International Film - Volcano - Grapples with Practice of Euthanasia

     The film, Volcano, forces viewers to grapple with the heart wrenching issue of whether to place loved ones in nursing homes when they are totally incapacitated by illness, and whether euthanasia is a viable option when life has deteriorated to nothing but pain and suffering. Fisherman and school janitor, Hannes Grimstottir, the protagonist, played by Theodor Juliusson, has reached retirement age and is frustrated and alienated from his family, and emotionally detached from wife, Anna, actress, Margret Helga Johannsdottir, to whom he has been married for decades. Consumed by sadness, Hannes attempts suicide, but changes his mind. He escapes death again when his battered, but beloved family boat begins taking on water and he nearly drowns. The second near death experience compels him to bond with his grandson, and reestablish a relationship with his wife, depicted in a tender love scene. Shortly after their reconncection, she suffers a massive stroke which leaves her completely paralyzed and speechless.

     Hannes decides to care for Anna at home, against the wishes of his son, Ari (Porsteinn Bachmann), and his daughter Telma (Elma Lisa Gunnarsdottir), who both say he is only doing it because of guilt for treating her badly for so many years. As her condition deteriorates and she requires more and more drugs to calm her endless wailing which prevents her from sleeping and torments Hannes, he ends her life. Viewers empathize with Hanne's decision because his wife appears to be suffering tremendously, but also have to reconcile that he has essentially committed first degree murder. He is not able to take his own life, but makes the decision to end his wife's.


Hannes lies in bed alone after ending his wife's life
after she suffers a massive, debilitating stroke.

        Written and directed by Runar Runarrson, the movie employs the use of Mise en Scene cinematography to reinforce the melancholy tone of the story. It includes prolonged close-ups with no dialogue, blues and grays as the primary colors, and a few splashes of bright reds and yellows that attract the eye and signal changes in mood. Set in the Eldfjall volcanic region of Iceland, the movies uses the beauty of nature to symbolize Hanne's acceptance of his life and irrevocable decision as he stands atop a mountain  overlooking the   Atlantic Ocean, and in a closing scene, embraces his grandson.

     The film Volcano, is particularly relevant in view of the recent death of 83 year-old Dr. Jack Kevorkian, who spent eight years in prison because of his practice of euthanasia in which he assisted approximately 130 terminally ill patients in ending their lives. He was originally sentenced to 25 years, but was released early because of his own poor health and assurance to authorities that he would cease conducting assisted suicides. Dr. Kevorkian's story was showcased in the 2010 HBO movie, You Don't Know Jack, with Al Pacino in the lead role as the doctor.

     Euthanasia will surely remain a contentious issue for decades to come, and whether or not ending a person's life who is enduring unbearable pain and suffering is murder or compassion will be the driving question. Additionally, controversy will be generated around exactly how the practice should be carried out. Should it be a private matter as in the case of the character Hanne, and should a loved one be the one to actually end the life, or should it be done publicly under the guidance of someone else, perhaps a doctor or health care professional such as Dr. Kevorkian. The film leaves viewers with much to consider.