Why was True Detective filmed in Iceland?
The HBO crime anthology series, True Detective, has gained immense popularity worldwide for its intricate storyline, complex characters, and breathtaking cinematography. Season 2 of the series, which premiered in 2015, was a huge departure from the original Southern Gothic-inspired setting of Season 1. This time, the show took the audience on a trip to the frozen wilderness of Iceland, leaving many wondering what led the creators to make this bold choice.
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Unconventional Location, Unconventional Story
The show’s creators, Nic Pizzolatto and Cary Joji Fukunaga, have consistently demonstrated a willingness to push the boundaries of storytelling and filming locations. In Season 2, they aimed to create a sense of mysticism and isolation, mirroring the characters’ introspective and troubled psyche.
Iceland: The Perfect Setting
Located between Europe and North America, Iceland offers a unique environment that is both stunning and unforgiving. With its broad lava fields, steamy geothermal areas, waterfalls, glaucous rivers, and savage storms, Iceland’s breathtaking landscape provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s mythic and dreamlike quality.
Finding the Right Location, at the Right Time
True Detective’s production team arrived in Iceland in June 2014, a perfect time to capture the best of the country’s surreal landscapes. The crew explored various locations, taking over 20,000 photos to capture the essence of the scenery.
Why Iceland was chosen over other locations?
| Reasons | Iceland over other locations |
|---|---|
| Unparalleled natural scenery | Unique landscape combinations not found elsewhere |
| Mild and temperate climate | Better suited for filming compared to extreme weather conditions |
| Logistical efficiency | Easy access to main locations, minimal need for set construction |
| Government incentives | Government support for film productions offered a competitive advantage |
The team opted for Iceland because of its:
• Unparalleled natural scenery, featuring a mix of contrasting environments
• Mild and temperate climate, ideal for filming, with minimal interruptions due to extreme weather
• Logistical efficiency, with easy access to primary locations and minimal need for set construction
• Government incentives, providing financial support for film productions
The Power of the Icelandic Landscape
The show’s unique setting not only captivated audiences but also heavily influenced the storytelling. The characters, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Paul (Vincent Cassel), often found themselves lost in thought, wandering through the mystical landscapes, as the drama unfolded.
Intricate Connection between setting and story
• The mystical, otherworldly atmosphere of the locations mirrored the characters’ fragmented mental states
• Recurring themes of water, such as rivers and ocean, symbolized the eternal cycle of life and death
• Morphing landscapes signified the characters’ struggle for identity and truth
True Detective’s Icelandic setting effectively created a sense of uncertainty, reflecting the protagonists’ psychological and moral turmoil. This masterful blend of location, theme, and character drove home the show’s powerful commentary on human nature and our search for truth.
In conclusion, True Detective’s decision to film in Iceland was a deliberate choice driven by the need to create an unconventional, thought-provoking setting that complemented the show’s unique story and characters. Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, favorable weather, and logistical efficiency proved to be the perfect canvas for the show’s creator’s vision, culminating in a captivating, internationally acclaimed series.
