711 reviews
Tough. Once again Lars von Trier tortures the audience (as he did previously on Dancer in the Dark) by upraising the darkest side of the human being. From the beginning you know that things can only get worse, but I doubt that one can figure out neither what's to come nor the powerful conclusion. Nicole Kidman's interpretation is perfect - intense, poignant, passionate, you name it. She is fantastic and so is the small cast locked inside Dogville's scenario (a wonderful creation - I wonder how something so simple can bring such a strong effect). Again, the entire cast is fantastic and for that goes an extra credit for Lars von Trier. His capability of pushing actors to the limit and extracting painful emotions from them creates a heavy atmosphere, full of tension and, at the same time, so familiar. It is not that Dogville represents the essence of our communities, but it exposes some aspects of our lives that we prefer to hide under the carpet.
This is probably the most shocking movie experience I've ever had, not only because of the emotional impact, but because this is truly a moral-horror movie that slapped me in the face.
The film is probably one of the best moral tales ever told, in which Nicole Kidman and all the supporting cast shined. Why did the makers try to make it look incomplete? Why haven't they used more sophisticated production set rather than some made-believe structures directly exposing the film studio's interior environment to you? I didn't get it at first, thinking this might just be another pretending piece of crap that tried to be "artistic".
However as the story proceeded, the whole thing started to make senses. Featuring some of the best character study I've ever seen, the story involved you into the adventure of Grace, the main protagonist who's supposed to be despised by us logically and naturally. Then, the audiences were forced into a game that the filmmakers keep you guessing what would happen the next, until the very end.
The ending, in my opinion, is the most shocking and frightening ending ever seen in a film. Dogville is by no means marketed as a horror movie, but if one believes himself/herself to have the moral high ground, he or she should stand the test the movie has given us. For me, I chose to live with all the miseries happened to Grace and play along just like every other character in the story, "sh!t happens" as they say. This, has not only put me in shame but also freaked me out at the end. Considering the potential spoilers I would caused, I'd suggest you go see it for yourself.
With superb acting, very well plotted story and a shocking message for senseless societies, Dogville is easily a masterpiece.
The film is probably one of the best moral tales ever told, in which Nicole Kidman and all the supporting cast shined. Why did the makers try to make it look incomplete? Why haven't they used more sophisticated production set rather than some made-believe structures directly exposing the film studio's interior environment to you? I didn't get it at first, thinking this might just be another pretending piece of crap that tried to be "artistic".
However as the story proceeded, the whole thing started to make senses. Featuring some of the best character study I've ever seen, the story involved you into the adventure of Grace, the main protagonist who's supposed to be despised by us logically and naturally. Then, the audiences were forced into a game that the filmmakers keep you guessing what would happen the next, until the very end.
The ending, in my opinion, is the most shocking and frightening ending ever seen in a film. Dogville is by no means marketed as a horror movie, but if one believes himself/herself to have the moral high ground, he or she should stand the test the movie has given us. For me, I chose to live with all the miseries happened to Grace and play along just like every other character in the story, "sh!t happens" as they say. This, has not only put me in shame but also freaked me out at the end. Considering the potential spoilers I would caused, I'd suggest you go see it for yourself.
With superb acting, very well plotted story and a shocking message for senseless societies, Dogville is easily a masterpiece.
- honorhorror
- Nov 29, 2009
- Permalink
- Benedict_Cumberbatch
- Mar 2, 2006
- Permalink
When I started the movie and realized that it isn't really a movie, that it is more like a play and that there is really a lack of props and scenery I thought to myself, My God, what the heck did I buy???? I'm a huge fan of Nicole Kidman and she is the reason I bought it in the first place. The movie (or play), whatever u might wanna call it, drew me in and I couldn't stop watching. The end is so powerful, I was speechless. That's one of the best movies I have seen in a long, long, long, long time. I don't agree with the Anti-American comments I read here in some of the comments. Human emotions are all the same all over the world and this movie could have played in any country. Anyway, go watch this movie it's soooo worth it.
