Dogville

This movie was fantastic. I had heard mixed opinions about it, and it’s evident in the comments here, but I’m clearly on the more favorable side. In my opinion, this movie is a masterpiece—one of the best pieces of media I’ve ever consumed.

I can understand why it’s divisive and the criticisms it has received, such as being pretentious, too long, boring, poorly shot, or having terrible set design. I can see how these elements might deter some from enjoying it. However, I found that these aspects actually contributed to a more impactful movie for me.

Frankly, the notion that this movie is boring doesn’t sit well with me since I was hooked from the very beginning. Some of the comments criticizing it feel pretentious themselves. Judging by the ratings some of these people give, it seems like they don’t even enjoy movies—they’re watching out of spite or something, treating every film as a crime against humanity. Miserable folk, from the looks of it.

Regardless, the movie is fantastic. I understand the reasons for disliking it, but at least have a clear idea of what you enjoy; otherwise, there’s no backbone to your criticism. Highly recommend. 9.7/10.

A good commentary on America. Almost like the biblical lot story. Watch how we all deal with strangers. Fantastic. Worth the length.

I have never experienced a more powerful emotion of disgust and anger as at this film. Remarkable - sort of like a Satantango lite.

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.

Brilliant. I'm too sad and hungover to be articulate enough to explain right now, but I'll be back.

Basically, this combines every best thing I've loved about plays I've seen with every ounce of immersion I experience in a good book. It's the darkest kind of morality and human condition tale that you could ask for. It builds tension and a whole world. I find it interesting that even after having watched it, when I think back on it, I see in my mind's eye what their houses looked like. I walk along with them through the town and look out over the landscape. It's just wonderful. I love the idea that this this husk of a person who watches everything, and is bored beyond measure with so many formulas and over-played themes, knows you can still be moved by a piece of work that drills down and is unashamed of its identity. I love naked depictions of humanity.

That Conversation between grace and her father is something to think about

Too boring. Completer it in three sittings.

I don't dislike it because it's different or slow paced like I see lots of people complain about. I just don't like the story.

==I rate movies based on my enjoyment/satisfaction==
I was engrossed, I felt hate and disgust. The story was well told and although slow, never bored me (it could have been shorter though).
It's a "Great movie", just utterly unsatisfying.
[spoiler]There are lots of satisfying revenge arc movies, but this was not that. The ending feels so off. Instead of Grace simply getting revenge on Dogville, it's like she's some sort of grand executioner simply upholding her duty. "All of humanity is rotten and it's only chance of redemption is annihilation" ahh movie. [/spoiler]

[spoiler]All the comments are eighter "This movie is a masterpiece" or "This movie is garbage" whilst talking about how its made (mainly that its a stage play). No one seems the care that the movie is trying so hard to tell a message, and the message being "All men are rapists, and all women are jealous and hateful". I agree that all of humanity is _capable_ of evil, but I don't think mass extinction is the best solution[/spoiler]

This movie was just .... trash.

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.