Dancer in the Dark

So we're sitting around, trying to figure out what to do with the night. My roommate and his girlfriend just broke up, so naturally, we ended up choosing a rather depressing film to watch. Lars Von Trier's Dancer in the Dark is certainly of that nature.

One of the first things that should be noted about this film is that it is one of the Dogme 95 films. Here are the rules:

The goal of the Dogme collective is to purify filmmaking by refusing expensive and spectacular special effects, postproduction modifications and other gimmicks. The emphasis on purity forces the filmmakers to focus on the actual story and on the actors' performances. The audience may also be more engaged as they do not have overproduction to alienate them from the narrative, themes and mood. To this end, Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg produced ten rules that any Dogme film must conform to. These rules, referred to as the Vow of Chastity, are as follows:

1. Filming must be done on location. Props and sets must not be brought in (if a particular prop is necessary for the story, a location must be chosen where this prop is to be found).

2. The sound must never be produced apart from the images or vice versa. (Music must not be used unless it occurs where the scene is being filmed).

3. The camera must be hand-held. Any movement or immobility attainable in the hand is permitted. (The film must not take place where the camera is standing; filming must take place where the action takes place.)

4. The film must be in colour. Special lighting is not acceptable. (If there is too little light for exposure the scene must be cut or a single lamp be attached to the camera).
5. Optical work and filters are forbidden.

6. The film must not contain superficial action. (Murders, weapons, etc. must not occur.)

7. Temporal and geographical alienation are forbidden. (That is to say that the film takes place here and now.)

8. Genre movies are not acceptable.

9. The final picture must be transferred to the Academy 35mm film, with an aspect ratio of 4:3, that is, not widescreen. (Originally, the requirement was that the film had to be filmed on Academy 35mm film, but the rule was relaxed to allow low-budget productions.)

10. The director must not be credited.

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Of course, it should be noted that Lars breaks several of the rules with this film. This film is about a woman who moves to the United States to make a sizable salary in efforts to raise money for an eye operation for her 13 year old son. This woman, Selma, is played by Icelandic singer Bjork.

Selma is infatuated with American musicals. She wishes her life could be more like a musical: nothing dreadful ever happens. Of course, that is quite to the contrary to what happens. Selma has the tendency to daydream; more to the point, when there is a beat somewhere, she begins to dance and sing. She imagines grand dance sequences, and performances. Her delusions pull her further and further out of reality. The only thing that seems to keep her grounded is her unyielding desire to save her son's eyesight. It is important to know that she, too, is going blind, and has nearly reached a point of sheer darkness.

Her friend and landlord takes her money when she isn't home, and Selma is forced to react as a mother protecting her child. What follows is a story of her downfall, and the bias of the US courts of outsiders. She is sent to prison. I don't want to get too much into the story, so you'll have to see it yourself.

Production wise, it's hard to comment. If you can't stand Dogme 95, it's somewhat insane. If you're not a fan of musicals, the dance sequences might throw you off. There are several sequences in which the director used over 100 placed cameras simultaneously filming. It's a visual experience that matches no other.

Lars Von Trier has never been a fan of the United States. Despite his never visiting, he is adamantly against the actions of the US, as well as their treatment of the rest of the world. I have to make note that in this film, during the courtroom scene, his political commentary becomes very evident. Outside of that, it doesn't quite clutter the film.

It's a very sad film, and when it was all said and done last night, my girlfriend and her room mate were in tears, my room mate was starring at the screen, and his friend...well... he was drunk. It's haunting. That's a perfect word for it. Haunting. The production is solid, and the acting is amazingly tight. That comes in part from the Dogme 95 style, as well as the dedication that the actors had to each character. It's a hard film to watch, but well worth the rent. I hope that someone has either seen this, or will rent it and discuss it here. It certainly is in my top 25 of all time. Not a popcorn film; not a Saturday Night guys hanging out film. This is something you watch to experience a story. It's tough, so be ready.

8 of 10.