Consensus lists have always struggled with how to place and evaluate polarizing films and directors. Films that are liked and admired by most tend to rank higher than films that are loved by some and loathed by others.
The two most polarizing directors in Arts & Faith circles have been von Trier and David Lynch. Dogville is seen by its admirers as hard but true, a grotesque in the tradition of Flannery O’Connor that shouts at deaf audiences and dares to ask the hard questions about doctrines (such as pacifism and forgiveness) that are too often presented in more cloying ways in more overtly religious fare.
Like Breaking the Waves, Dogville is anchored by a daring performance from a female lead. Also like the earlier film, it pushes the tension caused by the contrasting understanding of traditional values between individuals and the broader community. The film often provokes discomfort rather than awe, as see the horrific results of dogmatic and literal interpretations of complex moral and spiritual ideals. We may not like the conclusions drawn by von Trier or his characters, but we cannot simply dismiss them. — Kenneth R. Morefield (2022)
- Directed by: Lars von Trier
- Produced by:
- Written by: Lars von Trier
- Music by:
- Cinematography by: Anthony Dod Mantle
- Editing by: Molly Malene Stensgaard
- Release Date: 2003
- Running Time: 178
- Language: English
Arts & Faith Lists:
2005 Top 100 — #55
2006 Top 100 — #72
2011 Top 100 — #91