Falcons (film)
Encyclopedia
Falcons was the seventh film directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
. This film, released in 2002, is mostly in English language
and therefore this drama is considered to be a film of both domestic and international appeal.
that she hopes to tame, but they get into trouble as it is illegal to possess this kind of animal in captivity.
In the story Simon is the embodiment of a jailed bird, one of the falcons and as she is an air sign, they join in a relationship ruled by Simon’s belief that she is his illegitimate daughter. Surrounded by tension between them, Simon serves as a protective figure to Dúa, who keeps him from committing suicide.
The couple escape to Hamburg
, Germany
to start all over again. The protagonists’ behaviours are opposite to each other: Simon is down to earth and find himself awkward by Dúa’s eccentric beliefs in astrology
, who considers Simon as a typical Scorpio
and thus avoid deepening into a more serious relationship, partly because of the feeling of his paternity.
Dúa’s falcon, that she nourished and protected when her uncle found it with a broken wing, has a high value to her, as she considers it as the last remnant of the beloved life in Iceland. The falcon travels with them on their escape and has a high monetary value. Later, as Dúa wasted their money, Simon tries to sell the falcon in order to cover with their expenditures, but he is cheated by some crooked Germans
and the falcon is stolen.
Falcons is written in a laconic and subtle style as previous works by director Friðriksson. The film portrays an exquisite visual direction where still landscape is sometimes contrasted by subtle human activity, a resource used without falling into an exaggeration of the landscape immensity, which helps to illustrate the isolation of Simon and Dúa. The characterization of actor Keith Carradine as Simon brings a charismatic presence and strength of personality that is highlighted by talkative Dúa’s naïve and strange personality.
The soundtrack was also released as a separate CD titled Fálkar
. The music composition was mainly in charge of Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson
and there were featured several important artists who set up a proper atmosphere to the film’s plot.
UK in association with Invicta Capital Ltd., UK & ZDF
/Arte
, Germany.
Support: Eurimages
, Icelandic Film Fund, Filmförderung Hamburg, and Nordic Film & TV-Fund.
Director: Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
.
Producers: Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
, Anna María Karlsdóttir, Peter Rommel, Egil Ödegaard, Mike Downey
, and Sam Taylor.
Script: Einar Kárason
and Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
.
Production design: Árni Páll Jóhannsson.
Costume Design: Helga I. Stefánsdóttir.
Editor: Sigvaldi J. Kárason.
Director of photography: Harald Paalgard.
Sound Design: Kjartan Kjartansson.
Music composed, arranged and produced by: Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson
.
Guitar: Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson
, Jón Þór Birgisson
, Kristján Edelstein, and Orri Hardarson.
Bass: Georg Bjarnason, and Tómas Magnús Tómasson.
Percussion: Birgir Baldursson.
Cello: Stefán Örn Arnarson.
Sound Engineers: Georg Bjarnason, and Tómas Magnús Tómasson.
Music recorded at the People’s Studio, Reykjavík.
Re-recording: Kjartan Kjartansson, and Ingvar Lundberg.
Sound editing: Kjartan Kjartansson, Ingvar Lundberg, Steingrímur E. Gudmundsson, Björn Viktorsson, Nicolas Liebing, Vilhjálmur, Godi Friðriksson, Nicolas Pétur Blin, and Magnús Sigurðarson.
Foley: Gadou Naudin.
Foley Recording: Steingrímur E. Gudmundsson.
Foley re-recording: Steingrímur E. Gudmundsson.
ADR Recording: Björn Viktorsson.
Director of “Making of”: Ari Alexander Ergis Magnússon.
Commissioning Editor ZDF/ARTE Alexander Bohr.
Line Producer Iceland Hrönn Kristinsdóttir.
Line Producer Germany Bernd Lübke.
Script Consultants Kirsten Bonnén Rask, Martin Rosefeldt, Karin Laudenbach, and Sveinbjörn I. Baldvinsson.
