Review of Epidemic (1987) by Tor M — 01 Aug 2015

One of Lars von Triers oldest flicks, I believe it's his second full lenght after "The Elements of Crime". This film is the second part of a trilogy called "Europa", but it's not very connected too the mentioned film accept that there is some sort of plague going on.

There are some interesting methods of film making here. Near to be shot in black and white - maybe it is actually, but the filter makes it looks different in any case. We follow some film makers as they create the plot of a plague. We also se parts of the result - or the way they want it too look. Full of style and simple elegancy, but it's also a borefest. Even with a very low budget it could entertain a lot more.

A "movie-in-a-movie" in a way, but more a fake documentary of low budget film-making.

I see some "Riget" connections, but mostly I see some moves that Trier probably make when he's putting his films together. Interesting, but not at interesting as it should be.

A very powerful ending scene does not save this avant-garde film that got very few highlights. It will be remembered as a boring mess with some neat finesses.

4 out of 10 toothpaste operations.