The Promised Land, directed by Nikolaj Arcel, is a film that delves into the human ambition set against the backdrop of 1755 Denmark. The story follows Captain Ludvig Kahlen, a bankrupt former soldier who is determined to attain the royal title denied to him due to his illegitimate birth. Kahlen’s ambition leads him to build a colony in the untamed wilderness of the Danish heath, facing challenges from both the harsh environment and a land baron named Frederik de Schinkel.
At first glance, the plot of The Promised Land resembles that of a classic Western, where one man takes on the frontier. However, Arcel takes a different approach with this film, exploring the fragility of Kahlen’s character and his questioning of his single-minded drive. The film is based on Ida Jessen’s Danish bestseller, The Captain and Ann Barbara, which is itself inspired by real events.
The Promised Land made its world premiere at the 80th Venice Film Festival, where Arcel spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his own ambitions and the challenges of making this film. Returning to Danish cinema after his Hollywood debut with The Dark Tower, Arcel was drawn to the story of The Promised Land, finding it both personally resonant and an opportunity for cinematic greatness. The characters and themes in the book spoke to him on a deeper level, as he grappled with questions of ambition, parenthood, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.
The financing of The Promised Land posed challenges, as big-budget films are difficult to finance in Denmark. However, having Mads Mikkelsen on board, who had already committed to the project before the script was completed, made the process easier. Mikkelsen’s involvement brought credibility and support to the film, making it more attractive to investors.
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In terms of differences between working on The Promised Land and The Dark Tower, Arcel highlighted the stark contrast between the studio system and the Danish film industry. The Hollywood experience left him feeling disillusioned, as he navigated the clash of visions and voices within the larger production. In Denmark, he had more control over his film, allowing for a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. The autonomy and freedom that come with making a Danish film, not constrained by the pressure to create a blockbuster, allowed for more creative exploration and flexibility.
Despite its relatively small budget of $9 million, The Promised Land manages to create a sense of grandeur onscreen. This was achieved through meticulous planning, where every shot of every scene was carefully considered. The intense work ethic of the cast and crew, combined with the lower costs of production in Denmark, helped stretch the budget. Arcel acknowledged that the film industry in Denmark operates more efficiently, allowing for a greater return on investment.
While The Promised Land is based on a novel, the story is inspired by real events and a real person, Captain Ludvig Kahlen. The film took creative liberties with the historical accuracy to stay faithful to the book’s fictionalized account. Arcel felt bound to the book and its vision rather than strict adherence to historical facts. Certain characters were completely fictionalized to enhance the story, while others, like Frederik de Schinkel, were based on documented accounts.
Mads Mikkelsen’s performance in The Promised Land is captivating, reminiscent of his role in Riders of Justice, another film co-written by Arcel. Arcel acknowledges his influence on the idea of the film but clarifies that he did not co-write it. The unique portrayal of Captain Kahlen in The Promised Land showcases Mikkelsen’s ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters, enhancing the storytelling experience.
In conclusion, The Promised Land is a story of ambition and self-discovery set in 1755 Denmark. Arcel’s return to the Danish film industry after his Hollywood experience allowed for a more personal and fulfilling filmmaking process. The challenges of financing and budget were overcome through meticulous planning and the efficiency of the Danish film industry. While the film took creative liberties with historical accuracy, it remained faithful to the spirit of the book and its themes. Mads Mikkelsen’s powerful performance adds a layer of depth to the film, making it a must-see for audiences.