1st AD Hálfdán Theódórsson.
Hair and Make up Ásta Hafflórsdóttir.
Gaffer Örn Marinó Arnarson.
2nd AC Wencke Hovet.
Grip: Jónas Gudmundsson, and Valdimar Jóhannsson.
Best Boy Ingvar Stefánsson.
2nd AD Harpa Elísa Þórsdóttir, and Dadi Hrafn Sveinbjörnsson.
Continuity María Valsdóttir.
Electricians Arnar Einarsson, Hinrik Jónsson, and Sigurður Steinarsson.
Sound Recordist Steingrímur E. Gudmundsson.
Boom Operator Gudmann Þór Bjargmundsson.
Property Master: Thorkell Hardarson.
Assistant Property Master: Atli Geir Grétarsson.
Asst. Production Designer: Steingrímur Þorvaldsson.
Assistant Costume Designer: Maria Valles.
Still Photographer: Anna Fjóla Gísladóttir.
Crew Iceland
Casting Iceland: María Sigurðardóttir.
Second Unit: Hálfdán Theódórsson, and Ragnhildur Gísladóttir.
Clapper Loader: Ómar Jabalí, and Raghildur Gísladóttir.
SFX: Eggert Ketilsson.
Animal Trainer: Dennis Pedersen, and Dog Steam Tours.
Runners: Árni Fannar Sigurðsson, and Lilja Jónsdóttir.
Carpenters:Jóhannes Karlsson, and Haukur Karlsson.
Drivers: Alf Wardrum, and Jón Eldjárn.
Catering: Ásta Búadóttir.
Crew Germany:
Production Co-ordinator: Susanne Steube.
Location Managers: Cord Lappe, and Tobias Hering.
Casting: Eva Schäfer.
2nd AD: Natascha Oyda.
3rd AD: Jan Erik Stahl.
Clapper Loader: Timo Schwarz.
Animal Trainer Filmtierschule, Tatjana Zimek & Mike Bauer.
SFX: Tricky Fingers, and Uli Lange Paroll.
Props Buyer: Till Franzen.
Assistant Costume: Astrid Pinckernelle.
Stunt co-ordination: Pahuyuth Stunts.
Catering: Tischlein deck dich! and Isgard Kavugcuoglou.
Icelandic Production Office:
Production Co-ordination: Arna M. Gunnarsdóttir, Birna Gunnarsdóttir, and Sigrún Erla Sigurðardóttir.
Finance Manager: Helgi Már Bjarnason.
Accountant Sigurður Bjarnason.
German Production office:
Post-production Manager: Rona Unrau.
Accountant: Rolf Merkle.
UK Production Office:
Producer’s Assistant: Kate Barry.
Development Executive: Sam Lavender.
Auditors: Malde & Co., Ashish Shah and Sirish Malde.
Legal Services: Lee and Thompson Solicitors.
Insurance: Aon Ruben.
Norwegian Production office:
Producer’s Assistant: Pauline Aasarod.
Sound Studio: Cinemasound ltd.
Laboratory: Atlantik Film Kopierwerk GmbH, Hamburg, Film Stock, and Kodak.
Camera Equipment: Maddels Cameras GmbH/Hamburg.
Legal Services: Tómas Þorvaldsson.
Insurance: Sjóvá Almennar.
Acknowledgements: Bifreiðar og landbúnaðarvélar, Landsbanki Íslands, Gunnar Carlsson, Jim Stark, Leikfélag Siglufjardar, Lögreglan Sauðárkróki, Íbúar og bæjarstjórn Siglufjarðar, Íbúar Hofsóss, Íbúar Sauðárkróks, Sýslumannsembættið á Keflavíkurflugvelli, Jón Magnússon, Eigendur Þönglaskála, Heimilisfólkið Vogum - Hofsósi, Ásmundur Jónsson, The crew of Maddel Neumann, KuppelFilm GbR, Location & Team-Service Germany, Astron Hotel (staff), Marten Cassens, Kai Imelmann, Noah Matheis, Samo Matheis, Tina Mersmann, Elmar Podlasly, 500 Space Bars: K. Gaiser GmbH (++ LOGO), Hiltronic/Statronic, Hamburgische Schiffszimmerergenossenschaft, HHLA, Herr Hoppe, Hotel Rex, Location office Filmförderung Hamburg, M+V Gaststätte.
Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
Friðrik Þór Friðriksson , sometimes credited as Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, is an Icelandic film director....
. This film, released in 2002, is mostly in English language
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
and therefore this drama is considered to be a film of both domestic and international appeal.
Cast
- Keith CarradineKeith CarradineKeith Ian Carradine is an American actor who has had success on stage, film and television. In addition, he is a Golden Globe and Oscar winning songwriter. As a member of the Carradine family, he is part of an acting "dynasty" that began with his father, John Carradine.-Early life:Keith...
: Simon. - Margrét VilhjálmsdóttirMargrét VilhjálmsdóttirMargrét Vilhjálmsdóttir is an Icelandic actress from Reykjavík.In 1994, Margrét graduated from Listaháskóli Íslands, the Icelandic Drama Academy, and worked at Reykjavík Theatre Company for several years...
: Dúa. - Ingvar E. Sigurðsson: Jóhann.
- Magnús Ólafsson: Lobbi.
- Margrét Ólafsdóttir: Auntie.
- Friðrik Friðriksson: Young Policeman.
- Axel PrahlAxel PrahlAxel Prahl is a German actor.Prahl, born in Eutin, grew up in nearby Neustadt in Holstein. After his A-levels, Prahl started studying music and mathematics, but then went on to acting school in Kiel...
: Car Rental Dealer. - Marisa Calcagno: Sabine.
- Margrét Helga Jóhannsdóttir: Barmaid.
- Ramin Yazdani: Scarface.
- Geo von Krogh: Salvation Army Host.
- Hark BohmHark BohmHark Bohm is a German actor, screenwriter, film director, playwright and former professor for cinema studies. He was born in Hamburg-Othmarschen and grew up on the island Amrum. His younger brother was the actor Marquard Bohm, who starred in some of his early films...
: A Man of the World. - Ragnheidur Steindórsdóttir: Nurse.
- Guðmundur Ólafsson: Doctor.
- Pétur Ólafsson: Uncle Tóti.
- Theódór Júlíusson: Bus Driver.
- Randver Thorláksson: Customs Officer.
- Zack-Volker Michalowski: Antique Dealer.
- Jóhanna Vigdís Hjaltadóttir: TV Reporter I.
- Ómar RagnarssonÓmar RagnarssonÓmar Ragnarsson is an Icelandic politician and environmentalist as well as a former entertainer and news reporter. He is the founder and chairman of the environmentalist party Iceland's Movement – Living Land which took part in the 2007 parliamentary elections.Ómar is the father of media...
: TV Reporter II. - Örlygur Kristfinnsson: Gallery Owner.
- Darren Forman: American I.
- Glenn Robert Hodge: American II.
- Rafi Guessous: Doorman.
- Bernd Gajkowski: Lübeck Bartender.
- Frank Wieczorek: Sad Looking Man.
- Werner Karle Jung: Shady Looking Man.
Plot
It is the story of an ex con, Simon (Carradine) who after returning to Iceland, where his mother was born visit relatives, but actually he is looking for the loneliest place in the world to commit suicide. In a small village he met Dúa (Vilhjálmsdóttir), an Icelandic young lady, who is found to be an interesting, rather strange woman by Simon. Dúa has a caged falconFalcon
A falcon is any species of raptor in the genus Falco. The genus contains 37 species, widely distributed throughout Europe, Asia, and North America....
that she hopes to tame, but they get into trouble as it is illegal to possess this kind of animal in captivity.
