Review of Dogville (2003) by Scott W — 11 Jul 2013
Lars Von Trier knows how to inflict pain like no other director out there. Filmed like a sparsley set stage play, this international all-star cast dishes out as much emotional havoc as you can eat. This is a philosophically and politically charged piece, and Von Trier doesn't hide his hatred for America at all.
(a view I don't share) This is not the first film of his to deal with the consequences of a kind heart, (see: the vastly superior "Breaking the Waves") but it IS the most brutal. This is the most heart-wrenching tale of the loss of innocence and optimism that I've ever seen.
As a side note, this bleak, bleak story is told with an unusual shade of whimsy and fairy tale composition as narrated by John Hurt. Frankly, I could listen to that man read stereo instructions for 10 hours and be happy about it.
(Check out his collaboration with Jim Henson as "The Storyteller" if you're curious) Watch this film at your own risk. I'll be checking out the sequel (Manderlay) tomorrow.
This review of Dogville (2003) was written by Scott W on 11 Jul 2013.
Dogville has generally received very positive reviews.
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