Review of Dogville (2003) by Luba S — 13 Nov 2010

Although it's suppose to be a commentary on the dark side of small town America, I think this point is lost in the end. It's not an American, after all, but a universal temptation to exploit the vulnerable - and this is really what the film is about.

Grace, the main character, is like a biblical angel who puts to test the good will of a small town by putting herself in their hands. The question is not whether the town will fail, but whether Grace will be able to forgive them their trespasses or avenge the suffering they've inflicted.

The story and its universal theme is really very good, but the presentation of it was, in my opinion, annoying. Other people love the theatrical staging of it, and I wouldn't have minded it either - in the theatre.

But when I watch a movie I want it to appeal to my senses! And I want the director to use all the resources he can to make it a great movie. This story would have been better told in a book or theatre, but the way Von Trier presented it in his film was ultimately disappointing.

I think he chose to film it this way not because it was the best way to do it but just because it was different. And different isn't always better. Also, it was just too long for that format. The story's got to be a lot more visual and stimulating than that if it has to hold our interest for 3 hours.

That being said, Nicole Kidman and the rest of the very impressive cast were amazing. Writing and acting were great, direction was not.