- claudio_carvalho
- Jul 6, 2004
- Permalink
Just awesome! First, the quasi-theatrical film adaptation with only one stage set... one is amazed at how well this works. In my opinion it is even more effective this way than with a conventional film adaptation.
The story itself is a brilliant lesson in human behavior.
The story itself is a brilliant lesson in human behavior.
- gouge_away
- Nov 28, 2004
- Permalink
The story of what happens when Nichole Kidman arrives in Dogville is either going to thrill you or strike you as one of the worst films of all time. There is no set to speak of, only lines on the ground so the film comes off as nothing more than a filmed stage play. And while John Hurt's narration adds a dimension of literary quality to the proceedings, proving this is probably a better movie to listen to then watch.
The performances are uniformly excellent across the board and those wishing to see great acting should see this... ...but the movie goes on way too long and ends up being one of the most bleak films in recent memory. I'm not sure what the point of it all is and any ideas I did have got lost with the three hour running time.
As I said you'll either love it or hate it - Me I'm in the five percent of people who'll be on the fence. 6 out of 10.
The performances are uniformly excellent across the board and those wishing to see great acting should see this... ...but the movie goes on way too long and ends up being one of the most bleak films in recent memory. I'm not sure what the point of it all is and any ideas I did have got lost with the three hour running time.
As I said you'll either love it or hate it - Me I'm in the five percent of people who'll be on the fence. 6 out of 10.
- dbborroughs
- Mar 18, 2004
- Permalink
Here Trier rely only on the story and the actors. Everything else is bared down to its minimum. Which fits perfectly, since he tries to show the naked truth of what people are.
Now, it is a bit extreme. And I hope the film isn't saying this always is the truth. But to deny that people can be like this, completely selfish and purely hypocritical. Then you're one of those going trough life with your eyes firmly shut. Especially if you think that you yourself, never could be like this.
Movies like this are some of the absolute best. It's not a movie aimed to entertain. It's art, trying to tell a deep truth of the human psyche and nature. Although, these attempts can be pretentious, boring and pointless. Because we watch movies to be entertained. Yet, when it works, it works. And I'm glad movies like these are made.
And Nicole Kidman is excellent.
Now, it is a bit extreme. And I hope the film isn't saying this always is the truth. But to deny that people can be like this, completely selfish and purely hypocritical. Then you're one of those going trough life with your eyes firmly shut. Especially if you think that you yourself, never could be like this.
Movies like this are some of the absolute best. It's not a movie aimed to entertain. It's art, trying to tell a deep truth of the human psyche and nature. Although, these attempts can be pretentious, boring and pointless. Because we watch movies to be entertained. Yet, when it works, it works. And I'm glad movies like these are made.
And Nicole Kidman is excellent.
- SimonD1900
- Apr 9, 2021
- Permalink
A few thoughts:
1) I had a strange, good feeling watching Dogville: it's really like reading a book. Not cinema, not theatre: a book. It's the first time that happened to me. Infact, I was quite surprised afterwards in discovering that it's not based on a book.
2) Dogville is too long, but I enjoyed almost every minute of it. Lots of scenes are not strictly necessary, but they serve well the story arc and carefully lead the audience through the changing situation. Also, many dialogues about the moral aspects of the plot (which lenghten the movie) are absolutely essential.
3) I hate theatre. So, the choice of theatrical scenography and structure could have ruined it all for me. Instead, after 20 minutes I was good with that, because Von Trier does an outstanding job in making you feel involved, just like it happens with a regular movie. A great part of this involvement comes from a fantastic camera work: lots of times you will notice how perfect and how cinematographic the shots are. You could really imagine what the scenography is missing. This helps the feeling I wrote about, that it's like reading a book.
4) I don't know exactly why he chose this kind of scenography, but personally I think it allows the viewer to distance a little bit from the story; so, you know you are watching some kind of allegory, a not-so-real story in which the philosophical themes are much more important than the actual events. In this way, you're able to enjoy many over-the-top dialogues and moments.
