130. Godland (Vanskabte land); movie review

 

GODLAND

Cert 12A

143 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence, sex references

How would the cosseted people of today have managed to survive in past centuries?

We mused on this while watching Hlynur Pálmason's Godland and his recreation of the harsh environment faced by Iceland's pioneers.

Godland is set in the 1800s and follows a young priest (Elliott Crosset Hove) who is sent to build a church on a remote part of the country which was, at the time, under Danish rule.

But it soon becomes clear that he will have to face huge physical and mental challenges as well as the inhospitable locals.

His nemesis is a rough-and-ready guide (played by the ever-reliable Ingvar Sigurdsson). They have a mutual loathing while privately wishing they had each other's attributes.

It is said that the story of Godland is based around a series of recently unearthed photographs, so among the priest's luggage is a large but rudimentary camera.

He takes images of his new flock, often with the arresting landscape of Iceland as background.

Indeed, the spectacular scenery is a key element to Godland with the director's lens lingering long over many shots. Indeed, he becomes so immersed, we could almost feel the cold.

This may appeal to those who enjoy more arty cinema but is rather overdone and is party responsible for the movie dragging to an unnecessary two and a half hours.

The slow pace prompted Mrs W to say that she thought Godland was only worth 3/10.

I bravely dismissed her harsh mark and was vindicated with the final 30 minutes which packed in more action than the previous two hours.

I would also praise the way Hove develops the priest's character as the pressure of his surroundings ratchets up.

But, granted, Pálmason's movie could do with being half an hour shorter.

Reasons to watch: Realistic flavour of harsh times

Reasons to avoid: Very slow

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes 

Nudity: Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? Iceland first came under Danish rule in 1523 and the Danish kingdom forcefully introduced Lutheranism to Iceland in 1550.

The final word. Hlynur Palmáson: "I grew up in Iceland and studied in Denmark, living there for many years. I have always been between countries, in a way, and have always wanted to make a film about this feeling of communication or miscommunication, these opposites." Loud and Clear

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