In the story Simon is the embodiment of a jailed bird, one of the falcons and as she is an air sign, they join in a relationship ruled by Simon’s belief that she is his illegitimate daughter. Surrounded by tension between them, Simon serves as a protective figure to Dúa, who keeps him from committing suicide.
The couple escape to Hamburg
Hamburg
-History:The first historic name for the city was, according to Claudius Ptolemy's reports, Treva.But the city takes its modern name, Hamburg, from the first permanent building on the site, a castle whose construction was ordered by the Emperor Charlemagne in AD 808...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
to start all over again. The protagonists’ behaviours are opposite to each other: Simon is down to earth and find himself awkward by Dúa’s eccentric beliefs in astrology
Astrology
Astrology consists of a number of belief systems which hold that there is a relationship between astronomical phenomena and events in the human world...
, who considers Simon as a typical Scorpio
Scorpio
-Technology:* Scorpio , Roman artillery invented in 50 BC* Scorpio ROV, a class of submersible remotely operated vehicle, including the Scorpio II and Super Scorpio operated by the US and UK navies* Mahindra Scorpio, an Indian SUV...
and thus avoid deepening into a more serious relationship, partly because of the feeling of his paternity.
Dúa’s falcon, that she nourished and protected when her uncle found it with a broken wing, has a high value to her, as she considers it as the last remnant of the beloved life in Iceland. The falcon travels with them on their escape and has a high monetary value. Later, as Dúa wasted their money, Simon tries to sell the falcon in order to cover with their expenditures, but he is cheated by some crooked Germans
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and the falcon is stolen.
Comment reviews
Identifying the characters of the film with the characteristics of a falcon is a creative means of description, which counteract previous characterizations of bohemian Icelandic artists and American ex-cons. There is, however, a feeble argument to support the immediate and close relationship developed between the two characters.Falcons is written in a laconic and subtle style as previous works by director Friðriksson. The film portrays an exquisite visual direction where still landscape is sometimes contrasted by subtle human activity, a resource used without falling into an exaggeration of the landscape immensity, which helps to illustrate the isolation of Simon and Dúa. The characterization of actor Keith Carradine as Simon brings a charismatic presence and strength of personality that is highlighted by talkative Dúa’s naïve and strange personality.
The soundtrack was also released as a separate CD titled Fálkar
Fálkar
Fálkar is the soundtrack to Falcons , which was directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson in 2002. With 12 tracks, this album contains a variety of Icelandic artists, from Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, who was in charge of the music composition of the soundtrack, to Mínus, Múm, and Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson ,...
. The music composition was mainly in charge of Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson
Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson
Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson , also known as HÖH , is a musician, an art director, and allsherjargoði of Ásatrúarfélagið ....
and there were featured several important artists who set up a proper atmosphere to the film’s plot.
Credits
Production: Icelandic Film Corporation, Peter Rommel Productions, Filmhuset AS, Norway and Film and Music EntertainmentFilm and Music Entertainment
Film and Music Entertainment is a British film production company based in London UK. The company was founded by Mike Downey and Sam Taylor in 2000 and has since produced films such as Before the Rain, Guy X and Deathwatch to name a few....
UK in association with Invicta Capital Ltd., UK & ZDF
ZDF
Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen , ZDF, is a public-service German television broadcaster based in Mainz . It is run as an independent non-profit institution, which was founded by the German federal states . The ZDF is financed by television licence fees called GEZ and advertising revenues...
/Arte
Arte
Arte is a Franco-German TV network. It is a European culture channel and aims to promote quality programming especially in areas of culture and the arts...
, Germany.
Support: Eurimages
Eurimages
Eurimages is the Council of Europe fund for the co-production, distribution, exhibition and digitisation of European cinematographic works. It aims to promote the European film industry by encouraging the production and distribution of films and fostering co-operation between professionals....