5) The moral subtext is fantastic. Human beings, misery, evil, mercy, holiness. Dog, dogs, Dogville. The ending could have gone in many different directions, I don't mind, the good thing is giving a story such depth and tackling human behaviour.
6) Also about the ending, it's the only moment in which I would have preferred an approach a bit more cinematographic. The movie remains consistent and it doesn't suddenly change the way it's shot, but maybe it's a moment (plot-wise) that could have been a bit more dramatic. Could have. I understand that Von Trier chose to keep a low profile, so that the whole weight of the act bears on the words spoken inside the car.
7) Overall, Dogville is a very good, enjoyable piece of deeply thought cinema, where artistic license has a reason. Not an artsy movie just for the sake of being artsy.
PS: I'd like to add, I don't understand why it was met with such mixed reactions. Critics usually rave about super-artsy things, often when such things are pretentious boring garbage ("The killing of a sacred deer"), so I don't get why Dogville received a different treatment, when it's obviously much more than that.
1) I had a strange, good feeling watching Dogville: it's really like reading a book. Not cinema, not theatre: a book. It's the first time that happened to me. Infact, I was quite surprised afterwards in discovering that it's not based on a book.
2) Dogville is too long, but I enjoyed almost every minute of it. Lots of scenes are not strictly necessary, but they serve well the story arc and carefully lead the audience through the changing situation. Also, many dialogues about the moral aspects of the plot (which lenghten the movie) are absolutely essential.
3) I hate theatre. So, the choice of theatrical scenography and structure could have ruined it all for me. Instead, after 20 minutes I was good with that, because Von Trier does an outstanding job in making you feel involved, just like it happens with a regular movie. A great part of this involvement comes from a fantastic camera work: lots of times you will notice how perfect and how cinematographic the shots are. You could really imagine what the scenography is missing. This helps the feeling I wrote about, that it's like reading a book.
4) I don't know exactly why he chose this kind of scenography, but personally I think it allows the viewer to distance a little bit from the story; so, you know you are watching some kind of allegory, a not-so-real story in which the philosophical themes are much more important than the actual events. In this way, you're able to enjoy many over-the-top dialogues and moments.
5) The moral subtext is fantastic. Human beings, misery, evil, mercy, holiness. Dog, dogs, Dogville. The ending could have gone in many different directions, I don't mind, the good thing is giving a story such depth and tackling human behaviour.
6) Also about the ending, it's the only moment in which I would have preferred an approach a bit more cinematographic. The movie remains consistent and it doesn't suddenly change the way it's shot, but maybe it's a moment (plot-wise) that could have been a bit more dramatic. Could have. I understand that Von Trier chose to keep a low profile, so that the whole weight of the act bears on the words spoken inside the car.
7) Overall, Dogville is a very good, enjoyable piece of deeply thought cinema, where artistic license has a reason. Not an artsy movie just for the sake of being artsy.
PS: I'd like to add, I don't understand why it was met with such mixed reactions. Critics usually rave about super-artsy things, often when such things are pretentious boring garbage ("The killing of a sacred deer"), so I don't get why Dogville received a different treatment, when it's obviously much more than that.
- Ricky_Roma__
- Jun 17, 2005
- Permalink
Dogville maybe the only one movie using unique setting and cinematography concept. With no walls, no boundary, the viewers could see so many social environment at one time, provoking every wild perspective. Some scenes taken with presice set piece of camera works. Because in this kind of cinematography concept, camera positioning is a key, but it successfully made it.
The lead actress is really flawless. Potraiting cold, calm, and mysterious character. The acting is really charming. Provoking human emotion such as sadness, lovable, lust, toughess, and anger. She has very broad skill of characterization of many human emotion.
Overall, Dogville is a unique and well-made movie with flawless performance of it's lead actress.
The lead actress is really flawless. Potraiting cold, calm, and mysterious character. The acting is really charming. Provoking human emotion such as sadness, lovable, lust, toughess, and anger. She has very broad skill of characterization of many human emotion.
