Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Strangely Endearing, 1 Jul 2008
I saw a little of this on tv and it made such an impression that I just had to get the dvd. The story is of Selma, a Czech immigrant working in a USA factory, trying to raise enough money to pay for an operation so that her son can be cured of a defective eye condition that they both suffer from. Her condition is at an advanced stage and she is close to being blind - so keeps her spirits up by imagining life around her as a musical - a genre she adores. Unfortunately, her landlord (David Morse) is in financial difficulties and steals Selmas savings - an act which has serious repercussions for them both.
This is one of those 'love or hate' films - and for several reasons. Firstly, it's filmed in a jerky hand held camera way - not as bad as say Cloverfield but it doesn't make for the easiest viewing. Secondly, it's sort of a musical - not completely, but there are a few songs - particularly in the second half. Thirdly, Bjork plays Selma - if you don't like her singing voice, you won't like this film. I do and I count Debut and Post in amongst my favourite albums - and whilst none of the songs in the film are of that quality (far from it!) she certainly sings. I thought her acting ability was also very good here and it would have been interesting to see if she could play a different kind of character. As the innocent Selma, her performance is very endearing and you really feel for her as she struggles against the knocks that life serves her. Another good performance too from Catherine Deneuve as Selma's work-mate and friend.
The one thing that spoilt the film a little for me was the songs sung towards the end. (Spoiler Alert!) After Selma kills Morse, he then gets up again and they sing together - I found that really odd and somehow distasteful. Then later when (another spoiler!) walking to the execution room, Selma is encouraged to revert to her fantasy world to give her the strength to face her death, I felt the song was at odds with the mood being created for the final act of injustice. But this gripe aside, I found the film challenging to watch but rewarding and if you can get past its strangeness, you may too.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This will always be, to me, one of the greatest films ever made., 19 April 2009
Dancer In The Dark is a film more to be endured than watched. I went to see it on its release -not expecting much- and found myself utterly transfixed with sorrow, anger and sadness. Later on I realized that I'd actually broken my left fore-finger in the cinema; I wasn't sure particularly how, but I remember gripping it pretty damn hard throughout the final 40 minutes.
That, I believe is a fairly credible summary of the immense power of Lars Von Trier's Dancer In The Dark. For which, singer / actress Bjork won the prize for Best Actress at Cannes. I can see why.
She plays Selma, a Czech immigrant living in America who works long hours in a factory every day at minimum wage. Also, she is losing her eyesight, and unless she can save enough money for her 10 year old son's operation, he too will eventually go blind. If this concept doesn't already seem grim enough, Selma is then accused of theft, which then leads to further, relentlessly sad and unjust consequences.
What helps Selma to foundation her sadness is her incredible love for musicals. In her head, she transforms everyday noises into catchy beats and imagines even the stoniest of souls to be all-singing-all-dancing Broadway stars. Once Bjork has cast you under her spell, you'll find it impossible to look away. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll scream at the television with fury.
With its rich hand-held visual style, a fascinating script, and an inspiring central performance, director Lars Von Trier's Dancer In The Dark managed to also pick up the Palme D'or Award at Cannes. It's one of the most effective and affecting pieces of cinema I have ever experienced, and as it spirals uncontrollably towards a numbing and truly devastating third act, you'll find yourself a quivering, nervous wreck.
If you haven't already, make sure to buy this. It'll be in your mind for days after viewing.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie + Wonderfull performance + Amazing music, 9 Feb 2009
This movie is directed by Lars von Trier the man who created Dogville , And I t' made with his famous Dogma 95 statement, which mean to be made more simply with hand-held cameras and available light.
Wonderful movie with a new way of direction and it has a lot of emotions which is very touching .
Bjork fans will go crazy with her performance and the soundtrack is great especially it has a song by Bjork and the Radiohead lead singer it's called (I've seen it all),and just after her first role she awarded as a best actress in the Cannes International Film Festival which they have been awarded seven prizes.
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