Rating: Summary: hauntingly entertaining as well as beautifully disturbing Review: I rate this 2 stars because of what director Von Trier did with my favorite singer in the end. Man did I have mixed feelings about this movie the first time I had seen it. And as of me writing this review, I'm writing from a Bjork-fan point of view. THIS MOVIE IS VERY DISTURBING, disturbing enough factually that Bjork herself had said she would never act in anything again due to this movie's dramatic setting. I personally think she doesn't like it because of its dark message and we all know Miss Pixie-Queen is a happy-in-all woman. This movie is not happy at all, seriously, and me being a fan of Bjork, I found the ending to be too much, the first time was enough. It is true that Bjork lacks vanity in this film, which is a positive note about this film, it's raw, edgy, and real. And she most definitely deserved the recognition she got from this film. From the beginning to end, she displays the uncoated side of the woman she really is, no makeup no over produced music, just straight homemade musicals and true acting from all the cast. This movie isn't for the faint of heart, hell I could bearly watch it myself and I like dramas. It's worth a first watch but I doubt you'll ever watch it twice.
Rating: Summary: Dancer in the Dark - an amazing movie Review: This is bjorks second movie role, despite what ive read in many articles. The movie is overwhelming and we icelanders who had already watched bjork become famues in the music world when her debut album sold over 3 million copies, she then stole the "best selling musical artist of iceland" title from Halldór björgvinsson who had sold about 250.000 albums after being in music for many, many years. Icelanders watched and could hardly belive that a woman from the tiny iceland with population of 300.000 would be recognized by international festivals such as the Oscars, the golden globes and the Cann film festival. The movie itself is both sad and wery happy at the same time. Bjorks character has a terrible life and the audiance feel for her but they allso feel happy for her when she leaps intoo the musicals of her imagination. Bjork who has sold about 30 times more records then any other icelandic musician has allso had more success then any other icelander in the movie industry. She's the only world famues artist ever to come from iceland. Belive me i, strongly reccomend that you order this movie right here and right now. This movie will leav you wanting to see more.
Rating: Summary: A Bright Spark Named Bjork Review: To many Europeans, America is renowned for two things: movie musicals and an ever-growing prison population. In Lars von Trier's controversial DANCER IN THE DARK, the director/screenwriter finds a fascinating way to blend the two USA trademarks.Von Trier is a guerrilla filmmaker. His movies never unspool smoothly or flowingly. His camera work is jittery, abrupt, unfocused, and at times amateurish. These seemingly bad habits work well for his movies, which are all operatic, over-the-top, and raw looks at human behavior and misbehavior. Like his earlier classic BREAKING THE WAVES, which introduced the world to Emily Watson, this newer flick debuts Bjork in a powerful, emotionally naked performance. Just as Watson seemed to morph into the mentally challenged, naive, fragile wife in WAVES, Bjork doesn't just play the physically ill heroine, Selma, in DANCER. She becomes this Czech laborer, a mother who is going blind and is desperate to spare her son from the same medical death sentence. Bjork, an edgy singer/songwriter, provides the music for this rethinking of American song-and-dance epics. For those folks who think the film treatment of CHICAGO was dark, they should rent this title. Here is a weaving of tragedy and tap dancing, catharsis and choreography, shrieking and belting. It's not an easy blending to watch, and von Trier wants his audience to be uncomfortable. Everyone in the movie sings and dances, at different levels of proficiency. The participants will never be confused with Gene Kelly or Leslie Caron, Fred Astaire or Vera Ellen. Instead, the whole cast (David Morse, Catherine Deneuve, Peter Stormare from FARGO)is set loose to express their rage, desire, confusion, regrets via lyrics and movement. Even while they are trying to carry tunes, they are still supporting the weight of the script. Bjork is a revelation in this movie. She dares to look dowdy, unkempt, and REAL throughout. Her lack of vanity alone should have scored her an Oscar. I think there are very few actresses who would have consented and then courted such unflattering camera angles and cinematography. Her performance is so rich and so palpable that when her character exhibits fear and horror and animal terror at the end of the film, I actually felt my own stomach twisting and turning. The last shot of this movie is so harsh, so brutal, and so poignant, that I felt my mouth drop open. I knew it was coming, but I still couldn't believe my eyes. I have seen a lot of movies, and DANCER IN THE DARK doesn't easily belong to any category. It is a musical, a crime flick, a slice of rural life, and a budding, interrupted love story. Don't rent this if you want happily ever afters. Bear in mind, the finale will stay with you viscerally ever after. It's that intense. The DVD is packed with alternate takes, commentaries, documentaries, and a device that allows you to go to Bjork's music directly. Take advantage of the perks and expand your mind.
