Customer Reviews

Dogville

5 star:		(114)
4 star:		(40)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(39)

 

 

Von Trier has never been to America and has been known to have said that he is afraid to visit the U.S. With this in mind, it seems a little audacious if not viciously self-indulgent to make a film about the ugliness of human nature set in an American village.

Critics have pounced on this feature of the movie, accusing von Trier of anti-Americanism. I feel such paranoid jibes completely miss the point: although Dogville is set in a fictional village in the Rockies during the Depression-era, it really could be any place, any time. It is anti-human-ugliness. The tagline reads "A quiet little town not far from here", and the sparse stage set reinforces that point. The viewer's imagination is meant to fill in the gaps, making Dogville their home town for nearly three hours.

The theme veers around Grace (Nicole Kidman) arrives, seeking shelter from pursuing gangsters, the natives are reluctant to help. With the assistance of a local 'philosopher' (played by Paul Bettany), she eventually persuades the inhabitants to relent, and they grant her a two week trial period. During the fortnight, she manages to win the villagers over by performing good deeds, but gradually they begin to take advantage of her kindness and the rot sets in.

This is an extremely long film, but it is definitely worth the effort. It is an allegory of staggering proportions, it deals with virtually every aspect of humanity and some of the most fundamental questions people can face, whilst maintaining a lightness of touch that makes the mental workout more than bearable. Did it have to be 3 hours? No. But nor did the Matrix or LOTR or the Titanic.

So empty the tank, order a pizza and coke, and settle down for 180 minutes of cinematic genius.

I've gone back and forth between thinking that this film is incredibly sick and incredibly brilliant. I still can't make up my mind, so all I can say is that is the most unique film I have ever seen: a very sick and amazing film, showing the darkness of the human heart when there are no rules to protect its victim. It starts out very slow, but gets good after 30 minutes (it is nearly 3 hours long). The violence of this film surpasses Pulp Fiction, but in a much more subtle way (if I was to say any more I would give the whole film away). The symbolism is worthy of analysis...a film student could write for days about what they see in this film...and afterwards, your mind will be racing and trying to make sense of it all. This is, in my opinion, the best work Nicole Kidman has ever done.

I knew that this film was not traditional before seeing it, but I didn't know how non-traditional it actually was. At first, the minimalist set was jarring, but eventually my imagination filled in everything else and I was used to it. In fact, it really made me focus on the characters and not space out by watching the scenery or focusing on some small detail on the set.

As far as the story goes, I don't claim to have understood all the subtext or the commentary it was making on American life, but I still enjoyed it. Probably like others who have seen it, I was rooting for Grace to take her revenge, but when she did I felt a little guilty for having wished it.

I guess that was part of the point of the film - we all have a little Dogville in us.

This is not a short movie, nor is it a glib movie. It's not easy to watch either. It is a well-acted, well-written, beautifully staged movie.
The fragility of Grace, the stupid condescension and arrogance of Tom and the thoughtless sheeplike behaviour of the townsfolk are so well portrayed that despite the minimal set, the viewer is pulled right into this mean old town.
This is not an anti-American movie. The fact that it has been called so says more about America than it does about the film. This movie is a global allegory for greed, fear and ignorance.

...and you gotta love the ending!!!

Dogville is a movie that will disappoint most conventional viewers--I myself came close to turning it off a few times. There are a number of reasons for this: its more like a play than a movie (the "set" is really a stage), its extremely long (nearly 3 hours), its heavy on dialog but lite on action, the plot unfolds at the same rate that grass grows, and it doesn't fit into any traditional movie genre. However, if you can wade through all that, you'll discover Dogville delivers a powerful thesis on human nature that has plenty of "bite". The story itself is about a beautiful, fragile woman on the run (Grace) and the town that "befriends" her. Of course, neither Grace or the town are quite what they appear to be. Like a mean dog, the town eventually turns on the pure-hearted Grace--while she struggles to maintain her dignity and ideals. Perhaps the most pathetic character is Tom, the town's erstwhile philosopher and full-time layabout, who has professed his love for Grace (and she for he). Despite his role as the town's moral compass, Tom stands idly by as Grace is increasingly humiliated, abused, and ultimately enslaved by his fellow townsfolk--so much for true love. As the movie reaches its climax, Grace suffers a final betrayal at Tom's hands and the town is exposed for what it is (the transparency of the set itself helps reinforce this point). With her faith in the goodness of humanity gone, Grace ends up embracing what she once shunned. Will Dogville survive? And should it? The ending is appalling, yet satisfying from both a cinematic and emotional standpoint, and a James Caan cameo provides the icing on the cake. If you want to see a movie that showcases the best & worst of human nature, I highly recommend Dogville.

