Yesterday I saw Dogville after almost one year of waiting its release in Mexico. I didn't know anything about the movie besides the basic plotline: a fugitive from justice seeks refugee in a small town that takes advantage of her. I knew that it was shot in a stage and that it was being criticized for being anti american. To my surprise and being a big admirer of both, Von Trier and Kidman, Dogville exceeded all my expectations. The movie is about major issues and throughout its exciting imagery, raw performances and sharp script, Dogville digs deeper than what its detractors are saying about it. It is not, in no way, an anti american film. ***WARNING. POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*** My interpretation is that it is metaphor on Jesus, as a female character, an arrogant rebel that denies her own father (because she doesn't understand his and thus, her power) and doesn't want to be her daughter.
She's kind, noble, and teaches everyone how to be a better person and how to be useful, but in the end they turn against her, condemning her and -metaphorically speaking- crucifying her. Then, in a surprise ending that is literally taken from the Bible, she decides to do God's will in Dogville. It is a really brave decision from Nicole Kidman to do this character that may cause some heavy conflict in some viewers, and its is a triumph for Von Trier to choose such an exciting way to shoot the film, after all, if God is everywhere and see us from the top, he should see trough walls and ceilings. This is one of the greatest films I've ever seen.
She's kind, noble, and teaches everyone how to be a better person and how to be useful, but in the end they turn against her, condemning her and -metaphorically speaking- crucifying her. Then, in a surprise ending that is literally taken from the Bible, she decides to do God's will in Dogville. It is a really brave decision from Nicole Kidman to do this character that may cause some heavy conflict in some viewers, and its is a triumph for Von Trier to choose such an exciting way to shoot the film, after all, if God is everywhere and see us from the top, he should see trough walls and ceilings. This is one of the greatest films I've ever seen.