Review of Dogville (2003) by Abdallah F — 25 Apr 2010

Dogville is one of those experimental films that works on all levels. It garnered much criticism and dislike as well as acclaim after its premiere (Characteristic of Lars Von Trier) and one can see why. It is at once both outrageous and thought provoking. While the actions of the characters are at times shocking it's the filmmaker's general outlook on humanity and the questions he asks that are the most off-putting. Despite these sometimes cruel intentions, Dogville is nevertheless a strange and wonderful film, albeit powerful, for many reasons.

The acting, not just Nicole Kidman's revelatory performance, is top-notch. Not only are the character's acted with visceral integrity, but they are done in a realm between film and stage performance, something that could only have provided a challenge for them. The world in which they act is the centerpiece of the film. While it is a huge symbolic gesture it also adds much of the character to the film, making it something unlike I have ever seen before. Lars navigates through this world with skill, implementing handheld techniques during most of the film while resorting to smooth, overhead shots during much of the narration.

When this film ended I had no idea that almost three hours had passed; I was so engrossed by what I saw on the screen that time flew by. While I know some people didn't share my interest, I can only say that for myself, this was one of the best films I've seen in the past few years. It's a truly remarkable feat accomplished by a brilliant director. Be open-minded going in and you will reap the wonderful benefits.