Access Art Gallery and Fundacion Pro Crea invites you this Thursday night to the presentation of “Dogville” by the renowned Danish director Lars von Trier.
Danish director Lars von Trier (The Idiots, Breaking the Waves, Dancer in the Dark) Probably the most ambitious and visually distinctive filmmaker to emerge from Denmark since Carl Theodor Dreyer over 60 years earlier. Dogville completes the Lars von Trier series being profiled at Access Art
Dogville is controversial, intelligent and daring and features a career-best performance from Nicole Kidman. Who is a woman on the run in 30s America, who seeks refuge in the remote Rocky Mountain town of the title. You won't see any stunning Colorado scenery, though. Lars von Trier's experimental picture is set on a near-bare stage, with buildings drawn in chalk outlines on the floor and actors miming their everyday actions (opening doors, cooking, gardening etc).
Unusual, but intriguing...
The off-kilter approach ensures the story is central. There are no distractions from the fall of Grace (Kidman), who becomes a virtual slave to the townspeople in a bid to be accepted. But when her past threatens their future, the small-minded citizens soon show their true colours.
That these might be red, white and blue has enraged some critics, who have attacked the movie's apparent anti-Americanism. But while von Trier (who made the similarly criticised Dancer In The Dark) delivers a damning indictment of greed, power and moral hypocrisy, it may be more accurate to accuse him of hating humanity, rather than the United States. The country's immigrant population and extremes of poverty and prosperity simply provide an easily-identified-with, universal setting.
"THE ACTING IS EXCELLENT"
But for all the ideas being examined, it works as a compelling drama, and the acting is excellent. Paul Bettany is brilliant as the cod-philosopher attracted to Kidman's sensual saintliness, while she shows a depth and vulnerability previously only hinted at - lending nuance and likeability to what could easily have appeared a caricature.
In this - as much as its stark scenario and cruel conclusion - Dogville is a shock to the system.
Date: Thursday June 1st, 2006
Time: 8:00 pm
Place: Access Art Gallery
This night will also be a good opportunity to view the fantastic new solo exhibit “Alma y Horizonte” by a Nancy Hernandez as well as other works by local and regional artist exhibited in the gallery.
A donation to the Pro Crea Foundation will be highly appreciated.
Remember that it is now possible to grab a bite at the Access café “Café al Fresco” before the film presentation.
For more information call : 5887837
