Isadora Bjarkardottir Barney, the daughter of Icelandic singer Björk and avant-garde artist Matthew Barney, has carved a unique path in the world of acting and music. By the age of 10, she knew she wanted to act, taking theatre classes at her private school in New York. Now, at 22, she has landed her first lead role in Asthildur Kjartansdottir’s film The Mountain, a poignant story of family grief.
In her latest role, Barney plays Anna, a teenage girl navigating the complexities of her father’s emotional collapse while dealing with her own life choices. The film explores themes of loss, family, and the burden of expectations. Barney’s performance is complemented by her musical talents, as she contributes to the film’s soundtrack with her own compositions.
Growing Up in Two Worlds
Isadora, affectionately known as Doa, grew up splitting her time between New York and Reykjavik following her parents’ split in 2013. This bicultural upbringing has deeply influenced her identity. “My Icelandic side is different from my American one,” she explains. “There is a reason why certain languages develop in certain places. It’s like it’s cold, so whatever you’re feeling, just spit it out because it’s too cold to stand out here and chew the fat!”
Her dual heritage is reflected in her work and personal life, as she juggles various roles from working in a record shop to music production. This adaptability is a hallmark of the Icelandic spirit, where versatility is often a necessity.
The Mountain: A Story of Loss and Discovery
In The Mountain, Barney’s character, Anna, is a young musician on the brink of success. Her father, Atli, a former punk band member, and her mother, Maria, a science teacher and astronomer, represent different worlds that Anna must navigate. Maria’s discovery of a comet becomes a metaphor for the unspoken tensions within the family.
Tragedy strikes when Maria dies during a solitary trip to the family’s mountain cabin, leaving Anna and Atli to grapple with their grief and guilt. Anna’s journey is further complicated by the revelation of her pregnancy, adding another layer of complexity to her character’s development.
“I think Anna’s teetering carefully on multiple precipices,” Barney reflects. “There is that sense of helplessness in her situation, which is something we all sometimes want to succumb to.”
From Last-Minute Casting to Leading Role
Interestingly, Barney was a last-minute addition to the cast of The Mountain. Her previous work with director Robert Eggers in The Northman showcased her ability to handle demanding roles. In that film, she played a Viking slave named Melkorka, a role that required both acting and singing skills.
Eggers, who co-wrote The Northman with Icelandic poet Sjón, was introduced to Barney through her mother, Björk. Despite the familial connection, Barney’s talent secured her the role, proving she was not merely a product of her parents’ fame.
The Challenges and Rewards of Artistic Life
Barney’s journey reflects the broader challenges faced by those pursuing a career in the arts. “There isn’t a career path that’s pre-written if you’re committed to a life in the arts,” she notes. This uncertainty is both daunting and liberating, allowing her to explore various creative avenues without being confined to a single trajectory.
Her story is one of resilience and adaptability, qualities that resonate with many young artists today. As she continues to evolve as an actress and musician, Isadora Bjarkardottir Barney remains a testament to the power of embracing one’s heritage while forging an independent path.
As she looks to the future, Barney is poised to continue making waves in the entertainment industry, drawing on her rich cultural background and diverse experiences to inform her art. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others navigating the complexities of identity and creativity in a rapidly changing world.
