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| Gulli (Olafur Darri Olafsson) in The Deep. |
By Miranda Inganni
Based on actual events that occurred off the Westman Islands in Iceland in 1984, The Deep (Djœpi) tells the tale of one man’s survival against great odds.
In what seems willl be another working day, the fishing boat Gulli (Olafur Darri Olafsson) is working on capsizes in the frigid Atlantic Ocean. To his horror and grief, Gulli soon finds himself all alone in the freezing night surrounded by water -- with his only chance for survival swimming the few miles to shore. For at least six hours Gulli swims, all the while confessing to a seagull that he is not yet ready to die. And though there is little doubt he will not make it, we cannot help but cheer on the portly man wading in the vast cold ocean.
Upon returning, science is unable to explain how Gulli managed to live through the freezing temperatures and extreme conditions of his ordeal. Some people wonder if his survival was a miracle. Regardless of the reasoning for his survival, Gulli becomes a reluctant Icelandic hero, all the while missing his mates.
Directed by Baltasar Kormákur (Contraband), The Deep is Iceland’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Oscar in this year’s Academy Awards. (It made the short list of nine). Kormákur and cinematographer Bergsteinn Björgúlfsson expertly depict the freezing, isolated conditions on both land and sea. From the claustrophobia-inducing tight spaces onboard the trawler to the isolation of the protagonist surrounded by the vast ocean, the imagery of The Deep is bone chilling. Olafsson is excellent as the affable, social screw-up Gulli and is surrounded by an excellent supporting cast.
The Deep looks and feels real. The clips from the actual interview Gulli participated in while recovering in hospital during the credits only help to contribute to its realism.
