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
Editing by Skule Eriksen
Sigvaldi J. Kárason
Release date(s) January 1, 2000 (2000-01-01)
Running time 100 minutes
Country Iceland
Language Icelandic

Angels of the Universe (Icelandic: Englar alheimsins ()) 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, which has often been called an Icelandic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, is the story of an Icelandic man named Páll (Ingvar E. Sigurðsson). After his girlfriend leaves him he's slowly turning into a state of madness and depression. 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, 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.

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