Iceland review - 2013, Qupperneq 18

16 ICELAND REVIEW
ACTING
them, watching me,” grins Darri. “Significant strain was put on
people and equipment. The circumstances were wet; cameras can’t
take a lot of water and salt. But we made it without any major
accidents; I just got a few scratches.”
PHySiCaL anD MenTaL TriaLS
Filming in the ocean wasn’t the only challenge the crew faced;
they also shot in a sinking ship in the Helguvík harbor. “We had to
sink the ship more than once. Engineers had to work out how to
overturn and sink it. They weren’t certain of the best way to pro-
ceed—mostly they’re working on how to keep ships afloat. I think
they rather enjoyed themselves. They had to use two large cranes
and chains to the ocean floor. Once the ship sank accidentally and
then it just had to be fished up and sunk again.”
The role wasn’t only challenging for Darri physically, as he
also had to convey certain emotions while in the freezing water.
“Mentally the role was difficult because I had to put myself into the
mind of a man who survived—it was a miracle, it wasn’t supposed
to be possible—while others died. It must have been extremely dif-
ficult for him to experience. I found it harder to play those scenes
than those that were physically demanding. They were really trying
and the premiere took me back to that place.”
While preparing for the part, Darri didn’t consult the sea acci-
dent survivor. “I’ve never met Guðlaugur. It never came up. I didn’t
play him. I played a fictional character who goes through events
based on those Guðlaugur went through. I was also mindful about
not watching interviews with him. I didn’t want to imitate him.”
Reactions from Westman Islanders have been very positive. “I
haven’t heard of any negative response but I’m not afraid of it. The
film touches upon a delicate subject. But I find it necessary. It’s a
beautiful memorial about fishermen and their families, about what
they have done for us. I think Baltasar did a good job but you can
never make a movie that appeals to everyone.”
These include the man on whose trials the film is based.
Guðlaugur has not commented on the project but stated he
wouldn’t watch the film. “I thought Baltasar approached the subject
sensitively and respectfully,” opines Darri.
Elma lísa gunnarsdóttir and darri in their roles in Stormland. darri’s character Böddi finds new meaning in life at the birth of his son. “We had three babies for that
part and i had an amazing connection with the little guy with whom i spent the most time. He was fantastic. it wasn’t difficult to care for him.”
“darri can be quite grumpy in the morning but stabilizes during lunch hour and becomes amazing in the afternoon and evening.
he is really a fragile, soulful flower with a heart of gold. For the mornings i recommend large helpings of extra strong triple lattes
(so-called gibsons) and if anyone tries to mess with my flower i will hunt them down.” – Director/writer/producer Marteinn Þórsson
“i thought i might learn Chinese but
i’m very happy with the decision…
acting suited me; i was lucky to fall
into the right profession.”
Tel: +354 411 5000 • www.itr.is
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