A woman on the run from a group of gangsters seeks refuge in the small town of Dogville. The residents initially appear supportive and forgiving, but things start to degenerate as their awareness of holding the upper hand emerges.
As the first installment of an incomplete trilogy on the American dream, Dogville employs the confined boundaries of a microcosm to exemplify the contradictions and arrogance of a country that presents itself as supportive to the stranger and forgiving to its citizens. The protagonist gradually becomes objectified by the other residents as they lose control of moral authority, exploiting her gratitude in a sort of emotional blackmail.
The events unfold within a theater setting, featuring a minimalist stage design with simple chalk lines standing for walls and delineating the outline of the buildings. This gimmick not only pays homage to epic theater but also underscores the lack of protection within communities, where every action and intention end up exposed and under everyone’s judgment.
Despite its three-hour dialogue-driven narrative, the film is well-balanced between entertainment and introspection, although I must admit I have a thing for stories that bring out the worst in people. Despite the deliberate attempt to alienate the audience, I found myself consistently drawn to the dread and filth portrayed on screen. Still, I would have appreciated a more in-depth exploration of all fifteen adult inhabitants of the village. Ultimately, the focus predominantly narrows to the same four or five characters.
Review by moonkodiBlockedParent2016-12-22T02:14:04Z
Started to fall asleep at 20 minutes and it's 3 hours long.... Is it trying to be different or pretentious? Who cares it's boring as hell. Go watch a stage play if you want a superior alternative. If you want a movie that melds cinema with stage, and one that looks unique, watch The Cook, The Theif, His Wife and Her Lover. Long leisurely story? Read a book, it's better. I don't understand why anyone would watch this other than to fool themselves that they've seen something arty and therefore of high quality or meaning. Watching paint dry (coloured with subject matter that cries for awards), the movie. The characters were suitably empty of life. Dialogue didn't carry any weight.
The way it was shot was awful. The half shaky camera to try and make us engaged only succeeded in enducing nausea or as some nystagmus simulator. I've seen this style done wag better. Close ups so close, I could almost see skin cells. Editing so disjointed i thought i was watching with a split personality syndrome from different areas. The narrator didn't help me stay awake. He sounded like something from a Mr Kipling advert reading a fairy tale.
I admire the effort to tell a story differently but this was bad. Essentially it tries to make the story speak for itself but it's too long and boring and then presented awfully. I can only think that Kidman took the role to add to her serious roles list, and be self authenticated as a serious actress.