Overall, Dogville is a unique and well-made movie with flawless performance of it's lead actress.
- the-fearless-america
- Nov 4, 2021
- Permalink
Is this a tale about the loss of humanity as an individual suffers from the power of group behavior? Is it a about an idealist / philosopher unable to handle events and see the tragedy around him? Is this a scathing attack on the social conditions in the US? Or is it about the New World reversing power roles with the Old World? Is it a biblical allegory? Or an autobiographical description of Von Trier's life?
Dogville, made as a staged play and inspired by the song Pirate Jenny by Bertolt Brecht, is all, making not the structure of the tale set in a Colorado mining town complex, but its interpretation. Like in Breaking the Waves, Von Trier uses the literature reference, dividing the movie in chapters to tell his tale of an individual becoming victim of group behavior, this time combined with the idealist / intellectual standing by and having no solutions on offer. It all watches like a Greek tragedy, the Greek names of the children of Vera and Chuck only confirming this.
The biblical parts are thrown in with the dog Moses, as guardian of the Ten Commandments which are severely transgressed by the citizens of Dogville. The dog can only be seen at the end and is spared. We have the name of the main character Grace and her treatment comparable to that of Jesus; the blindness and the window; the seven figurines broken by Vera stand both for her seven children and the seven sins. Also the Old and New Testament (father and daughter in the car having different interpretations of morality) are touched upon, and Tom representing the betrayal of Judas.
The concept of power plays an important part throughout the movie. The line of power starts with Tom, convincing the citizens of Dogville to give Grace a place to hide. As the philosopher, writer and spiritual leader of Dogville he is unable to cope with the basic problem of keeping mankind under control, he is shown as a theoretic, not someone who has practical solutions and fails as an authority (the practical engineer only adds to the misery here as he only makes instruments of oppression). Later the power is taken on by the group to commit the atrocities shown. Dogville is therefore also a warning about letting ignorant and simple minded people take on authority and decisions as there can be horrific consequences. At the end Grace's father comes in and Grace assumes the power from him. All misuse and are unable to handle the concept of power to proper use, the power of Grace and her father is mafia power after all (there is a hint the movie uses that the power of the US has grown out of criminal power, a common historical misunderstanding). The US State is unable to prevent anything of it happening here, it can only be heard in the distance or seen shortly when the police arrives (a prison and police force is the only thing the state offers in the movie). Dogville starts with a speech to be heard on the radio made by the President of the US; the radio is turned off before he starts talking. The end credits with the pictures give way to interpretations of the lack of a proper welfare state in the US, at least at the time of the Depression.
Another moral issue arises in the most important dialog in the movie between Grace and her father. At first Grace is incapable to condemn the villagers. Her father calls that arrogance, because she should judge others by the same moral standards as she judges herself. She changes mind after thinking about this concept of morality, judgment and punishment. The whole view on mankind in Dogville is extremely dark: As you make yourself dependent of other people, they will always misuse that opportunity and take advantage of your weaknesses. Later Grace forgets all notions of forgiveness.
Another interesting addition and layer comes when Tom suddenly takes on the role of Von Trier himself (the point where he talks about the trilogy). So in reality Von Trier sees himself in the role of Tom. And he makes a deliberate parody of himself, because the harsh and demanding way he treats actresses is in a way comparable to the treatment of Grace.
Technically the movie is well shot with the camera-work of Anthony Dod Mantle. When Grace is raped for the first time, the camera retracts and it diminishes on purpose the impact of that scene. By showing inhuman acts without barriers like walls and doors they show how ignorant people usually are about them. But the best shot technically is from Grace under a blanket in the truck, it has surreal qualities.
Two side notes: The beautiful music is by Vivaldi ('Cum dederit dilectus suis somnum' (IV) from 'Nisi dominus' RV 608). On the mine shaft we can read Dictum ad Factum, meaning Said and Done.
