Von Trier conjured up a real piece of mastery when he wrote and directed 'Dogville'. I am saying this not because of its sheer brilliance of dialogue, its strength of meaning and pure excellence of acting but due to its consummate originality. I, for one have really been screaming out for an end to mainstream cinema's absurd obsession with beautiful sets, gorgeous cinematography and awful lighting arrangements and the constant rehashing of worn-out themes and ideas. Too often directors neglect what the true fundamentals of a film; an intelligent script with discernible characters, an original, yet basic idea which does not need to be dressed up to convey any true power.
Von Trier has funnelled his energies into a film that really astounds and disturbs. It does not, like many films, eschew genuine moral revelation. It stays dedicated to its aims, stubbornly refusing to deviate from its purpose.
To be more specific; Dogville is a story focusing on the attractive and seemingly innocent fugitive, Grace. She is found one night by a young man who refuses a handsome reward in order to protect this intriguing woman. Consequentially, Grace undergoes various phases to integrate herself into the community of Dogville; and at first it seems that she has succeeded. However, appearances are not all what they seem in Dogville and Grace must find out the hard way how the moral systems and beliefs work in small town U.S.A.
Von Trier poses many difficult and elaborate questions to first its characters, and then to his audience. Firstly the moral plethora of small town life would it be in America or in the world; would you be so impartial to actually admit that you would not act in the same manner as Dogville's denizens when they decide to revoke their earlier pledges? Would you be as vindictive and unforgiving had similar circumstances afflicted yourself? Would you not also consider the darkness in the recesses of your own soul and heart? Without impartiality you will never achieve any sort of edification from this film. It is not benign, or unrelenting in any form. Therefore be warned, its coda is not going to ascertain any form of comforting truths of human nature. Disturbing and morbid, yet truly classy and philosophical. Watch it now and learn something about yourself.
Von Trier has funnelled his energies into a film that really astounds and disturbs. It does not, like many films, eschew genuine moral revelation. It stays dedicated to its aims, stubbornly refusing to deviate from its purpose.
To be more specific; Dogville is a story focusing on the attractive and seemingly innocent fugitive, Grace. She is found one night by a young man who refuses a handsome reward in order to protect this intriguing woman. Consequentially, Grace undergoes various phases to integrate herself into the community of Dogville; and at first it seems that she has succeeded. However, appearances are not all what they seem in Dogville and Grace must find out the hard way how the moral systems and beliefs work in small town U.S.A.
Von Trier poses many difficult and elaborate questions to first its characters, and then to his audience. Firstly the moral plethora of small town life would it be in America or in the world; would you be so impartial to actually admit that you would not act in the same manner as Dogville's denizens when they decide to revoke their earlier pledges? Would you be as vindictive and unforgiving had similar circumstances afflicted yourself? Would you not also consider the darkness in the recesses of your own soul and heart? Without impartiality you will never achieve any sort of edification from this film. It is not benign, or unrelenting in any form. Therefore be warned, its coda is not going to ascertain any form of comforting truths of human nature. Disturbing and morbid, yet truly classy and philosophical. Watch it now and learn something about yourself.