I can’t believe what I’m seeing…a solid hour interview with Gerry Butler AFTER a grueling workday on the set. I’m amazed at his patience under the visible stress of an aching head and body after braving the Icelandic weather to shoot this revealing documentation. How much more can he do to show his appreciation for the support of his fans worldwide? His behavior speaks volumes about the depth of his character and his commitment to excellence and dedication as an actor. His star is definitely rising and he is indeed ‘paying his dues’…he is not afraid to shoulder the tough roles, transforming himself into a character in ways that startle directors and producers alike. When he signs on to play a role they can be assured of this: they will get much, much more than their money’s worth from the likes of this humble, towering Scotsman who has his feet planted solidly on the ground and who has restored the grandeur of moviemaking. Don’t look for his handsome face in the gossip rags as he’s rarely caught up in their sordid stories… he’s too mature to get swept up in their tasteless diatribes…he’s too busy concentrating on his career to cater to the crowded flashbulbs. I may be old enough to be his mother, but I can hardly breathe when he’s on camera…go figure.
The Burden of Sturla’s Dream!
Many MANY years ago, being a dedicated Werner Herzog fan, I went to see the documentary, “Burden of Dreams” which was based on the many trials and tribulations of filming his incredible movie, “Fitzcarraldo” in the jungles of Peru.
“Wrath of Gods” could be its Icelandic cousin. There seem to be certain films that fight against their creators. Their directors, crew, and cast must give all they have, and sometimes even a bit more, in order to see their dream realized. Indeed, there are moments during Wrath of Gods when the forced smile on director Sturla Gunnarsson’s face melts into something sad and desperate; those are among the most beautiful moments in this film, because that sadness and desperation added to the haunting (and I mean that in the most lovely and primal way) beauty of what became “Beowulf & Grendel”. There is no happy, storybook ending here; the film did poorly by Hollywood standards, but so what?! The film is ultimately true to the prose, true to the raging, frozen, breathtaking Icelandic landscape where it was filmed, and true to the tale of its anti-hero, Beowulf. It is almost an anti-Hollywood movie, and sometimes, who could ask for more than that? Thank you to the director of “Beowulf & Grendel”, Sturla Gunnarsson, to Jon Gustafsson, who filmed its filming, and to the extraordinary cast. Absolutely loved this movie. It has SOUL.
By J. Cross The Mermaid Who Writes