Dogville
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Harriet Andersson, Jean-Marc Barr, Lauren Bacall, Nicole Kidman, Paul BettanyBrand: Lions Gate
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 178 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-08-24
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
Product features:
- DVD Details: Actors: Nicole Kidman, Harriet Andersson, Lauren Bacall, Jean-Marc Barr, Paul Bettany
- Directors: Lars von Trier
- Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC. Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only)
- Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1; Number of discs: 1; Studio: Lions Gate
- DVD Release Date: August 24, 2004; Run Time: 178 minutes
Movie Reviews of Dogville
Movie Review: Applicable in any way, no matter who you are.
Summary: 5 Stars
I will open my review of 'Dogville' with a quote from play writer and director Bertolt Brecht:
"Estrangement (verfremdung) means to historicize, that is, consider people and incidents as historically conditioned and transitory... The spectator will no longer see the characters on stage as unalterable, uninfluencable, helplessly delivered over to their fate. He will see that his man is such and such, because circumstances are such. And circumstances are such, because man is such. But he in turn is conceivable not only as he is now, but also as he might be-- that is, otherwise-- and the same holds true for circumstances. Hence, the spectator obtains a new attitude in the theatre... He will be received in the theatre as the great 'transformer,' who can intervene in the natural processes and the social processes, and who no longer accepts the world but masters it."
Director Lars von Trier's masterful, however incendiary human drama is reflective of Brecht's theory of verfremdung, or estrangement. Many have complained not only of its striking parallels to the United States of America, but also of its lack of upfront emotion, emphasized by John Hurt's perfect narration. But it is meant to be this way, since von Trier barrows from Brecht's theory, and I think it not only strengthens the film's emotional involvement, but also cancels out any complaints of some sort of lowly attack on Americans, because it becomes far more universal.
Even the subtitle is eerily personal: "In a town not far from here..." I believe this is meant to establish that the town in the film may be set in Colorado, but is really meant to be psychologically placed by the viewer to wherever he or she feels it is applicable (hence Brecht's theory, once again, since it leaves the connection and action to the viewer who may alter his or her perception of the characters, setting and situation to however he or she wants). The film is also divided up into nine segments beginning with a prologue, each complete in its own right.
What is incredible is that this reflection of "verfremdung" extends through every aspect the film, from its writing, to its performances, and most importantly to its sets. They are sparse, contrasting with von Trier's earlier films, leaving the walls off of the houses, the dogs off of the streets, and resorting items like these to mere chalk marks so that we may fill in the details as the story unfolds in our minds.
Essentially, the story of 'Dogville' concerns a woman named Grace (Nicole Kidman) who is running from the mob for reasons unknown to the citizens of Dogville, Colorado. They agree to keep her as a result of Tom Edison, Jr.'s (Paul Bettany) persuasion. Progressively, Grace's trust is gained and then lost, despite her efforts, and as the police swing by again and again, they then chain her to a large rusted piece of metal and she is prostituted by the men of the town, all the while working through the day for the villagers, who are frightened, projecting this fear through vilifying Grace's very humanity. This all ends chaotically, and we are meant to decide for ourselves what this film means, how and if it applies to us, what von Trier's objectives were, and finally, how we should react.
This explains why there is such a divide among critics and viewers. It is so easily crafted to your own psyche that your view will immediately reflect your opinions of the current state of this world, which the film is so obviously about in addition to human goodness, only further explaining why so many believe it is a direct attack on Americans only, though it is far more than just that (however, I never said that wasn't a part of its message).
The performances are virtuoso in that they flawlessly comply with the combination of Brecht's theory and von Trier's emotional rawness. They are at times real and toned down, so that we can also absorb them into our minds and complete them ourselves.
The standout is Nicole Kidman, who should receive an Acadamy Award nomination for her work, but probably won't considering how challenging 'Dogville' is as a whole, and the fact that it was released so early in the year. You feel for her interpretation of Grace, even though she is held at such a distance. Her eyes allow us to travel into her mind and assimilate her pains and her desire to somehow requite the misery her company has so willingly inflicted upon her. I began to feel the horror, as well as the towns malignancy within her inner being. It is probably Kidman's best performance to date. She has always been able to bring nuance to a wide variety of vulnerable characters, and this is when I've seen her give the most complete version of that particular persona.
Also notable were Paul Bettany and Patricia Clarkson, who both add an astounding array of dimensions to two characters who have more prominence in the film than the rest of the supporting cast. They allow us to understand them, as well, no matter their actions.
Ultimately, von Trier has achieved his goal with 'Dogville.' It is his strongest work to date, and has left me contemplating whether or not it is a masterpiece, because it is one of the few films in recent years that attempts to capitalize and reflect the fears, needs and opinions of our time. Further more, it is a most visionary piece, not only visually but emotionally. It allows us to discuss and think about it for weeks, and offers interesting insight into a European view of our world. Though I feel most may immediately reject the film as sick propaganda, take the time to consider the layers von Trier has so masterfully embedded into it. If you do so, I can't guarantee you will still admire the film, but you will have gained much more out of it. In fact, I think it may be impossible to avoid its visceral qualities. In other words, give it a chance. It is all about who you are. Referring back to Brecht's theory, you are allowed to influence and alter, making this film your own.
Summary of Dogville
DOGVILLE - DVD MovieThe latest galvanizing and controversial film from Lars von Trier (Dancer in the Dark, Breaking the Waves, The Kingdom), Dogville uses ingenious theatricality to tell the Depression-era story of Grace (Nicole Kidman, The Others), a beautiful fugitive who stumbles onto a tiny town in the Rocky Mountains. Spurred on by Tom (Paul Bettany, Master and Commander), who fancies himself the town's moral guide, the citizens of Dogville first resist Grace, then embrace her, then resent and torment her--little realizing they will pay a price for their selfish brutality. The town is indicated by fragments of building and chalk outlines on a soundstage floor, stylishly pointing to the movie's roots in classic plays (particularly Thornton Wilder's Our Town and Friedrich Durrenmatt's The Visit). Several critics have stridently attacked Dogville as anti-American, but the movie's dark, compelling view applies as easily to Rwanda, Bosnia, the Middle East, or pretty much anywhere in the world. Also featuring Lauren Bacall, Patricia Clarkson, Jeremy Davies, Stellan Skarsgārd, Chloe Sevigny, and many more. --Bret Fetzer
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