(Interview with Andre Ovredal): Trollhunter director

INTERVIEW WITH ANDRE ØVREDAL:

Cracking a new wrinkle with trolls and Norway 

By Jerry Saravia

Andre Ovredal, director of Trollhunter

An element missing from modern-day horror films is the element of surprise, of reinvigorating a genre where the assumed target audience has seen it all. Trollhunter could be seen as yet another mockumentary crossed with found footage-type of film but it is decidedly far more than that. In fact, though it has horror elements, it is more of a cinematic blending of Indiana Jones with a helping of "Jurassic Park," a dash of "Men in Black" mixed with social satire and an original setting - the desolate countryside of Norway. It is also dealing with the folklore of actual giant trolls who are infected with rabies and are eating livestock throughout the region. A trollhunter named Hans (played by Otto Jespersen, a comedian) seeks to find these trolls and his every step is documented by a documentary film crew.

The film is directed by Andre Ovredal, who helmed a 90-minute film in 2000 called "Future Murder." "Trollhunter" has gained him an international cult reputation, so much so that producer/writer/director Chris Columbus has bought the remake rights and is reportedly prepping Ovredal to direct an adaptation of the Julie Kenner novel, "Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom." I had the good fortune to correspond with director Ovredal on the folkloric origins of "Trollhunter," the news of a remake and potential sequel, his pre-"Trollhunter" work, and a dash of social commentary regarding Norway's proposed power lines.

1.) What was the inspiration behind "Trollhunter"? I could see references in the film to Steven Spielberg's work and "Men in Black," though the satire seems to be specifically of Norwegian origin.

Andre Ovredal: Well, I think the most important influence was Man Bites Dog. Of course Blair Witch is an influence on the entire genre. And yes, MiB, Jurassic Park, even Ghostbusters in its inventive, fun use of low-tech equipment.

2.) Not being educated on the mythical beings known as trolls, one thing I can't figure out is why do bright lights turn the trolls into stone? Is that based on myth and/or folklore?

A.O.: Yes, it´s based on the myth that daylight will make trolls turn to stone of explode. This I think is a common myth around the world for many creatures, don´t have to look further than vampires, really. So in the movie, Hans has to balance his light sources to match daylight. It´s all explained by the veterinarian .

Otto Jespersen as Hans, the Trollhunter

3.) In reference to a plot point 2/3 into "Trollhunter," I read in an article about how the government was proposing power lines all around the beautiful fields of Norway. What is the reason behind it and have they succeeded or has the proposal been turned down?

A.O.: There were tons of demonstrations and lots of political mayhem, but I believe they are moving forward with it – I think it´s simply that the current power delivery to especially Bergen on the west coast is not sufficient or properly maintained anymore, and it needs a big update. I think it´s quite ridiculous to not find some other way, though, despite expenses. That nature is one of Norway´s greatest legacies to the world, and it should be protected at all cost.

4.) Your first film was a 92-minute film called "Future Murder." I understand that it was your graduation film at the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, CA. How was the film received by fellow students or faculty? Did you get to show it at a festival?

A.O.: Yes, that´s right! I co-wrote and co-directed it with my fellow classmate Norman Lesperance and it was shown at the 1997 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, had VHS/DVD distribution in the US, Canada, Australia and Scandinavia. I think/hope it was well-received. But it was a student film – lots of mistakes to be made, lots of things to learn. But I am proud of the film´s core idea and lots of what we did on it, especially the suspense scenes. It was made for 40,000 dollars on 16mm.

 

5.) I read that your approach to directing actors is: "I allowed the actors the freedom to say whatever they wanted - as long as they didn't say what was in the script." Is this a technique you wish to continue pursuing or is what worked best within the mockumentary framework of "Trollhunter"?

A.O.: It worked best within the framework of Troll Hunter´s mockumentary style, it was needed to create unpredictability in the direction. Sometimes I really had to stand back and not direct at all. Generally I will always give the actors as much freedom as I can, including changing the lines, as long as it does not impact the story too much.
 
I just recently shot a short film based on Alice Glaser´s 1961 sci-fi story called “The Tunnel Ahead” and there we adhered very closely to the script I had written. And that short film is the polar opposite of Troll Hunter – very controlled style.

6.) I see that you are working on a new project called "Enormous" [a monster apocalyptic comic published by Image]. Tell us what the approach to that film will be - mockumentary style or straight storytelling?

A.O.: Straight forward, but with a high energy, Cloverfield/The Raid/Act of Valor kind of vibe.

7.) Lastly, I hear an American remake of "Trollhunter" is in the works with writer-director Chris Columbus. Anything you can share about it? And are you planning a sequel to the original?

A.O.: They are still working on that. Not much I really know or can say, but from brief conversations with them, it sounds all positive – [regarding sequel] still working on getting that made, maybe in 2013---?

Best,
André