Beautifully made but ultimately futile and manipulative
Lars Von Trier is probably one of the world’s most talented filmmakers and this, like everything he does, is technically excellent. The systematically betrayal and destruction of the innocent Selma is beautifully shot, masterfully structured and genuinely heartbreaking, with excellent performances from all cast members.
The trouble is, it’s completely pointless. In the tradition of Raging Bull or Man Bites Dog this movie is an ordeal - It beats you up from start to finish. The difference is that Scorsese and Bunzel respected the audience enough to not take them to the depths of cinematic despair or revulsion without a reason. With Dancer, the ordeal itself is the point.
What are you trying to say Lars? That the human race is essentially bad? That all goodness is eventually destroyed? Frankly, after an emotional hammering like that I expect more than sixth-form angst as a justification.
2/5
Synonyms: Dogville, Raging Bull
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