Film Review: Dogville (Lars Von Trier)

1. In the mise-en-scene of the film Dogville, what can be considered as the major weakness?

The weakness in the film “Dogville” was the setting. The setting of the film takes place on a stage with minimalist scenery. Some furnitures are placed on the stage but the rest of the scenery exists merely as white painted outlines which has big labels on them.
The acting could also be its weakness. The acting Grace is very well done but I don’t think Tom put enough emotions on delivering his dialogues.


2. Because of the presence of this weakness, how was it conquered by the motion picture?

It conquered by the motion picture even though it has its lapses and weaknesses because the film does employ carefully designed lighting to suggest natural effects such as the moving shadows of clouds & sound effects. With the presence of its weakness, the setting serves as its powerful tool because of its unique concept. And some of the camera angles were shot from the eye to ease the sense of isolation that made the audience focus on the acting and on the story of the film’s artificiality.


3. What was the primary message of morality the film is sending to its viewers?

The primary message of morality the film sends to its viewers was that evil can arise anywhere. They are even put in a moral test. Like their willingness to save a woman on the run who might be a criminal and to potentially risk their own lives for her, receiving little more than kindness in return. And when Grace faced with cruelty from the people of Dogville, will she forgive them, or will she seek revenge?