I really admire love it or hate it movies. These projects may be just God-awful to some people, but I admire the bravado these films have in taking real risks where Hollywood is content to follow the Xerox copy formula.
Dogville represents a very theatrical point-of-view. Its style seems more at home on Masterpiece Theatre then the silver screen. This is what makes it all the more engaging to me. The stripped-bare quality lets you really become involved with the characters and the situation. If a real town would have been there, it would only serve to distract you from what von Trier knew all too well: a town is only the people who make it up. By removing the town walls, the characters are open to us at all times. Likewise, the barries they put to their souls are removed as well.
I didn't find Dogville to be really anti-American. Instead I found a universal message which is unsettling as it is true. "It's very easy for ordinary people to justify being horrific to other human beings."
Dogville is not for anyone who feels they have to be pulled into a movie. It is very much for the people who engage themselves.

Director Lars von Trier is one of the originators of Dogma 95, which espouses using natural settings and eschewing artificiality (props, sound effects). His two most well-known prior films are prime examples of the genre - "Dancer in the Dark" and "Breaking the Waves." What a shock "Dogville" is then, in which seemingly every aspect of Dogma 95 is violated!

Nicole Kidman stars as Grace, a young woman fleeing from gangsters who happens upon a small mountain town in 1930s America. The town hesitantly agrees to take her in, and they soon use her presence to their advantage. The conceit is the film's soundstage setting, in the manner of a play. The feeling it engenders is of "Our Town," only far more twisted. The obvious question is why von Trier would abandon Dogma 95 and direct one of the stagiest movies possible? Although an obvious answer is not forthcoming, even in his director's commentary, the format does have a noticeable benefit. Namely, the film is perhaps as universal in nature as imaginable, which seems to be a goal here.

Von Trier's abandonment of Dogma 95 undoubtedly irritated many. However, "Dogville" is likely to alienate people in other ways, specifically by being a 3 hour presentation of a rather simplistic parable. Is the film worthwhile, and who is likely to enjoy it? Well, I can think of relatively few audiences who are likely to actually "enjoy" the film. However, I certainly "appreciated" it - the film is mesmerizing at times because of its simplicity.

Of course, "Dogville" has an incredible cast: Nicole Kidman, Paul Bettany (looking far less frail than usual), Lauren Bacall, Bergman regular Harriet Andersson, Phillip Baker Hall, Patricia Clarkson, James Caan, Jeremy Davies, Stellan Skarsgard, and Chloe Sevigny. In addition, the film explores some important basic concepts of human nature, particularly the idea of arrogance, and many scenes are undeniably powerful. If you enjoy films that examine Big Issues, then "Dogville" will likely appeal to you.

The film was honored at numerous European film festivals, but largely ignored in the U.S. I don't think it's as skillfully made a film as "Dancer in the Dark," but "Dogville" is not to be missed by adventuresome moviegoers. Of interest, "Dogville" is the first of a pre-planned trilogy - "USA - Land of Opportunity." The second film, "Manderley" is in production and carries on the story of Grace, although played by Bryce Dallas Howard this time. Nicole Kidman was reportedly not able to star in "Manderley" because of scheduling conflicts. Can't wait for the sequel - Highly recommended.

`Dogville' is a unique look at human interaction. Set in the town of Dogville where the people live in close quarters away from the rest of the world a young woman, a stranger, named Grace (Kidman) comes to escape a group of gangsters seeking her. Tom (Bettany), who feels he needs to be the moral guide to the town, feels that accepting Grace into their lives and helping her will help the town build character. So, with all in agreement, they give her two weeks to prove herself no danger to the community, and so with the help from Tom she begins to prove herself by doing jobs here and then for the community.

This small town consisted of many different people, some who embrace Grace right off and others that warm up to her over time. There's Gloria (Harriet Andersson) who is in charge of ringing the bell to sound off every hour that passes, and there's the Henson household, Liz (Chloe Sevigny) the daughter who wants to get out of town, and Bill (Jeremy Davies) the son who dreams of a better education and a good career. There's Vera (Clarkson) and Chuck (Skarsgard), the couple with too many children and not enough love between them to make it work. There's Ben (Ivanek), a somewhat slow freight man who visits the house of ill repute on many occasions. And there's Tom and his father Tom Sr. (Philip Baker Hall) the doctor.

As Grace cowers to their every command they begin to accept her, that is until they deem her more costly then she's worth and start to abuse her friendship in order to make up the difference. Their cruelty turns to brutality, but it shows the selfishness in human nature. The film burns down to a brutal ending, a surprising and controversial ending that makes this tragic tale all the more real and important to the grown of society.

The film is shot in an interesting format; the set's set up as if watching a play, with everything open and exposed, no doors or walls, just a chalk outline on the floor to distinguish living arrangements. I found this a very interesting way to film the picture and felt it adds to the air that everything in this town is open and exposed to all, nothing hidden, nothing sacred but everything shared. Some have found this film offensive, but I find it inspiring. I find it truthful and important and courageous for it isn't shy about exposing the faults in human's but gives to a dramatic portrait of the worst in all of us.

