Review of Breaking the Waves (2014) by Maxwell D — 29 Jul 2008

Wow. This is what film is about. This a consummate work of art, featuring a haunting story that challenges the viewer and tackles issues such as religion, sex, love and dependency. I am in such complete envy that Von Trier could take such a simple concept of a story and make it so intricate.

The Dogme 95 influenced style of directing, cinematography, and editing lends quite a bit to the delivery of the message, and transports the viewer right in the middle of the intensity gathering all the love and despair that the film contains.

Emily Watson puts on one of the best performances I have ever seen, and completely surrenders herself to the character Bess. It's a performance that evokes both Gena Rowlands in A Woman Under The Influence and Giulietta Masina in La Strada, but at the same time stands on its own.

I should also mention how Von Trier uses the soundtrack in this film to perfection, allowing it to come in and out at the right time, and showing you don't need some intricate string arrangement to evoke chills.

This is one of those rare movies where I wish there was like this 6th star on flixster that I could fill in. Perfect as cinema gets.