Dogville, made as a staged play and inspired by the song Pirate Jenny by Bertolt Brecht, is all, making not the structure of the tale set in a Colorado mining town complex, but its interpretation. Like in Breaking the Waves, Von Trier uses the literature reference, dividing the movie in chapters to tell his tale of an individual becoming victim of group behavior, this time combined with the idealist / intellectual standing by and having no solutions on offer. It all watches like a Greek tragedy, the Greek names of the children of Vera and Chuck only confirming this.
The biblical parts are thrown in with the dog Moses, as guardian of the Ten Commandments which are severely transgressed by the citizens of Dogville. The dog can only be seen at the end and is spared. We have the name of the main character Grace and her treatment comparable to that of Jesus; the blindness and the window; the seven figurines broken by Vera stand both for her seven children and the seven sins. Also the Old and New Testament (father and daughter in the car having different interpretations of morality) are touched upon, and Tom representing the betrayal of Judas.
The concept of power plays an important part throughout the movie. The line of power starts with Tom, convincing the citizens of Dogville to give Grace a place to hide. As the philosopher, writer and spiritual leader of Dogville he is unable to cope with the basic problem of keeping mankind under control, he is shown as a theoretic, not someone who has practical solutions and fails as an authority (the practical engineer only adds to the misery here as he only makes instruments of oppression). Later the power is taken on by the group to commit the atrocities shown. Dogville is therefore also a warning about letting ignorant and simple minded people take on authority and decisions as there can be horrific consequences. At the end Grace's father comes in and Grace assumes the power from him. All misuse and are unable to handle the concept of power to proper use, the power of Grace and her father is mafia power after all (there is a hint the movie uses that the power of the US has grown out of criminal power, a common historical misunderstanding). The US State is unable to prevent anything of it happening here, it can only be heard in the distance or seen shortly when the police arrives (a prison and police force is the only thing the state offers in the movie). Dogville starts with a speech to be heard on the radio made by the President of the US; the radio is turned off before he starts talking. The end credits with the pictures give way to interpretations of the lack of a proper welfare state in the US, at least at the time of the Depression.
Another moral issue arises in the most important dialog in the movie between Grace and her father. At first Grace is incapable to condemn the villagers. Her father calls that arrogance, because she should judge others by the same moral standards as she judges herself. She changes mind after thinking about this concept of morality, judgment and punishment. The whole view on mankind in Dogville is extremely dark: As you make yourself dependent of other people, they will always misuse that opportunity and take advantage of your weaknesses. Later Grace forgets all notions of forgiveness.
Another interesting addition and layer comes when Tom suddenly takes on the role of Von Trier himself (the point where he talks about the trilogy). So in reality Von Trier sees himself in the role of Tom. And he makes a deliberate parody of himself, because the harsh and demanding way he treats actresses is in a way comparable to the treatment of Grace.
Technically the movie is well shot with the camera-work of Anthony Dod Mantle. When Grace is raped for the first time, the camera retracts and it diminishes on purpose the impact of that scene. By showing inhuman acts without barriers like walls and doors they show how ignorant people usually are about them. But the best shot technically is from Grace under a blanket in the truck, it has surreal qualities.
Two side notes: The beautiful music is by Vivaldi ('Cum dederit dilectus suis somnum' (IV) from 'Nisi dominus' RV 608). On the mine shaft we can read Dictum ad Factum, meaning Said and Done.
I am no great fan of Lars von Trier's work but I like Melancholia and Dogville a lot. Dogville is a hard and deep look on human society and human behaviour, on moral and ethics.
Like the book Blindness by José Saramago, and the movie based on that book, it is not an easy watch, but a close, intense and realistic look on the shadow side of mankind.
On top, the method of stage acting like in a theatre adds some sense of advantgarde and extravaganza to Dogville, and makes this movie, with the theme, an exceptional piece of art.
On top, the method of stage acting like in a theatre adds some sense of advantgarde and extravaganza to Dogville, and makes this movie, with the theme, an exceptional piece of art.
