Review of Breaking the Waves (2014) by Bill T — 04 Mar 2013
Lars von Trier has shown a consistent ability to write compelling lead female characters throughout his career. Not only that but the casting and performance is often spot on too. Nicole Kidman, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Bjork have all put in career high performances under von Trier's direction.
Breaking the Waves is no different, Emily Watson is superb as Bess McNeill and the film really hangs on her performance. Von Trier's characters, while interesting, are no less controversial and McNeill encapsulates this.
She shows strength of conviction and independence but her character is underpinned and undone by a fierce loyalty and ultimately a reliance on her husband. The fact that she shows her loyalty by debasing herself is where the obligatory von Trier controversy kicks in.
Like most of von Trier's work, this isn't for everybody but for me this is one of his strongest films. Cool soundtrack too.
This review of Breaking the Waves (2014) was written by Bill T on 04 Mar 2013.
Breaking the Waves has generally received positive reviews.
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