, Icelandic Film Fund, Filmförderung Hamburg, and Nordic Film & TV-Fund.
Director: Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
Friðrik Þór Friðriksson , sometimes credited as Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, is an Icelandic film director....
.
Producers: Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
Friðrik Þór Friðriksson , sometimes credited as Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, is an Icelandic film director....
, Anna María Karlsdóttir, Peter Rommel, Egil Ödegaard, Mike Downey
Mike Downey
Mike Downey is an American newspaper columnist.From 2003 to 2008, Downey wrote the "In the Wake of the News" column for the Chicago Tribune originated by Ring Lardner in 1913...
, and Sam Taylor.
Script: Einar Kárason
Einar Kárason
Einar Kárason is an Icelandic writer. He has been a full-time writer since 1978. He started his career with poetry in literary magazines from 1978 to 1980. In 1981 he published his first novel. He is best known for Devil's Island, which was translated into English...
and Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
Friðrik Þór Friðriksson , sometimes credited as Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, is an Icelandic film director....
.
Production design: Árni Páll Jóhannsson.
Costume Design: Helga I. Stefánsdóttir.
Editor: Sigvaldi J. Kárason.
Director of photography: Harald Paalgard.
Sound Design: Kjartan Kjartansson.
Music composed, arranged and produced by: Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson
Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson
Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson , also known as HÖH , is a musician, an art director, and allsherjargoði of Ásatrúarfélagið ....
.
Guitar: Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson
Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson
Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson , guitar player and engineer. He is a mathematician, an inventor, a practising polytechnic engineer, lecturer and the author of several scientific papers....
, Jón Þór Birgisson
Jón Þór Birgisson
Jón “Jónsi” Þór Birgisson is the guitarist and vocalist for the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. He is known for his use of a cello bow on guitar and his falsetto voice. He is also blind in his right eye and is openly gay. His boyfriend Alex Somers has done much of the graphic design for...
, Kristján Edelstein, and Orri Hardarson.
Bass: Georg Bjarnason, and Tómas Magnús Tómasson.
Percussion: Birgir Baldursson.
Cello: Stefán Örn Arnarson.
Sound Engineers: Georg Bjarnason, and Tómas Magnús Tómasson.
Music recorded at the People’s Studio, Reykjavík.
Re-recording: Kjartan Kjartansson, and Ingvar Lundberg.
Sound editing: Kjartan Kjartansson, Ingvar Lundberg, Steingrímur E. Gudmundsson, Björn Viktorsson, Nicolas Liebing, Vilhjálmur, Godi Friðriksson, Nicolas Pétur Blin, and Magnús Sigurðarson.
Foley: Gadou Naudin.
Foley Recording: Steingrímur E. Gudmundsson.
Foley re-recording: Steingrímur E. Gudmundsson.
ADR Recording: Björn Viktorsson.
Director of “Making of”: Ari Alexander Ergis Magnússon.
Commissioning Editor ZDF/ARTE Alexander Bohr.
Line Producer Iceland Hrönn Kristinsdóttir.
Line Producer Germany Bernd Lübke.
Script Consultants Kirsten Bonnén Rask, Martin Rosefeldt, Karin Laudenbach, and Sveinbjörn I. Baldvinsson.
1st AD Hálfdán Theódórsson.
Hair and Make up Ásta Hafflórsdóttir.
Gaffer Örn Marinó Arnarson.
2nd AC Wencke Hovet.
Grip: Jónas Gudmundsson, and Valdimar Jóhannsson.
Best Boy Ingvar Stefánsson.
2nd AD Harpa Elísa Þórsdóttir, and Dadi Hrafn Sveinbjörnsson.
Continuity María Valsdóttir.
Electricians Arnar Einarsson, Hinrik Jónsson, and Sigurður Steinarsson.
Sound Recordist Steingrímur E. Gudmundsson.
