Sunday, September 11, 2005
DOGMATIC
Today's film was one of the first 'dogma/ dagme' films from Lars Von Trier.
The style of the film, dogma, is not crucial to the result of the film but it does seem as though the technique is largely responsible for its impact. Does that sound contradictory?
I guess I mean that when you read about it, the dogma view of pure film seems to intrude on the idea of making a film. But, in viewing this, I was rarely conscious of a 'technique'. In retrospect, though, I can see that there is a lot about the naturalness of the work that enhances the great work of the players.
The film is about faith and explores its power both to liberate and oppress.
Emily Watson plays the main character Bess. She is 'touched'; a veteran of the mental ward. On the other hand, she is a brilliant force of life. Watson is incredible.
I really enjoyed this picture although, at times, it was hard to watch some of the tough parts. It is violent and unsparing in its view of the world. When things are hard, it does not gloss. That is where the technique may come in.
The ending is really something. Talk about resolution!
I am dithering.
It is a great film and I will give it a 5 out of 5.
You should really see this.
More about dogma? Go back to the link in the first line and go to the 'official site'. Run around in the site but be sure to go to the Manifesto and within that, the Vow of Chastity! You will learn all you need to know about the dogmatics.
This interview with Von Trier is also helpful in understanding that the dogma perfection is not really achievable. Like spiritual perfection, it is, nevertheless worth striving for. And, in the tension between the perfect and the imperfect, a tension arises that feeds creativity.
And so on.
Like a lot of things, this is probably horse shit but good horse shit.
