Vidkun Quisling’s Life Could Become Film

His name is synonymous with that of a traitor, and he was convicted for treason and executed after cooperating with the Germans during World War II. But who was really Vidkun Quisling? A manuscript is in the works for a new film about his life.

"He was a very interesting character. It has been intriguing to try to understand and see the world through the eyes of Quisling, how he could do what he did," Ekeberg told NRK. He has received support form the Norwegian Film Institute to write the script.

Ekeberg’s intention is neither to demonize Quisling, nor to portray him as an evil antagonist in the film. "I do not think he is sympathetic, and the politics he represented are condemnable, but I understand why he thought his actions were right at the time," says Ekeberg.

He describes the film as both character drama and tragedy. Quisling was a man with great qualities, but also great weaknesses, Ekeberg explains. "He wasn’t in tune with his own time. He took a big leap, and hoped to become Norway’s savior." Quisling’s goal was to create peace and keep Norway’s independence by having a Norwegian rule in what he thought had become a new German-governed Europe.

Ekerberg’s film aims to take the viewers on a journey through Quisling’s life, and will not label him as either hero nor villain. The film is the first to be made only about Quisling, and according to Ekeberg it will give viewers a closer look at his personal life than what has been done before in books, theater and exhibitions.

One of the areas Ekeberg will focus on is Quisling’s close relationship with Hitler. He was one of few people that visited Hitler, up to 12 times between 1939 and 1945, and all the attention made Quisling feel confident that he could have a greater impact when speaking on behalf of Norway in Germany and Berlin.

It’s now been 66 years since Quisling was convicted of treason. "It may have been easier to not tell his story," Ekeberg says, referring to uncomfortable reminders such as Quisling not being the only Norwegian that sided with the Germans.

"The difference between right and wrong is not often as obvious as it appears in retrospect," he concludes.

(NRK)

Julie Ryland

Tuesday, 15 November 2011 08:04