Review of Manderlay (2005) by Tyler P — 29 Dec 2007

Grace, the gangster's daughter, from _Dogville_ , discovers slavery still in operation on a 1930s plantation and begins a grand experiment in liberation and democracy. The second part of Von Trier's "USA: Land of Opportunities" trilogy is mercifully shorter and more accessible than its predecessor, but also seems repetitive, both formally and thematically, of _Dogville_ while lacking in clearly delineated and developed characters.

For all its limitations, however, _Manderlay_ addresses the legacy of slavery and race in America with a boldness and intelligence that contemporary Hollywood altogether lacks. This is an unsettling, incisive, and provocative film--but one that ultimately seems a little confused as Von Trier attempts to skewer too many and diverse targets at once (how can one effectively pillory hypocritical liberal self-righteousness AND arrogant neo-con imperialism simultaneously?).

In an era of flaccid empty blockbusters and underachieveing indie self-satisfaction, this profoundly flawed work is still quite outstanding for dealing unblinkingly with a powerful subject.