The acting on the parts of the entire cast is subtle yet powerful, Nicole grabbing her character and becoming her, portraying her for who she is, not hiding anything from the viewer. Paul Bettany also does a great job adding depth to his character, showing pure hearted naivety. But it's Skarsgard and Clarkson to me that really stand out, delivering knock out performances that transformed them from actors into people. This film may not be for everyone, but everyone should experience it, at least once.

It's a full three hours long. It's depressing. It's a film about America from a Danish director who has never set foot in the United States. And it feels like a play that has been filmed because of its stark set. Yes, it's about a town but the audience only sees chalk marks where houses are supposed to be and the very most vague Styrofoam or wooden partially built sets. Everything, from the dialog to the narration to the titles on the screen is of the minimalist variety. It's the kind of film that holds controversy as its core and likely to be analyzed to death.

It does have star quality though. The voice is John Hurt, a narrator we never see. He's the storyteller, and moves along the action, interpreting things that the audience would be able to see for themselves if he just stopped talking. The scene is a small town named Dogville in 1920s America. There are 15 residents of the town -- all leading harsh and unhappy lives. Nicole Kidman seems to come out of nowhere, running from the mob. The town decides to hide her and she must win them over. At first they say they don't need help but little by little she does a service for each of them. She reads to a blind man, she baby-sits for a family's children, she works in an apple orchard, she weeds the gooseberries. At first they love her. Then they take her for granted. And then, when she tries to run away, they keep her captive. Eventually we see the ugly side of each of them. And, at the end, we see Nichole Kidman's ugly side too.

Certainly, this film was much much too long. It drove home its points over and over again. I wanted to scream "enough already"! It also shows the cruel side of human beings. It goes on and on. Too much! I hadn't realized a non-American director made it until the very end. And it was only later that I came to understand that he made this film to be particularly negative to Americans. That's funny. Because even though Dogville was set in America, it was clear to me throughout that it could have been set any place in the world. Negative and hurtful human beings are everywhere.

Some people will consider Dogville a work of art. It reminds me of some of the exhibits I've seen at the Guggenheim Museum and couldn't help but raise a quizzical eyebrow. The work might be articulated well, but the art comes straight from a sick and twisted mind. It left me disturbed and somewhat angry. However, I cannot say this was a bad film. It a way it was a work of genius. But it's not the kind of genius I either like or admire. Film buffs should see it for curiosity alone. All others should avoid it.

DOGVILLE is unlike almost any film you will see. Writer Director Lars von Trier once again has dared to pry open the truths concealed by conventional facades to examine the human condition, the plight of human survival in a world populated by intimidated individuals who only define their public identity by affiliating/identifying with the Norm. In so many ways this story with a Prologue and Nine Chapters is a morality play ad as such it is piercingly poignant and superbly constructed. This film is a minimalist film: the 'sets' are diagrammed lines on the floor, the props are spare, the action all taking lace on a sound stage that appears like a Joseph Cornell box.

The Depression Years in America, a time of gangsters, poverty and minimal communication of world events to the tiny towns on the Midwest. Dogville is a rural small town in the Midwest peopled by what appear to be good folk. Into this scene enters a beautiful girl on the run Grace (a luminous Nicole Kidman) who seems to be in flight from gangsters. The town's philosopher Tom (Paul Bettany in an extraordinary performance) finds Grace, hides her in the town's mineshaft (over the door is the inscription 'Speak the Truth'...), and convinces the townsfolk to harbor her. In exchange for this kindness Grace must do some work for each of them everyday as a gesture of good will. When the police come looking for Grace later, the townsfolk still protect her but the price is doubling the amount of work she must do in reparation. Slowly this town of kind appearing folk become wary of Grace, start lies about her, abuse her sexually and physically, and eventually fetter her as their prisoner. Tom advises her to address the townsfolk with the whole truth of how the individuals in the town, quite apart form acting as a group, have been secretly treating her: the truth will make you free sort of confession. From that point the story turns and the ending is so very powerful that even hinting at the last chapter would rob the audience of the incredible impact.

von Trier has gathered a cast of brilliant actors: in addition to Nicole Kidman and Paul Bettany, the cast includes Patricia Clarkson, Lauren Bacall, Ben Gazzara, Stellan Skarsgard, Chloe Sevigny, Harriet Andersson, James Caan, Phil Baker Hall, Jeremy Davies, and the eloquent off stage narrator John Hurt. Despite the length of the film (close to three hours) the tension never lapses. The only true criticism of the film is some very unnecessarily choppy editing. The musical score is haunting and the final credits (von Trier tastefully opens his film with no credits at all) are presented with many of the photographs of Dorothea Lange from her Depression Series, and photographs by other artists who show the effects of poverty throughout the world. It leaves you breathless. This film is a triumph, it calls for your involvement as a viewer, and it has lessons about morality and the individual's plight in an angry world. Highly Recommended.