L “The Eight Mountains” is listed as number 11 on the UK list and number 12 on the US list. The story of “Godland” is about creating a safe place in the wilderness, specifically a church on the coast of 19th-century Iceland. However, unlike another film in the 2023 lineup that shares similar themes, the natural surroundings in “Godland” are not comforting but rather serve as a punishment for humanity’s ambition and arrogance. The film explores themes of immense power and consequences through the lens of director Hlynur Pálmason, who does not shy away from examining the role of art in mediating between humans and nature through the character of Lucas, a Danish priest tasked with building a church.
Captured with a dignified grandeur in a square 4:3 aspect ratio, resembling early photography, the main source of comfort in this film should be its beauty. Originally titled after seven wet-plate photographs discovered in a box, believed to have been taken by a real-life Danish priest, the film showcases black-sand beaches, rocky gorges, marshlands, and volcanic clouds looming over the horizon, reminiscent of the dark landscape of Mordor. It is impossible not to be entranced by these raw vistas just like the protagonist, Lucas. However, as his journey progresses, the beauty becomes overwhelming and surreal, mirroring the hostility of his Icelandic companions and highlighting the insignificance of his goals. (Played by Elliott Crosset Hove, he joins Eli Sunday from There Will Be Blood in the list of pitiful priests.)
In light of our current climate crisis, this serves as a necessary reminder. The western setting, particularly in Godland where the environment is harsh and unforgiving, constantly explores the delicate balance between humankind and nature. However, Pálmason takes this dynamic to a new level by capturing the landscape in all its rawness. It is evident that humanity does not hold much power in this realm, as demonstrated by the fabricated story of the wet-plate photographs. No matter how much art, religion, or other human constructs try to control it, the ruthless force of nature reigns supreme. Ragnar, Lucas’s guide portrayed by the formidable Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson, is a product of these brutal surroundings but ultimately seeks solace from the priest. Unfortunately, his pleas go unanswered.
Pálmason, who was born in Iceland and studied film in Denmark, explores the connection between the two countries in his work. His film, Godland, is set during the time when Iceland was under Danish rule. There is a similar tone to the Dogme movement in the film’s consistent mocking of its main character. This criticism doesn’t just come from the characters, but also feels like it’s coming from a higher power, playing with humans like Job. Despite this, the director maintains a well-known dark sense of humor, even if nature is no longer seen as a divine gift. Iceland has recently produced several impressive films, such as Rams and Lamb, that touch on humanity’s role in the natural world. However, Godland stands out as a particularly exceptional one.
Source: theguardian.com
