On 22 July 2011, the world watched in horror as Norway experienced one of the deadliest attacks in its history.
The chilling tragedy left an indelible mark on the country and the world, and it has since been the subject of various media adaptations, including a movie and a book.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the movie, book, and impact of Norway’s chilling tragedy, as well as provide insights into the key characters, film locations, and other aspects of this harrowing story.
When and where 22 July takes place
The events of 22 July occurred on the eponymous date in 2011, when a lone terrorist, Anders Behring Breivik, carried out two attacks in Norway.
The first attack occurred in Oslo, where Breivik detonated a car bomb, killing eight people and injuring more than 200.
He then proceeded to the island of Utí¸ya, where he massacred 69 people, most of them teenagers attending a summer camp organized by the Norwegian Labour Party.
The attacks shocked the world and left a deep scar on Norway, a country known for its peaceful and inclusive society.
A brief overview of the book “One of Us: The Story of a Massacre in Norway — and Its Aftermath” by í…sne Seierstad
í…sne Seierstad, an award-winning Norwegian journalist, authored the book “One of Us: The Story of a Massacre in Norway — and Its Aftermath,” published in 2013.
The book presents a detailed account of the events leading up to the tragic day and delves into the lives of the victims, survivors, and the perpetrator, Anders Behring Breivik.
Seierstad’s thorough research and journalistic approach provide a riveting and heart-wrenching narrative that helps readers understand the complexity of the tragedy and its aftermath.
Summary of the movie “22 July” directed by Paul Greengrass
The movie “22 July,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Greengrass, was released in 2018.
Based on Seierstad’s book, the film focuses on the events of the attacks and their aftermath, giving viewers an insight into the lives of the survivors and the grieving families.
The movie also delves into the trial of Breivik, played by Anders Danielsen Lie, and the questions that arose in its wake.
Greengrass’s signature style, which includes the use of handheld cameras and a fast-paced narrative, adds a sense of urgency and realism to the film, making it a gripping and thought-provoking watch.
Who’s who: Key characters and their roles
In both the book and the movie, the key characters include the perpetrator, Anders Behring Breivik, and the various victims and survivors of the attacks.
Breivik is portrayed as a deeply disturbed individual, driven by his extreme right-wing ideology and a desire for notoriety.
The movie also features several real-life survivors, such as Viljar Hanssen, played by Jonas Strand Gravli, who was shot five times on Utí¸ya but miraculously survived, and Lara Rashid, portrayed by Seda Witt, who lost her sister and friends in the attack.
The film also depicts the efforts of the first responders, investigators, and legal teams involved in the case.
Parent guide: What to expect and how to discuss with your children
“22 July” is a heavy and intense film, depicting scenes of violence and loss.
It is rated R, which means it is intended for mature audiences and may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Parents should be aware of the graphic content and be prepared to discuss the themes of the movie with their children.
It is essential to address the importance of tolerance, inclusion, and the dangers of extremist ideologies.
Film locations: A travel guide to visit 22 July settings
The movie “22 July” was filmed on location in Norway, with some scenes shot in and around Oslo and others in the picturesque region of Western Norway.
The government center in Oslo, where the car bomb was detonated, and Utí¸ya island, where the massacre took place, are both featured in the movie.
While visiting these locations can be an emotional experience, they serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Other film locations, such as the scenic fjords and charming villages, showcase the natural beauty of Norway and provide a stark contrast to the darkness of the events portrayed in the movie.
The soundtrack by Sune Martin: Impact on the movie’s atmosphere
The soundtrack for “22 July” was composed by Danish musician Sune Martin.
The score is subtle yet powerful, helping to create an atmosphere of tension and suspense throughout the film.
The music also serves to highlight the emotional weight of the story, with somber and haunting melodies accompanying the more dramatic scenes.
Martin’s soundtrack adds an additional layer of depth to the movie, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Memorable quotes from 22 July
“22 July” is a film that leaves a lasting impression, not only because of its harrowing subject matter but also because of its poignant and thought-provoking dialogue.
Some memorable quotes from the movie include:
- “Fear won’t win. Fear won’t change us.”
- “We are a nation in shock, and our thoughts go to the victims and their families.”
- “You wanted to spread fear, but we responded with love.”
- “We will not be broken. We will fight for our democracy.”
These quotes serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Norwegian people in the face of tragedy and demonstrate the power of unity and compassion.
Curiosities and behind-the-scenes facts
“22 July” is a film that was meticulously researched and created with great attention to detail.
Some interesting behind-the-scenes facts about the movie include:
- Director Paul Greengrass spent considerable time in Norway, interviewing survivors, first responders, and legal teams to ensure the film’s accuracy.
