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Dogville (2003)
Mixed feelings about this one
Unusually, Carol and I differed slightly in our thoughts on this. Carol found the Theatre Workshop approach distracting, and felt it made it harder to immerse in the film; she had the feeling of watching at a distance. I had no problems with this, as it is very much how I imagine things when reading a book, sort of sketch plan rather than full details. Although unusual lighting effects or strange camera tricks do often get through to me in films, I think I miss most of it as I tend to abstract what is going on and build a simpler model in my mind.
The other difference I think between us is that I would happily watch it again but I think Carol won't want to, at least for some time.
That said we both thought it a mile-stone film. He had much to say, it was not anti-American but anti-(what is wrong in America). He has built a miniature model of humanity which allows him to show his despair at what he sees mankind is capable of. The same comments apply to other countries, even his own, it is just that America lays itself wide open to such criticism by the self righteous attitude of most administrations.
It wasn't a Dogme film as it broke some of the rules, (not on location, lighting effects, etc) but it had some Dogme qualities about it, in that the acting was brought to the fore to tell the story.
I felt, as the film went along, and Grace was subjected to greater and greater humiliation and abuse, that revenge was due. This was something that I started to long for and anticipate as the conclusion. When the end came though, I was forced to re-consider my own attitudes. That is where a skilled director shows through. He involves you in the film and makes you think about important concepts.
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