Review of Manderlay (2005) by Tom G — 26 Sep 2006

RATING (0 to ****): ****.

I had waiting in my Netflix queue, the original Italian version of "The Last Kiss", and "Il Mare". Interesting that what they send in place are one of the worst films I've ever seen (Irreversible)... and one of the best.

Even if you've never heard of Lars von Trier, "Dogville", or his odd style of filmmaking, you can read the concept for "Manderlay" and know instantly that this would have been very controversial if it weren't so unheard-of. What will infuriate more people than a 3-hour anti-American allegory, is a story that depicts liberating slaves as questionable.

Trier admitted this film was an allegory for US action in Iraq. However, the actions of Grace, who is far less a victim and far more an aggressor in this installment, can also be seen as a slam on the misguided nature of American liberalism.

I guess the point is, while Trier's USA trilogy is certainly politically-motivated, in the main film, the politics are open to interpretation. Combine that with his masterful storytelling and, in this film, an engaging, suspenseful nature which will shock you and leave you hanging throughout, and you have something that's accessible to those who couldn't disagree more with Trier's left-leaning politics.

As well, while many Hollywood films will unnecessarily and very blatantly lace political messages into their screenplays ("V for Vendetta" being the most obvious example [yes, I know, it's an anti-fascism film, but it would have been even better if it wasn't turned into an editorial], but also "Mission: Impossible III" and "Lord of War"), Lars von Trier has the decency to save his most blatant cheap shots for the end credits.

Hopefully, the plans to resume the currently-halted "Wasington" are true. Lars von Trier has created his two best films in this trilogy of his, and as "Manderlay" almost leaves a cliffhanger [it provides closure to the current story, don't worry. You'll want to see what happens next with our heroine, but it doesn't rudely cut to the credits as if to say "Ha ha ha, you MUST see the third movie!"].

In the character of Grace, much has changed from "Dogville". We've still got a good application of the word "arrogant", but we see far more of it here. In "Dogville", she was naive, and frequently fell victim to the town's cruel residents. However, in "Manderlay", she is far more responsible for what happens, and less of a victim. The change of casting was a good idea- Bryce Dallas Howard, brilliant in "The Village", makes this new angle of Grace even more convincing, than if they were to recast Nicole Kidman in the same role. Howard's interaction with Dafoe, as well, is wonderful and even humorous. While I enjoyed Caan's performance in "Dogville", Dafoe does so well in his role that I never missed him.

A film that I expected to be great, and I was still blown away. For those of you who were skeptical of a sequel to "Dogville", well, lay those fears to rest- not only has a worthy sequel been created, but a film superior to the original.

MPAA: Not Rated (would be R for a scene of strong sexuality/nudity, some violent images and brief strong language).

Running Time: 2 hours, 19 minutes (133 minutes of "real movie").