Norwegian film festival to open with Erik Poppe’s ’Quisling – The Final Days’
A gripping exploration of WWII and modern extremism
The Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund is set to commence on August 18 with the much-anticipated drama “Quisling – The Final Days” directed by Erik Poppe. This film, which will also have its international premiere at Toronto’s Special Presentations, delves into the final days of Vidkun Quisling, the infamous Nazi collaborator whose name has become synonymous with treachery.
The historical backdrop and contemporary relevance
Set against the backdrop of WWII in Norway, “Quisling – The Final Days” is not just a historical recount but a poignant exploration of the rise of right-wing extremism and its threat to democracy today. The narrative focuses on the days leading up to Quisling’s execution on October 24, 1945. As he awaits his fate in a dark cell, he is visited by the priest Peder Olsen. Their encounters, documented in Olsen’s diary, form the crux of the film, turning into a psychological battle between humanism and fascism.
Stellar performances and a powerful cast
The film boasts tour-de-force performances from Gard B. Eidsvold as Vidkun Quisling and Anders Danielsen Lie as Peder Olsen. They are joined by Lisa Carlehed as Maria Quisling and Lisa Loven Kongsli as Heidi Olsen. The cast’s compelling portrayals bring depth to this intense historical drama.
The making of ‘Quisling – The Final Days’
Based on a script by Anna Bach-Wiig, Siv Rajendram Eliassen, and Ravn Lanesskog, the film was produced by Poppe’s regular collaborators Finn Gjerdrum and Stein B. Kvae of Paradox, under SF Studios’ Norwegian production banner. The feature, along with a separate TV version, is being sold internationally by REinvent.
Erik Poppe’s vision and upcoming projects
In an exclusive discussion, Erik Poppe shared insights into his vision for the film and his upcoming projects, including the relationship drama “Bad Moon Rising” and his first genre movie “The Scream”, inspired by Edvard Munch’s celebrated painting.
Poppe’s latest film is the third installment in a trilogy about far-right ideology threatening democracy, following “The King’s Choice” and “Utøya, July 22”. While the first two films presented the victims’ perspectives, “Quisling – The Final Days” takes a more controversial route by focusing on the perpetrator, exploring Quisling’s motives and the possibility of redemption.
The journey to uncovering Quisling’s story
Poppe began researching Quisling’s story in 2003, recognizing early signs of authoritarian leaders and far-right movements gaining ground in Europe. His breakthrough came when he received a diary from a family member of Peder Olsen, the priest who spent Quisling’s final days with him. This diary provided an exclusive inside look into Quisling’s mindset, forming the foundation of the film’s narrative.
The psychological battle and historical accuracy
The diary included cryptic notes made by Olsen during his meetings with Quisling, which were later deciphered by theologians and historians. This provided a unique perspective on Quisling’s psychological state and the priest’s struggle with his own beliefs. Poppe emphasized the importance of historical accuracy, collaborating with historians to ensure the film’s authenticity.
The enigmatic Maria Quisling
Vidkun Quisling’s Russian wife, Maria, is another intriguing character in the film. She stood by his side until the very end, having met him while working on an emergency relief program in Ukraine. Despite denying any political involvement, her loyalty to Quisling adds another layer of complexity to the story.
A reflection on modern autocratic leaders
Poppe draws parallels between Quisling and contemporary autocratic leaders, highlighting the dangers posed by those driven by ideology rather than personal gain. This makes “Quisling – The Final Days” not just a historical film but a timely reflection on current global political dynamics.
Final thoughts
“Quisling – The Final Days” is a compelling addition to Erik Poppe’s body of work, offering a nuanced exploration of historical and contemporary issues. With its powerful performances, meticulous historical accuracy, and thought-provoking narrative, the film promises to be a highlight of the Norwegian Film Festival and beyond.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Quisling – The Final Days.# A deep dive into the making of ‘Quisling: The final days’
Crafting a historical narrative with modern relevance
Creating a film that resonates with contemporary audiences while delving into historical events is no small feat. The director of Quisling: The Final Days has managed to achieve this balance with a unique approach to storytelling and visual style. The film, set in 1945, explores the final days of Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian politician who collaborated with Nazi Germany. The director’s innovative techniques and dedication to authenticity have resulted in a compelling narrative that feels both historical and modern.
The power of performance: Casting choices and rehearsals
Gard B. Eidsvold and Anders Danielsen Lie deliver outstanding performances in the film. The director spent nearly ten weeks in rehearsals with the actors, a decision that paid off in the depth and authenticity of their portrayals. Anders, already a well-known figure internationally, and Gard, a highly talented actor in Norway, were chosen for their ability to bring the historical figures to life. The director’s commitment to showcasing Gard’s talent in a leading role is a testament to his belief in the actor’s capabilities.
Visual storytelling: A bold color palette and controlled camera work
The film’s striking visual style sets it apart from typical period dramas. The director chose to use a bold green and red palette, moving away from the usual blueish, faded colors often seen in historical films. This choice, combined with controlled camera movements, creates a powerful visual impact. The collaboration with cinematographer Jonas Alarik, known for his work on The Playlist and Snabba Cash, brought a fresh perspective to the film’s visual storytelling.
Engaging with the audience: Test screenings and feedback
The director’s approach to test screenings is both innovative and insightful. By inviting diverse focus groups, including far-right voters, historians, academics, and even taxi drivers, the director was able to gauge a wide range of reactions. This feedback was crucial in shaping the final edit of the film. The director’s openness to critique and willingness to challenge his vision demonstrates a commitment to creating a film that resonates with audiences.
Expanding the narrative: The TV series adaptation
The TV adaptation of Quisling: The Final Days will offer a different perspective on the story, with additional material and a focus on other characters, such as Maria Quisling and the priest’s wife. The director’s innovative approach to editing, with separate teams working on the film and TV versions, ensures that each version has its own unique style and rhythm.
Exploring contemporary themes: The relevance of historical narratives
The director hopes that audiences will see the relevance of the film’s themes in today’s world. By drawing parallels between historical figures like Quisling and contemporary authoritarian leaders, the film encourages viewers to reflect on current events. The director’s goal is to create highly commercial films that also provoke thought and discussion about our world today.
Upcoming projects: A look into the future
The director is currently working on Bad Moon Rising, a film based on a script by a Nobel Prize-winning author. This love story, set on the North-Western coast of Norway, promises to be a powerful and beautifully told narrative. The director’s commitment to exploring different genres and styles is evident in his upcoming projects, including The Scream, an international psycho-thriller about the creation of Edvard Munch’s famous painting.
Embracing risk and innovation
For the director, taking risks and pushing boundaries is essential to his creative process. Whether it’s experimenting with visual styles, engaging with diverse audiences, or exploring new genres, the director’s willingness to innovate sets his work apart. His dedication to authenticity, combined with a bold approach to storytelling, ensures that his films are both thought-provoking and visually stunning.
Final thoughts
The director’s work on Quisling: The Final Days and his upcoming projects demonstrate a commitment to creating films that are both commercially successful and intellectually engaging. By blending historical narratives with contemporary themes, the director offers audiences a unique and compelling cinematic experience. As he continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking, we can look forward to more innovative and thought-provoking works in the future.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Quisling: The Final Days.
For updates on the director’s upcoming projects, keep an eye on Bad Moon Rising and The Scream.