No one's gonna see this but whatever. Amazing film. The third I've seen from Lars Von Trier (Antichrist) which did not disappoint by any means. Probably the first time in a very long time where I've seen three films in a row from a given director and been impressed each time. Like I said the last time... this guy has got some serious balls. Anyway. Dancer in the Dark. Review. Here...

Dancer in the Dark is the story of Selma (Bjork), a Czech immigrant living in America, who is slowly but surely going blind from a hereditary disease. Naturally, her son is predisposed to the same disease. Hence, Selma works at a factory to raise money for an operation for her son, her world, so he will never have to suffer the same fate. Meanwhile, Selma's landlord (David Morse) is having money problems and fears his wife is going to leave him. The two happen to exchange the stories of their plights and before you know it, the landlord steals Selma's savings to help his own situation. What follows makes Schindler's List seem feel-good.

Did I mention the film is a musical? Weird that Bjork would star in this film and no other, right? There's a reason for that. Selma's character is a daydreamer and musical enthusiast. She escapes into make believe musical numbers when reality seems too harsh. Von Trier believed that the film could only work if the lead actress was also the composer. Hence, Bjork is the star.

That said, Bjork is probably going to be the biggest hurdle for people trying to get into the film. I like weird music. Bjork isn't one of my favorites but her musical numbers didn't bother me in the slightest. But her voice is strange, as is her music, which incorporates real life sounds into the rhythm. People's ability to tolerate Bjork will determinate their ability to enjoy the film, especially since the backup singers attempt to emulate Bjork's style. Needless to say, Chicago, this is not.

Nevertheless, I thought Bjork did an amazing job as Selma, especially considering she's not an actress and allegedly couldn't stand Von Trier. Her character is 100% selfless and Bjork, perhaps for being just plain weird as a person, brings a strong and all too necessary vulnerability to the role. In fact, I don't think necessary is the word to use. Her role demands sympathy. The things her character must endure are probably the most harrowing I've seen in any film since Braveheart and even more so, given the fact that she chooses to endure them. And they only get worse. Dancer in the Dark is one of the most depressing films of all time. People say that all the time (including me) but take my word for this one. Not a feel good film by any means and the sweet moments there are only intensify the sadder ones.

Going back to the musical numbers, some might feel the film could work without them. Wrong. They are totally ingrained in the character and by the end of the film, the audience needs them just as much as she does to escape the brutality of the situations which transpire. It's really harsh. Seriously. But cinema at its best. I think at the end of the day, films should make you feel something. I honestly can't recall the last time a film effected me this much emotionally.

I still haven't seen Antichrist but the three Von Trier films I've seen thus far have only intensified my anticipation. Dogville and Manderlay showed he has absolutely no fear of controversy or breaking taboos. Even a brutally dark sense of humor. Dancer in the Dark showed that he's not in it for the shock value and can tell a genuinely touching story without pandering to the audience or being afraid to go dark.

So check it out! Seriously. Amazing film for fans of film in general.

I saw this a while ago James and it is a fantastic film. Never really looked for other films by the makers of it, so I'll check out his others.

Side note; I felt "I'm a cyborg but that's okay" was very similar to this film. Just in the general feel of the film.

But, yeah, Dancer in the Dark, great film.

James. You being silling. Again.

Imdb user rateing 7.8/10   35,263 vote

Far better than most.

The Bjork song and Harvey Keitel in vid helped. A lot.

It's that famous it'sbeen spoofed in a few films. This film is far more famous that I suspect you suspect.

So there.

Now. I'm just gonna beat myself with a big wet fish before you do. I learned this trick from JP II. I think he may have had his reasons. I do it because I'm a cheeky young monkey. And I ain't so young. But I do like the smell of fish. Ahem.

R

Can't deny being silling, not knowing what silling is. Especially if I've been that way twice. :)

Glad to hear there's a fan base for this one outside of Von Trier fans. I never thought the film was completely obscure. It was nominated for some awards but I didn't think it was all that recognized either. I can't recall any film ever spoofing it though. Care to mention some names?

Silling? Why would I say that. Wot a tosser. Me that is. No. Not her. Me. Recreational vechile like.

What?

More info and all that at DITD at IMDB

Nice review James.

I only saw this for the first time before Christmas and really liked it. Although, like any Von Trier film I have seen, its definitely not for everyone. Bjork and particularly David Morse are excellent in it. If you liked this, you should check out "Breaking The Waves" and "The Idiots" for the other two instalments of his Golden Heart trilogy.

I liked two things about this film, the titles and the second half.  

I thought the titles were excellent at getting you into the head of the main character before the movie even started.  They get my award as the best titles ever.

The second half of the movie had weird and wonderful music.  Plenty entertaining enough to allow you to forgive the bleak story you were watching.

The first half of the movie was a bit of a bore, unfortunately.  

Unfortunately Cone man is about right with that. Whilst I don't feel the same I can't agrue.

To do so would be foolish. As it ain't reaching to excitement, no matter what I think.

I do know that for a pop star Bjork is a hell of an actress tho. And that made for a pleasant surpirse. Von Trier is a bit nuts. But that's fine by me. If I want nice safe stuff I'll watch Spielberg or one of the other cash cows. I like nuts.

R