Erik Poppe Discusses ‘Quisling – The Final Days,’ and Upcoming Projects

One of Norway’s most prominent filmmakers, Erik Poppe, known for works like “1,000 Times Good Night” and “Utøya- July 22,” will inaugurate the Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund on Aug. 18. He will present his much-anticipated drama “Quisling – The Final Days” prior to its international debut at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Special Presentations.

While set during World War II in Norway, “Quisling – The Final Days” addresses the contemporary issue of rising right-wing extremism and its threat to democracy. The narrative focuses on the final days leading up to the execution of Vidkun Quisling, the infamous Nazi collaborator, on Oct. 24, 1945. The plot delves into Quisling’s interactions with the priest Peder Olsen within his dark cell. Their encounters, chronicled in a diary by Olsen, become a psychological confrontation between a humanist and a fascist.

Garnering significant attention for their powerful performances, Gard B. Eidsvold stars as Quisling and Anders Danielsen Lie as priest Olsen. They are supported by Lisa Carlehed as Maria Quisling and Lisa Loven Kongsli portraying Heidi Olsen, the priest’s wife.

The film is based on a screenplay by Anna Bach-Wiig, Siv Rajendram Eliassen, and Ravn Lanesskog. It was produced by Poppe’s frequent collaborators Finn Gjerdrum and Stein B. Kvae under the SF Studios Norwegian production banner, Paradox. The film and a separate television version are being distributed internationally by REinvent.

In a discussion with Variety before the film’s world premiere, Poppe shared insights about the project, his directorial approach, and future plans. His upcoming projects include a relationship drama titled “Bad Moon Rising,” based on a script by Nobel Literary Prize winner Jon Fosse, and a genre film “The Scream,” inspired by Edvard Munch’s iconic painting.

On choosing to focus on Quisling’s perspective for this film, Poppe explained his long-standing interest in the controversial figure and how the discovery of Olsen’s diary provided a breakthrough. The diary offered a glimpse into Quisling’s mindset during his final days, which ultimately drove the narrative direction of the film.

The diary, penned by priest Peder Olsen, is filled with cryptic notes from his meetings with Quisling. Initially undecipherable, the notes were later interpreted by theologians and historians, eventually validating the authenticity of their contents. Poppe found this material crucial in understanding the psychological dynamics between Quisling and Olsen.

Poppe highlighted that Quisling, unlike many authoritarian figures driven by personal gain, was motivated purely by his ideology. This made him particularly dangerous and difficult to undermine. Even though Quisling was examined by prominent psychiatrists who found him to be “normal” rather than psychopathic, his ideological fervor made him a significant threat to democracy.

The relevance of Quisling’s story today, amidst the rise of leaders like Putin and Orbán, underscores the film’s topical nature. Poppe emphasized that understanding the mindset of such autocratic leaders is crucial in contemporary times, which is why he chose to tell this story.

Collaborating again with writers Siv Rahendram Eliassen and Anna Bache-Wiig, Poppe aimed for historical accuracy in the film. The team conducted extensive research, including interviews with elderly individuals who had direct or indirect experience with Quisling, alongside extensive written material from historians to validate the narrative.

Poppe’s dedication to historical accuracy draws a parallel to films like “Oppenheimer,” where the authenticity amplifies the story’s impact. He noted that while many period films may alter facts for dramatic effect, staying true to history often lends a more powerful narrative.

The character of Maria Quisling, played by Lisa Carlehed, provides another layer to the story. Maria, Vidkun’s wife, remained by his side until his execution. Despite her proximity to politics, Maria was never arrested and narrowly escaped execution herself.

Poppe invested valuable time in rehearsals with actors Gard B. Eidsvold and Anders Danielsen Lie, whom he had carefully selected for their talent and bravery in diving deep into their roles. This extensive preparation helped create characters that closely resemble their real-life counterparts.

The film’s visual style, characterized by a bold green and red palette, reflects Poppe’s quest for innovation. He chose this striking color scheme to differentiate from the conventional blueish tones of many period pieces, making the movie feel contemporary while retaining its historical setting.

Poppe also discussed the importance of test screenings in shaping the film. By incorporating feedback from diverse focus groups, he could gauge audience reactions and fine-tune the narrative to ensure it resonates effectively.

Beyond the film, a five-episode TV series is being prepared, offering a different perspective and more depth into characters like Maria Quisling and Heidi Olsen. Separate editing teams worked on the film and TV versions to ensure distinct storytelling styles.

Ultimately, Poppe hopes the film will provoke thought about the minds of authoritarian figures like Putin. For him, the goal is to make commercially successful films that also spark meaningful discussions about today’s world.

Looking ahead, Poppe is working on “Bad Moon Rising,” a love story by Jon Fosse, set to begin filming in November. He is also preparing for “The Scream,” an international psycho-thriller based on Edvard Munch’s famous painting, with casting set to commence soon.

As Poppe continues to explore new genres and narratives, he remains committed to bold storytelling and taking creative risks.

This interview was edited for publishing purposes.

Source: Variety