Angels of the Universe
| Angels of the Universe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Friðrik Þór Friðriksson |
| Produced by | Friðrik Þór Friðriksson |
| Written by | Einar Már Guðmundsson |
| Starring |
Ingvar E. Sigurðsson Baltasar Kormákur Björn Jörundur Friðbjörnsson Hilmir Snær Guðnason Margrét Helga Jóhannsdóttir Theódór Júlíusson |
| Music by | Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson |
| Cinematography | Harald Gunnar Paalgard |
| Edited by |
Skule Eriksen Sigvaldi J. Kárason |
Release dates | 1 January 2000 |
Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | Iceland |
| Language | Icelandic |
Angels of the Universe (Icelandic: Englar alheimsins (
pronunciation )) is a 2000 Icelandic film and directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson. The leading role is played by Ingvar E. Sigurðsson, who was nominated for the European Film Awards for best acting. The story is based on Einar Már Guðmundsson's novel of the same name, a semi-fictional story about Einar's brother Pálmi Örn Guðmundsson (named Páll in the book and movie). Much of the book is true, for example that Pálmi was mentally ill and painted as a hobby.
Plot
Englar Alheimsins, often called the Icelandic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, is the story of an Icelandic man, Páll (Ingvar E. Sigurðsson), who slowly descends into madness and depression after his girlfriend leaves him. His parents decide to send him to a mental hospital,where he meets Óli (Baltasar Kormákur), who believes he's the songwriter for The Beatles, Viktor (Björn Jörundur Friðbjörnsson), who signs cheques with the signature of Adolf Hitler, and other special characters. The movie depicts his struggle, both in and out of the mental hospital.
Soundtrack
The movie soundtrack features the compositions of Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, as well as two songs of the popular band Sigur Rós: "Bíum Bíum Bambaló" and "Dánarfregnir Og Jarðarfarir". Mixed in the film adding an interesting element are several American rock songs, though they are not present on the soundtrack CD release.