What do Icelanders think about the way their country is portrayed in the movie?

When delving into the social media backlash and personal opinions about the portrayal of Iceland in the recent film, we find a myriad of perspectives that resonate with the hearts and minds of Icelanders. As with any international production, the review and critique of how a country is depicted are always passionate and revealing of cultural sensitivities.

Names and Pronunciation

One of the most recurring complaints among Icelanders is the inconsistency in the names given to their characters in the movie. When Icelandic characters appear, they are frequently assigned names that would be more at home in Denmark, Sweden, or other Nordic countries. This raises questions about authenticity and the commitment to cultural representation. Many Icelanders are dismayed by the lack of effort to use authentic Icelandic names and the difficulty actors had in pronouncing them correctly.

Misrepresentations and Misunderstandings

The portrayal of certain scenes and events in the movie has also invoked criticism. For instance, the depiction of a character, Lars, traveling from his home to Húsavík during a sea competition is seen as anachronistic and overly idealized. This love interest sub-plot feels forced and out of context with the real-life experiences of Icelanders. Another major dissonance comes from the explosion scene on a boat, which is seen as a misrepresentation of how Icelanders would react and respond in such a situation. There is a sense of pride and resilience among Icelanders that the movie does not capture accurately.

Cultural Nuances

Unsurprisingly, the portrayal of cultural nuances has also hit a nerve. The elves, while mentioned in the movie, are not as cherished as the hidden people (huldufólk). These hidden people, often seen as more substantial and significant in Icelandic culture, are not as emphasized in the film. Another point of contention is the physical appearances of the elves in the movie; they are depicted as small and magical, whereas in Icelandic culture, the huldufólk are more like Tolkien's Elves—taller and more ethereal.

Language and Training

The language barrier is an additional factor that has garnered attention. While the actors attempted to speak Icelandic, many Icelanders felt they struggled with pronunciation. This proved difficult for audiences, as understanding the dialogue was challenging despite the actors’ best efforts. The lack of proper Icelandic language training was a significant point of criticism, as many Icelanders felt as though they were watching a film with an accent rather than one that truly captured their language and culture.

Attitude and Humor

Despite the criticisms, there is a general sense of amusement and pride among Icelanders. The movie has become a source of humor and discussion in Iceland, akin to other nations facing similar critiques. The portrayal of a character known as the “Play Ja Ja Ding Dong” guy, who is recognizable enough to show up at every gig, adds a touch of cheeky humor to the mix. Icelanders appreciate the comedic aspect of the film, even as it draws attention to their unique cultural attributes.

In essence, the movie provides a realistic yet somewhat distorted glimpse into the life and culture of Iceland. While it may be seen as a series of misunderstandings and misrepresentations, it also serves as a point of national pride and a topic of conversation that unites Icelanders. The portrayal of Iceland in the film has sparked a dialogue that reflects on how their country is perceived internationally and how they wish it were represented.