Dogville
I mentioned to a friend that I didn't particularly like Nicole Kidman as an actress, yet I liked many of the movies she's been in (The Hours, The Others, Birth, The Human Stain). He said I might enjoy Dogville then. While I appreciate something different and unexpected, I wasn't quite expecting this film.
It opens with an aeriel view of the set, which is a lone street in a tiny Rocky Mountain town. The minimalist set looks like a stage production might before the props are put in place. Bright white painted lines outline the houses, storefront and church. Within the outlines are written the names of the inhabitants. For instance the names "Chuck and Vera" are written within the outline of their small house that they live in with their seven children. The name "Elm Street" is written along the street where the action takes place.
The set feels bizarre, yet seems to serve a purpose. Perhaps giving the town a transparency removes its mystery. You can see what's going on in whatever building is nearest to the action at hand. Rather than this being distracting, it permits greater focus on the dialogue and characters. It's more like watching a live play than a movie, and were it not for the all-star cast (and a few shocking moments), one might keel over into a coma due to the slow and sometimes repetitive pace.
A wealthy-looking woman, Grace (Kidman), stumbles into this town while escaping from gangsters. The suspicious townsfolk allow her a two-week trial period to show her worth. She helps each household in earnest, and at the end of the trial, the people vote to keep her as a resident. But as out-of-town officials start pasting Wanted posters in the town, the townsfolk start demanding more of her in return for their silence. They figure she's lucky to be there, so she should pay for the privilege.
The disturbing demoralization of the townsfolk reveals their true human natures, including their ugly desire to command power over someone more helpless than themselves. It's as though Grace's time in the town was their time in purgatory; their chance to prove themselves as good people. As much as she forgave them, they failed.
The theme of morality underlies the film and is philosophized by the main male character. The brutal ending leaves it up to the viewer to think about and determine whether any of the characters deserve the title of Moral.
Apart from the gift of thought provocation, Dogville offers unique presentation and all-star performances. Not for everyone I'll admit, but a good break from the cookie cutter fluff of most summer flicks.
It opens with an aeriel view of the set, which is a lone street in a tiny Rocky Mountain town. The minimalist set looks like a stage production might before the props are put in place. Bright white painted lines outline the houses, storefront and church. Within the outlines are written the names of the inhabitants. For instance the names "Chuck and Vera" are written within the outline of their small house that they live in with their seven children. The name "Elm Street" is written along the street where the action takes place. The set feels bizarre, yet seems to serve a purpose. Perhaps giving the town a transparency removes its mystery. You can see what's going on in whatever building is nearest to the action at hand. Rather than this being distracting, it permits greater focus on the dialogue and characters. It's more like watching a live play than a movie, and were it not for the all-star cast (and a few shocking moments), one might keel over into a coma due to the slow and sometimes repetitive pace.
A wealthy-looking woman, Grace (Kidman), stumbles into this town while escaping from gangsters. The suspicious townsfolk allow her a two-week trial period to show her worth. She helps each household in earnest, and at the end of the trial, the people vote to keep her as a resident. But as out-of-town officials start pasting Wanted posters in the town, the townsfolk start demanding more of her in return for their silence. They figure she's lucky to be there, so she should pay for the privilege.
The disturbing demoralization of the townsfolk reveals their true human natures, including their ugly desire to command power over someone more helpless than themselves. It's as though Grace's time in the town was their time in purgatory; their chance to prove themselves as good people. As much as she forgave them, they failed. The theme of morality underlies the film and is philosophized by the main male character. The brutal ending leaves it up to the viewer to think about and determine whether any of the characters deserve the title of Moral.
Apart from the gift of thought provocation, Dogville offers unique presentation and all-star performances. Not for everyone I'll admit, but a good break from the cookie cutter fluff of most summer flicks.
posted by Anne at 9:04 PM
3 Comments:
As much as I tried to like this one I just couldn't get into it. The director seemed intent on trying to push the play-like movie set and having the audience be intrigued by the environment.
In the end that wouldn't have been bad, but just as the sets themselves were cold, I thought the performances were on par with movies whose actors stand in front of a green screen. Not terrible... but removed and unconvincing.
Sigh, wish I had liked it!
I absolutely agree that the acting was cold. I had to snuggle up with my down throw to stay warm. But I think it was directed that way on purpose. You're not supposed to feel a connection with the characters. On the contrary, I think you're supposed to feel distant from them because they're not warm, friendly humans.
I came out of watching the film unfulfilled and emotionally void, but deep in thought. That said, I'm now yearning for a movie that is emotionally fulfilling, or hell, just delivers a couple laughs.
Well on the laughter side we did see Death at a Funeral (Frank Oz). It was pretty funny and had a great cast. There were a few low brow moments I wasn't expecting, but for the most part it was good stuff :)
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