Angels of the Universe (Icelandic: Englar alheimsins ) is a 2000 Icelandic film directed and produced 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 1995 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, Pálmi was mentally ill and painted as a hobby.

Plot

Englar Alheimsins, often called the Icelandic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, is the story of an Icelandic man, Páll (Ingvar E. Sigurðsson), who slowly descends into madness and depression after his girlfriend leaves him. 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, both 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". The film also includes several American rock songs, though they are not present on the soundtrack CD release.

Reception

The film opened at number one at the Icelandic box office with a gross of $57,163 in its opening weekend, the first Icelandic film to open at number one since Friðriksson's 1996 film, Devil's Island.

Awards and nominations

The film won the following awards: