Review of Manderlay (2005) by Will C — 12 Jun 2007

In Lars von Trier's first sequel to 'Dogville', we follow Grace (now played by Bryce Dallas Howard) and her father (Willem Dafoe) to Alabama, where at the plantation of Manderlay slavery still persists despite the Emancipation Proclamation of seventy years ago.

Ever a stickler for human rights, Grace immediately sets about her campaign to liberate the slaves but, as in Dogville, her presence becomes increasingly problematic. Like its predecessor the film is laid out in a deceptively simple series of 'chapters' concealing an intricate subtext; the script is packed with subtleties that culminate with stealth towards the finale, and no strings are left dangling in the process.

The cast is captivating, too; Howard does a superb job of filling Nicole Kidman's shoes as a different but equally fascinating Grace, while Danny Glover's complex performance as Wilhelm is likely to evoke an array of conflicting emotions; Isaach de Bankole is also effective as 'proudy' Timothy, the mysterious object of Grace's desires.

Once again the stage-set serves its prime purpose of obliterating all visual distraction, meanwhile, and John Hurt's commentary is icily provocative. 'Manderlay' is undeniably a difficult film to watch - and, like me, you may find yourself more than a little uncomfortable with its conclusions, which are arguably even grimmer than 'Dogville''s.

Whether or not you agree with von Trier's worldview, however, it's hard to deny this film's cinematic merits.