 | Dancer in the Dark Starring: Bjork, Catherine Deneuve, David Morse, Udo Kier |
"Dancer in the Dark won" the Palme d'Or at Cannes to a mixed reception of cheers and hisses, a reaction that has accompanied the international openings of Lars von Trier's bold, controversial, cinematic experiment throughout the world. The much-awaited opening in the fall of 2000 in Los Angeles was greeted for the most part with critical outrage. The film sank from the "art" circuit into deep oblivion. Only now (March 2001) with its video release can American audiences truly judge this movie. I found little controversy in Dancer. Perhaps it's the misconception that this is a musical/drama that is causing the furore. It is most certainly NOT a musical! The musical segments are used sparingly and only to punctuate understanding of the main character. Von Trier never allows music to interfere with his narrative. Even the choreography is wisely kept amateurish to maintain the improvised documentary look of the film. "Dancer in the Dark" successfully walks a fine line between reality and fantasy with imagination and sensitivity. Selma Jezkova (Bjork) is a young, single mother who is rapidly going blind from a hereditary eye disease. She lives and works in a rural, industrial community in Washington state. Her job as a heavy machinery operator will allow her to save enough money to give her young son a necessary eye operation to spare him too from going blind. Living in a small trailer in the backyard of her kindly landlord, Bill (Morse), Selma's only goal in life is to save enough money for the operation. Her passion is music, specifically Hollywood film musicals. Her friend and fellow worker, Cathy (Deneuve) narrates to the nearly blind Selma the old movie musicals at a local theatre. As darkness closes in, Cathy and other friends become deeply concerned about the dangers of Selma's occupation with giant machine presses. The story turns dark and tragic when landlord/policeman Bill gets into financial trouble and steals the young mother's funds. It's an emotional tale filled with nobility and self-sacrifice. As in "Breaking the Waves," Von Trier uses close-up, hand held camera work. The performances are natural and unforced. When life gets too overwhelming for Selma she resorts to daydreaming and her mind resorts to the music and rhythmic sounds of a fantasy life. It's her only escape from the cruel reality of her bleak existence. It is in these moments that Von Trier creates his cinematic magic. This is a difficult balance to sustain yet the director seizes these moments with bold daring. Bjork's performance is sensitive and honest. Terrific support by Deneuve and Morse give substance to the film. Camera work by Robby Muller gives credibility and a fascinating look to the movie. The controversy may continue but I found "Dancer in the Dark" to be imaginative and imminently watchable. Not to be missed! |