- The movie was filmed using a predominantly Norwegian cast and crew.
- Some scenes were filmed on the actual island of Utí¸ya, which proved to be an emotionally charged experience for everyone involved in the production.
í…sne Seierstad: A closer look at her life and works
í…sne Seierstad is a Norwegian journalist and author who has gained international recognition for her work.
Born in 1970, she has reported from conflict zones around the worldand has authored several books, including “One of Us: The Story of a Massacre in Norway — and Its Aftermath.”
Seierstad’s writing is known for its journalistic integrity and attention to detail, and she has won numerous awards for her work.
In addition to her writing, Seierstad is a frequent commentator on issues related to politics and international affairs.
Her work has been translated into over 30 languages, and she continues to be a prominent voice in the world of journalism and literature.
Other media by Paul Greengrass: A brief overview
Paul Greengrass is a British filmmaker known for his work on several critically acclaimed movies, including “The Bourne Ultimatum,” “Captain Phillips,” and “United 93.”
In addition to “22 July,” he has also directed several other movies and documentaries that explore themes of political conflict and social injustice.
Greengrass’s signature style, which incorporates handheld cameras and a documentary-like aesthetic, has become a hallmark of his work, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation.
Similar media to 22 July and One of Us: Recommendations for further exploration
If you enjoyed “22 July” and “One of Us,” there are several other movies, books, and documentaries that explore similar themes.
Some recommendations include:
- “United 93,” a movie directed by Paul Greengrass that tells the story of the passengers and crew aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked on September 11, 2001.
- “I Am Not Your Negro,” a documentary that explores the life and work of James Baldwin, an African American writer and activist.
- “The Looming Tower,” a book by Lawrence Wright that examines the events leading up to the September 11 attacks.
- “The Act of Killing,” a documentary that explores the Indonesian genocide of the 1960s and its legacy in contemporary society.
The ending explained: Analyzing the conclusion of 22 July
The ending of “22 July” is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the film, highlighting the resilience and strength of the Norwegian people in the face of tragedy.
The movie ends with Viljar Hanssen, the survivor played by Jonas Strand Gravli, giving a moving speech about the importance of unity and solidarity.
The speech is followed by a montage of real-life images and footage from the aftermath of the attacks, including the outpouring of support and solidarity from people around the world.
The ending serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.
Possibilities of a remake, sequel, or spin-off
While there are currently no plans for a remake, sequel, or spin-off of “22 July,” the story of the tragedy and its aftermath continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
In the future, there may be opportunities to explore the story further, perhaps through a documentary or another adaptation of í…sne Seierstad’s book.
However, any future projects would need to be handled with sensitivity and respect for the real-life events and individuals involved.
Book club questions for “One of Us: The Story of a Massacre in Norway — and Its Aftermath”
If you are interested in exploring the themes of “One of Us” further, here are some book club questions to consider:
- What impact did the events of 22 July have on Norway and its people?
- How did the media coverage of the attacks shape public perception of the tragedy?
- What role did social media play in the aftermath of the attacks?
- How did the survivors and victims’ families cope with their grief and trauma in the aftermath of the attacks?
- What lessons can we learn from the events of 22 July about the dangers of extremism and the importance of inclusivity and tolerance?
A mano: A unique perspective on the 22 July tragedy
“A mano” is a phrase that means “by hand” in Spanish, and it is also the name of a project that explores the aftermath of the 22 July attacks from a unique perspective.
The project, created by artist Andrea Gjestvang and journalist Lars Helle, features a series of portraits of survivors and victims’ families, accompanied by their personal stories and reflections on the tragedy.
The project serves as a powerful reminder of the human impact of the attacks and the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of tragedy.
Video games inspired by or related to 22 July
While there are no video games directly based on the events of 22 July, several games explore themes of political conflict and social injustice.
Some recommendations include “This War of Mine,” a survival game set during the Siege of Sarajevo, and “Valiant Hearts: The Great War,” a puzzle game set during World War I.
These games provide a unique perspective on the human cost of war and the importance of compassion and empathy in times of crisis.
Conclusion: Reflecting on the impact of Norway’s chilling tragedy
The events of 22 July 2011 were a tragedy that shook Norway and the world to its core.
However, the response to the tragedy also demonstrated the resilience and strength of the Norwegian people and the power of community in times of crisis.
Through the movie “22 July,” the book “One of Us,” and other media adaptations, we can continue to explore the impact of the tragedy and learn important lessons about the dangers of extremism, the importance of inclusivity and tolerance, and the power of empathy and compassion.
