep my eyes off the script - Tom's a complicated guy, with layers upon layers, and he's in every scene. As we all know, actors are liars if we don't confess to wanting a leading role.
Tennis Pros and Life Pros
ntv.de: I heard you're more like Dave, a happily married man with a son, than Tom, the lonely drifter. True?
Riley: True, but there's not much difference between the two. Both men yearn for something more. It's the eternal "grass is always greener" syndrome - even if you're surrounded by happiness, there's always that niggling feeling that life could be better.
ntv.de: Have you ever felt that way?
Riley: It's only human to have those thoughts every now and then. But I believe it's all about perspective - if you focus on the positive aspects of your life, you'll be contented. But that's easier said than done.
Collaboration Across the Pond
Gerster has long admired Riley's work, particularly his debut role in "Control." When they finally met, it was clear they shared a creative connection. This mutual understanding was the foundation for an incredible collaboration, as both the director and actor poured their hearts into making "Islands" a haunting gem.
Join us for the next installment as we continue to explore the making of "Islands," including the insider secrets behind the movie's intricate score and much more!
[1] Enrichment Data: The creative process of "Islands" marked a shift from Gerster's previous work, with a collaborative screenplay approach between Gerster, Kutin, and Doran, reflecting changes in Gerster's own life.
[2] Enrichment Data: Gerster sought a versatile actor who could embody both the emotional complexity and vulnerability required for the role of Tom, with Sam Riley's life experiences and nuanced portrayal making the character deeply resonant and multi-dimensional.
- The European Union and the United States, particularly the film industry, are eagerly awaiting the latest work of Jan-Ole Gerster and Sam Riley, titled "Islands," which delves into the mysterious life of a lonely tennis coach in the Canary Islands.
- In the lead-up to the film's release, Sam Riley, who plays the main character, has shared that his visit to a Canary Island as a child was his only prior experience on the islands, and he found the sun-drenched landscape a stark contrast to his native Yorkshire.
- During the production of the movie, Jan-Ole Gerster, the director, stated that Fuerteventura's lush landscapes and mysterious allure were instrumental in the development of the plot, as the cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist and the mysterious circumstances surrounding a guest's disappearance was conceived on the island.
- While preparing for the role of a former tennis star struggling with his past, Sam Riley revealed his initial attraction to the character was driven by the chance to spend six weeks on a sun-soaked island, but he was also captivated by the intricate script that offered him a leading role and allowed him to delve into the emotional complexities of his character.