Boom Operator Gudmann Þór Bjargmundsson.
Property Master: Thorkell Hardarson.
Assistant Property Master: Atli Geir Grétarsson.
Asst. Production Designer: Steingrímur Þorvaldsson.
Assistant Costume Designer: Maria Valles.
Still Photographer: Anna Fjóla Gísladóttir.
Crew Iceland
Casting Iceland: María Sigurðardóttir.
Second Unit: Hálfdán Theódórsson, and Ragnhildur Gísladóttir.
Clapper Loader: Ómar Jabalí, and Raghildur Gísladóttir.
SFX: Eggert Ketilsson.
Animal Trainer: Dennis Pedersen, and Dog Steam Tours.
Runners: Árni Fannar Sigurðsson, and Lilja Jónsdóttir.
Carpenters:Jóhannes Karlsson, and Haukur Karlsson.
Drivers: Alf Wardrum, and Jón Eldjárn.
Catering: Ásta Búadóttir.
Crew Germany:
Production Co-ordinator: Susanne Steube.
Location Managers: Cord Lappe, and Tobias Hering.
Casting: Eva Schäfer.
2nd AD: Natascha Oyda.
3rd AD: Jan Erik Stahl.
Clapper Loader: Timo Schwarz.
Animal Trainer Filmtierschule, Tatjana Zimek & Mike Bauer.
SFX: Tricky Fingers, and Uli Lange Paroll.
Props Buyer: Till Franzen.
Assistant Costume: Astrid Pinckernelle.
Stunt co-ordination: Pahuyuth Stunts.
Catering: Tischlein deck dich! and Isgard Kavugcuoglou.
Icelandic Production Office:
Production Co-ordination: Arna M. Gunnarsdóttir, Birna Gunnarsdóttir, and Sigrún Erla Sigurðardóttir.
Finance Manager: Helgi Már Bjarnason.
Accountant Sigurður Bjarnason.
German Production office:
Post-production Manager: Rona Unrau.
Accountant: Rolf Merkle.
UK Production Office:
Producer’s Assistant: Kate Barry.
Development Executive: Sam Lavender.
Auditors: Malde & Co., Ashish Shah and Sirish Malde.
Legal Services: Lee and Thompson Solicitors.
Insurance: Aon Ruben.
Norwegian Production office:
Producer’s Assistant: Pauline Aasarod.
Sound Studio: Cinemasound ltd.
Laboratory: Atlantik Film Kopierwerk GmbH, Hamburg, Film Stock, and Kodak.
Camera Equipment: Maddels Cameras GmbH/Hamburg.
Legal Services: Tómas Þorvaldsson.
Insurance: Sjóvá Almennar.
Acknowledgements: Bifreiðar og landbúnaðarvélar, Landsbanki Íslands, Gunnar Carlsson, Jim Stark, Leikfélag Siglufjardar, Lögreglan Sauðárkróki, Íbúar og bæjarstjórn Siglufjarðar, Íbúar Hofsóss, Íbúar Sauðárkróks, Sýslumannsembættið á Keflavíkurflugvelli, Jón Magnússon, Eigendur Þönglaskála, Heimilisfólkið Vogum - Hofsósi, Ásmundur Jónsson, The crew of Maddel Neumann, KuppelFilm GbR, Location & Team-Service Germany, Astron Hotel (staff), Marten Cassens, Kai Imelmann, Noah Matheis, Samo Matheis, Tina Mersmann, Elmar Podlasly, 500 Space Bars: K. Gaiser GmbH (++ LOGO), Hiltronic/Statronic, Hamburgische Schiffszimmerergenossenschaft, HHLA, Herr Hoppe, Hotel Rex, Location office Filmförderung Hamburg, M+V Gaststätte.
External links
- Falcons at the Icelandic Film Corporation Web Site
- Close-Up Film.com - Deborah Nichols’s review of Falcons.