Review of Dogville (2003) by Sarantopoulos K — 31 Jul 2010

Despite the harsh critism and the risky (yet challenging) formula 'DOGVILLE' is a prime example of avant-garde filmmaking in this century, a triumph of cinematic artwork which truly pushed every boundaries over the edge.

The acclaimed danish film director Lars Von Trier has been known so long ago as 'an experimentalist' ever since his breakout hit 'europa'(or zentropa for north america release) dazzled tons of viewers worldwide. 'The Idiots' and even 'Anti-Christ' are a showcase of well-directed experimental movie and how it should have a "secret and disguised power (underneath the storyline)" to affect the audiences which in this case, he was always able to pull that off! Including and especially for the 2003 movie which starred with a bunch of A-list stars such as Nicole Kidman (which is extremely marvelous), James Caan and Lauren Bacall entitled 'Dogville' (as first part of "USA : Land Of Opportunity" trilogy"). In this picture, Von Trier really had revealed his 'natural magic' to create an amazing piece of work which consisted of meticulously poetic script, tour-de-force performances and primacy of directing skill. The whole film is set on a stage-like location (which is suggested to be somewhere in US)- that in a sense, kind of remind me with a stage play in big theatre company -. Storyline runs and follow a tale of quiet and peaceful township named 'Dogville' which inhabited by only few citizens that interact with tolerance and solidarity to each other until a female fugitive named Grace (Kidman) arrived then changed their faith forever.

It must need a courage and (super)confidence to have decided making a movie like this one and again only Von Trier who were able to go on with his distinctive mind-set of filmmaking. Seriously, TWO-THUMBS UP! 10 out of 10 stars for von trier and his effort to show a magnificent breakthrough with his work.

(note : the ending is just simply superb).