Rating: Summary: My heart has been torn from my body Review: After watching, "Breaking the Waves" I was not sure any other movie could make me feel as strongly about a film as that one did. It took months before I could get Emily Watson's character out of my mind. "Dancer in the Dark" certainly has left an equal if not greater scar in my memory. It may be foolish of me to try and pinpoint exactly what Lars von Trier does that evokes so much emotion from me, but both of these films have left me unable to escape those worlds, more so than most films I have seen. People may criticize his style, his subject matter and ultimately his filmmaking, but I do not support any of those opinions. He is comparable to no other director. His characters are true and real and their emotions are brutally honest. During both films, I was literally left wrenching on the floor in pain, but unable to turn away. This fact alone is reason enough for me to pledge my undying support for this man and his work. Now then, every character in this film deserves praise, but Bjork's performance is something special. I am once again left bewildered by the pompous and ignorant attitude of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. It was already completely laughable that Julia Roberts' turn as Erin Brockovich was better any ANY REGARD than Ellen Burstyn's Sara Goldfarb. But, that the Academy did not even nominate Bjork??? This performance was not even worth mentioning on this side of the ocean, yet played a HUGE part in this film winning the Palm d'Or at Cannes? I don't necessarily give awards, particularly Oscars™, much merit. I am sure Ms. Burstyn and Bjork did not accept these roles or put what they did into them for the accolades. But it would be nice to believe that certain performances, especially those that require something of the person portraying them, would receive at least a congratulatory show of appreciation from the film community. Bjork deserves praise for what she gave us. She didn't even want to be in this film and what she offers the audience is something, for lack of a better adjective, amazing. I feel for Selma. I want, like Catherine Deneuve's character, to save her. And the conclusion is only that much more powerful after the audience has invested over two hours to her life. As for the filming itself, I applaud the use of 100 cameras. I applaud Lars von Trier's undying pursuit of some unique way for the audience to experience a film. People can criticize its effectiveness, but not its merit. Though it usually sounds pompous to offer such a word to describe someone's attempts, I think it was a brave choice. He is obviously not afraid to fail and for that reason alone will never have that problem in my eyes. I wish I could recommend this film to everyone, but I can fully understand that it is not meant for all to see. Those that are willing to succumb fully and totally to the moving pictures brought before you, please do so. It is an emotional trip that you may never experience again. You may love it or hate it, but I cannot imagine you being left indifferent.
Rating: Summary: Bjork - Dancer in the Dark Review: This film is absolutely original. The film appears to be shot rather poorly, which at first appears colorless and amateuresque. However, it really does fit with the extreme and raw emotion of the characters (Bjork: as Selma) and her situation. There is a true sense of violence in the film, which I found more disturbing than what I've seen in most movies because of how gritty, flawed, and gut-wrenching it is. The music is beautiful, and absolutely haunting with its camera perspectives. This is one of the few movies that really disturbed me, and continues to haunt me. Bjork, unlike most female musical artists who make good music and can't act, is awesome here. Those who are fans of Bjork must see this, and those who aren't should get aquainted with this film. This film is like a downward spiral, and the momentum of this tragedy made me want to claw a way out for her. Watch this.
Rating: Summary: Great movie!!!.... Review: This movie is amazing. Even if i hated bjork i would love this movie. Bjork is selma. She brings to life this amazing person that no-one understands. .... I wish this movie could be re-done with better production because that would make it even better. This movie will make you wonder " did selma make the right choice?".
Rating: Summary: Incredible Review: I don't know what to say. I just finished watching Dancer and I'm blown away. I watched it because I'm a massive fan of Bjork's music. I bought the soundtrack before seeing the film, and I was amazed at how much better it is now that I've seen it in the film. But-warning-Dancer in the Dark is a TRAGEDY. It is very sad, and extremely emotional. And it's brilliant. I can't think of any other film that has had such a drastic effect on my emotions. It was so moving. Of course, I don't think everyone will enjoy this, but if you like Bjork, you will most likley 'enjoy' this. Wow. I was suprised at how well Bjork could act, too. Rent it, buy it, borrow it, steal it-but make sure you see it. Oh.
Rating: Summary: A Tearjerker, and Quite An Experience Review: You can read about the plot from other reviewers, but I'd just like to say that this movie brilliantly weaved together music and picture like I've never seen before. I was swept away by the sheer raw emotional impact. All who are into drama and "art films" should indulge in this masterpiece.
Rating: Summary: Simply amazing! Review: Probably the most brilliant movie I've ever seen. The music collection is some of Bjork's best work. The cast is diverse and charismatic. The storyline is unique and identifiable. Bjork's pixie-esque music only highlights the compelling story of her character, Selma's downward spiral into blindness as well as scandal. Every scene carries an emotional impact and one gets so involved with Selma's life that it hurts to see more and more conflict get thrown at her.
Rating: Summary: Absolutely brilliant! Review: ... :-) If you're a true movie fan, THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NO WAY YOU WILL HATE THIS MOVIE! It's so densely packed with powerful emotions that when I was watching it I couldn't make a move. Highlight: 1. Bjork acting superb. And I mean it. This shoul've get her an Academy Award role, mates. 2. Camera work - makes you think as though this movie was a mix of a documentary and a fictional drama at the same time. Adds a point to realism. 3. Musical scenes - Selma's perfect world, breathtaking. 4. Did I mention Bjork's awsome acting talent? I became a Bjork fan having seen this movie. This was also one of the few films during which my eyes got strangely wet (the others being The Straight Story & Braveheart). It's just a must-see.
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