Wrath of Gods

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Audience Member Wrath of Gods is a very interesting take on the "behind the scenes" documentary. Director Jon Gustafsson, hired for a bit part in Sturla Gunnarsson's film Beowulf & Grendel but who is also a filmmaker himself, decided to let his own camera roll from the moment the crew arrived in Iceland and document the entire process. What could have been simply a beautiful and scenic documentary showing off the gorgeous filming locations of Iceland, turned out to be a Lost in La Mancha-style "what went wrong" film, as financial delays and filming difficulties began immediately and plagued the production throughout its time in Iceland. This documentary works on two levels. First (and foremost), Wrath of Gods explores all the production difficulties associated with making a feature film. There were funding problems, a sinking viking ship, car accidents, a fire, and of course the forces of nature that must be contended with when filming in the Arctic Circle (hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, giant waves, and an erupting volcano). The Beowulf cast (including star Gerard Butler, who frequently talks to Gustafsson on camera) and crew were incredibly frustrated, with some of the crew threatening to walk at various times throughout production when there were financing issues and the paycheques weren't coming in. Assistant director Wendy Ord says, in a post-production interview, that people were definitely thinking the production was cursed. Were the gods really against this film being made? One certainly has to admire the risliance of the cast and crew for sticking through a filmmaking experience like this one. The second level of Wrath of Gods is in its showcase of the natural beauty of Iceland, which is an absolute sight to see. In both good and bad weather (and oh, how the weather got bad), Iceland is incredibly beathtaking. Wven those frustrated with the filming process, such as Butler, are amazed by the unique and powerful visuals of the country. Obviously the intent of the film was to showcase the filmmaking process, and the camera that director Gustafsson brought along with him on this trip is not the quality of those used by National Geographic in nature documentaries, but even so, the country looks amazing. It's enough to make anyone want to book a trip to Iceland (though possibly not during the autumn when the filming took place ? winds that can blow SUVs right off the road don't exactly make for the best vacation). Unlike the subject of Lost in La Mancha (Terry Gilliam's planned The Man Who Killed Don Quixote), Beowulf & Grendel actually did get made. And as shown in this film, it is a testament to the men and women who forged on despite the best efforts of the gods to stop them. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Audience Member There's a very long interview with Gerry, still wearing his makeup and heavy costume. You learn a lot about him in this candid interview but as always, he's absolutely sumptuous. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Exeptional documentary about determined filmmakers in the mountains of Iceland who over come obstacles of every kind to complete their movie. Aspiring filmmakers will most definitley want to see this one!!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member An amazing documentary about the difficulties of making a film during the Icelandic winter. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member This documentary was very well done and very revealing about the trials and tribulations of making a movie on the scene of such a rugged country. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Fantastic film!!!!!! It is a must see it will leave you spell bound one moment laughing out loud and then with complete sympathy for cast and crew of Beowulf and Grendel. All aspiring film students should see this documnetary about the obstacles faced by cast and crew and the many sacrifices they had to make to film their movie. Independent filmmaking at its best!!!!!!!!! Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Wrath of Gods

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