- Tweetienator
- Apr 10, 2019
- Permalink
When I went into the movie theater to see this film I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that "Dogville" had Nicole Kidman in it- an actress I have always liked- and Lars von Trier, a director I have always respected. I was quickly surprised by what the film was. Set entirely on a stage/sound stage I couldn't believe my eyes. As a theatre actor it was exciting to see how this all was going to work out. Dogville did not disappoint. Lars von Trier clearly creates a town that may seen ordinary and odd into masterful. Nicole Kidman was excellent and the supporting cast was flawless. It was great to see Lauren Bacall and I enjoyed her performance. When I first saw Paul Beattany in the film all I could think of was the awful film "A Knight's Tale" that he is also in. However he proved me wrong in his well developed character. Patricia Clarkson was great in her role as Vera, she is a stunning actress. If she keeps getting these great roles an Oscar is sure to be in her future. The film on the whole is wonderful. My only complaint was the length. Around the 2 hour mark I was getting kind of antsy, but the film brought me back to finish the roller coaster ride that the film gave. Truly an original. Go see it.
- obscure105
- Jan 7, 2005
- Permalink
I am not into LvT movies, but this one got me hooked. The story draws you in, does not seem overly long ( although technically it is ), lets you feel with the young woman, and then shocks you ... till the grand finale. I would like to call it a "based" movie for a lack of a better description. WATCH IT.
- derek-duerden
- Apr 12, 2021
- Permalink
- thefoochie
- Apr 17, 2023
- Permalink
I started writing a response in the thread and it quickly became a review of the entire thing so just popped it here instead....
I wasn't sure about this one when I realised the concept and kept resisting my urge to expunge it from my player during the first 30 min. But it was a good film despite my partner and I wishing to crush the life out of all the players... The ending as it was became an inevitability. Both to satisfy us as viewers that had suffered along with the girl and also to make the point - a point that might have arguably been made just as succinctly in a 60-80min movie...
A bit less NYPD blue camera work would have been appreciated - shaking a camera doesn't fool the audience into thinking you had more than one rolling on any given take and can be REALLY annoying. But there was also some very nice camera work and a similar film done ina more conventional means on location would have been dazling.
Great cast, I guess filming in a tight timeframe, in a studio and giving the cast one outfit to wear throughout you can splurge on casting. It paid off in my opinion... and what a treat to see who turns up! I couldn't help but liken my experience seeing this to sitting through Angelas' Ashes. Frsutration - but at least this one gave you one hell of a payoff.
Not one we will be seeing again ever!
I wasn't sure about this one when I realised the concept and kept resisting my urge to expunge it from my player during the first 30 min. But it was a good film despite my partner and I wishing to crush the life out of all the players... The ending as it was became an inevitability. Both to satisfy us as viewers that had suffered along with the girl and also to make the point - a point that might have arguably been made just as succinctly in a 60-80min movie...
A bit less NYPD blue camera work would have been appreciated - shaking a camera doesn't fool the audience into thinking you had more than one rolling on any given take and can be REALLY annoying. But there was also some very nice camera work and a similar film done ina more conventional means on location would have been dazling.
Great cast, I guess filming in a tight timeframe, in a studio and giving the cast one outfit to wear throughout you can splurge on casting. It paid off in my opinion... and what a treat to see who turns up! I couldn't help but liken my experience seeing this to sitting through Angelas' Ashes. Frsutration - but at least this one gave you one hell of a payoff.
Not one we will be seeing again ever!
I saw this film when in opened in Copenhagen last June. After seeing it I was convinced that someone would have some sense and not release it in North America. Nicole Kidman was riding high on her Oscar win for The Hours (another waste of two hours of my life) and I expected something interesting with Lars Von Trier directing. What did I get for my $18 (Cdn)? Answer: the most pretentious movie I have ever seen in my life. I would expect something like this to come from a 1st year film student at a small community college with all his/her friends "acting". This film is not clever, the dialogue is downright boring and when it is not boring you to death it is downright laughable. There is a scene with James Caan and Nicole Kidman where the conversation comes across as written by a high school student. Avoid this movie at all costs. 1/10