Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or just a casual movie fan, Icelandic superstar Björk – and *Vogue Scandinavia'*s latest cover star – is a sight not to be missed. Discover here all the obvious (and not so known) times the artist graced our silver screens
Björk’s career as an artist is as magical and unique as the Northern Lights themselves. While the Icelandic superstar is known for her music and eccentric looks, every once in a while she puts down the makeup and the accessories and steps into the shoes of characters made to fit universes of their own. From her cameo as the Seeress in the anticipated The Northman film, to the suitably witchy '90s fantasy The Juniper Tree, these are all the times Björk has made a welcome appearance on our screens.
The Northman (2022)
Björk as Seeress
The action movie, which follows a young Viking prince on his quest to avenge his father's murder, showcased the Icelandic star’s participation with a one-line, six-second scene, during its first trailer and immediately had the internet itself head over heels. “Remember for whom you shed your last teardrop,” said Björk’s character in a menacing way while looking like what can only be described as the reiteration of the most haunting of earth witches. A wheat and shell headdress and black, bloody tears made for a single iconic moment that only left us wanting more.
Dagvaktin - 1 episode (2008)
Björk as Sérstakur gestur
Dagvaktin is the sequel of the popular Icelandic comedy series Næturvaktin. The original show follows the life and events of the night shift employees of a local hotel in a barren area in the northwestern area of Iceland. In Dagvaktin, which roughly translates to ‘Day Shift’, night comes to an end and the main characters are hired to work the daytime roles of the hotel, Björk guest-starring in one of the comedic episodes.
Drawing Restraint 9 (2005)
Björk as Occidental Guest
In Drawing Restraint 9, an experimental film project by visual artist Matthew Barney, Björk embarks alongside Barney on a Japanese whaling vessel in an attire that seems to prepare her for a special wedding ceremony. Mixing fantasy and reality (in real life the pair were partners and have a kid together), the film showcases the ship's crew constructing a mould for a lozenge-shaped symbol while the captain regales the Westerners with tales of the ship's history. The soundtrack to the film is composed by Björk.
Björk attending the 'Dancer in the Dark' premiere in 2000.
Björk at the 'Drawing Restraint' premiere in 2005. Photo: Getty
Dancer in the Dark (2000)
Björk as Selma Ježková
Dancer in the Dark is a musical drama film written and directed by Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier. In it, Björk plays the role of Selma Ježková, a Czech immigrant factory worker who is suffering from a degenerative eye condition and is working to save for a surgery that would prevent her young son from suffering the same fate. Throughout the film one follows along with Selma’s life tragedies that further her away from her end goal, only to end with the worst fate of them all.
Prêt-à-Porter (1994)
Björk as Model (uncredited)
Also known as Ready to Wear, Prêt-à-Porter is an American satirical comedy-drama film that seems to be a reiteration of the classical phrase ‘a series of unfortunate events’. The film follows the lives, and tragedies, of a series of strangers who are all centred around the event of the season, Paris Fashion Week. While Björk’s role in the film is small and uncredited, if one pays close attention she can be seen as one of the models in the fashion scenes.
Movie still from 'Dancer In the Dark'.
Björk on the set of 'Prêt-à-Porter' in 1994. Photo: Getty
The Juniper Tree (1990)
Björk as Margit
A fantasy and magical film from the year 1990, The Juniper Tree tells the story of Margit (Björk) and her older sister, Katla. The sisters, who are forced to flee their homeland in Iceland after their mother is killed for practicing witchcraft, need a place to stay so Katla casts a spell on a young farmer named Jóhann which makes him fall in love with her. Throughout the film, Margit’s mother appears in visions, aiding Margit in the battle against her sister’s witchcraft.
Broken Glass (1988)
Björk’s first acting job consisted of an Icelandic TV movie that showcases a horror love story of a teenage girl that is taken against her will from her dysfunctional home by the authorities and moved to an isolated and strict religious institution. There she and other girls her age are kept imprisoned and harassed sexually. The film is loosely inspired by a true case involving the Salvation Army that became very controversial in the country two decades earlier.
Movie still from 'The Juniper Tree'. Photo: Arbelos Films
On the set of 'Broken Glass'.