Dogville
User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 127 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 104 out of 127
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 127
  3. Negative: 19 out of 127

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  1. JeromeM.
    May 13, 2004
    10
    Tom is a metaphor for the contemporary opportunism that surrounds us, the everyday spin for personal gain. Kidman, as always, carries every nuance. Whatever is on the other side of "brilliant" Lars has it. jerry manheim.
  2. JakeW.
    Apr 1, 2004
    10
    An instant classic/masterpiece. Kidman is astonishing, and the emotional complexity of her performance and the story itself is unbelievable and draining. It is like nothing I have ever seen before, and it is definitely one of the best films, dare I say it, of all time!
  3. MatthewT.
    Apr 5, 2004
    10
    It's like a Tolstoy novel crossed with "A Modest Proposal" with a dash of "Pulp Fiction." Plus, James Caan plays God.
  4. BenjaminB.
    Jun 8, 2004
    10
    By the way, "Dogville" is not a Dogme 95 film, although it *is* directed by Lars Von Trier, who helmed the movement in Denmark along with a few other filmmakers. Technically, the only Dogme film Von Trier released is "Idioterne" aka "The Idiots" aka "Dogme #2." "Dogville" in fact breaks nearly every rule of a Dogme film: it is shot on DV, not 35mm, and many shots are not hand-held; it is shot on a soundstage with props and placed lighting, all of which are against the rules of Dogme. Looks like the little bastard is rebelling against himself this time. Whatever. It's a masterpiece. Go see it, twice. Even, better go with a group, you'll have wonderful conversation fodder for a month.… Expand
  5. NancyM.
    Sep 24, 2004
    10
    Extraordinary! I have never seen so much talent as encapsulated in one film, starting with the director, and including All the actors. The editing and the final montage are exquisite.
  6. turanderb.
    Jan 9, 2005
    10
    Values are either negotiated at the risk of having to find compromise, or they are imposed on others. Negotiation and readiness to move one's own position into a compromise require respect - imposing values onto others does not require respect. This movie is about such respect, and about the problem that lack of such respect will eventually spiral into violence of any form, at which point negotiation is probably useless.… Expand
  7. Giulia
    Feb 25, 2005
    10
    It's a great movie, you can't enjoy it, but it seems so true.
  8. ElliottM
    Aug 7, 2005
    10
    Without question, the greatest film of 2004 and to quote Mike D'Angelo, formerly of Time Out NY, "simple, magical, ferocious, visonary." It's a work of art - easily one of the greatest films of this young decade.
  9. AndyM.
    Mar 31, 2004
    10
    Masterpiece.
  10. ChristopherN.
    Apr 5, 2004
    10
    Clearly people either love or hate this film with extreme passion. For that: I love it.
  11. KarenB.
    Jun 4, 2004
    9
    If sitting through over 2 hours of some of the most despicable things that people can think to do to each other--and not people that you can comfortably, or comfortingly, put into "good" and "evil" boxes--all filmed on a near-bare sound stage by a director who will frequently infuriate you doesn't sound like your idea of a good time, don't bother. If, on the other hand, you';re not looking to be entertained or to have your cozy moral preconceptions reinforced, you'll find a lot to talk about after seeing this movie. I can see why many viewers hate this film; it's not in the least easy to watch and you'll definitely feel like going straight home to take a shower afterwards. But if you don't mind hours of boredom and discomfort interspersed with moments of fury and outrage, the fascinating final few minutes are a tremendous payoff.… Expand
  12. KatieP.
    Aug 25, 2004
    10
    A chilling tale of acceptance, rejection, tolerance, morals and most of all, revenge. It's a great movie, it really is. Nicole Kidman was brilliant in it, as usual. Maybe a bit drawn out towards the end.
  13. GodyP
    Dec 2, 2005
    10
    A Masterpiece.
  14. PatP
    Dec 24, 2005
    10
    To say that I was "reluctant" to watch this movie would be a massive understatement. I exerted a lot of effort in avoiding it as long as I possibly could, but once I was forced to watch it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I feel the critics far over-emphasize the cynicism of this movie and take it as an assault on all things Americana, but I perceived it as a surpisingly funny ultra dark comedy. While I expected it to be slow and depressing, it was actually slow and hilarious. Clearly, it's not for everyone, but if you can laugh at a little misery, then give this film a chance.… Expand
  15. RobinS.
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    Brilliant and innovative. One of the best movies I've seen in a long time, and I saw it a long time ago. Something that you'll come back to time and time again.
  16. DwightV.
    Jan 8, 2005
    9
    I don't know how anyone could give this movie below a 6. It was well written and acted. Von Trias DOES break new ground. The beginning is a little slow, and the setting should have been in a real town, but nevetheless it is one of the most creative, differant movies I have seen, just great.
  17. CharlesL.
    Feb 2, 2005
    9
    Some of my friends whose tase in movies I usually agree with hated this film, but I thought it was one of the best movies of the year. When I heard that Roger Ebert hated it and called it "anti-American," I knew I was onto something potentially great. Loved the allegorical nature of the plot; loved the performances; it was as if I was in a theater and seeing one of the great plays of the decade. Count me in as being in the minority maybe, but this film will be historically vindicated.… Expand
  18. DonF.
    Apr 11, 2005
    9
    This would have made great theatre. As a movie, it suffers from lack of cinematography, but not much else is missing. Compelling and artful, like a well mounted Medea. Fascinating observation of the smugness, vapidness and ineffectualism of common morality.
  19. KimA
    Nov 7, 2007
    10
    This is a very strong emotional movie. It is funny how many Americans just don't get it. Maybe they don't have a soul or is is just the mind!? I blame it on their culture and fake Hollywood style ;) Or maybe it is just ignorance.
  20. PeterH.
    Nov 2, 2004
    9
    A truly original film. It tells a story about compassion, acceptance, jealousy and ultimately evil. To anyone with an ounce of morality, the ending would normally seem excessive, but strangely not in this case. Great performances are emphasised by the theatre style set. Nicole Kidman is especially impressive.
  21. Catherine
    Mar 27, 2004
    10
    One of the most unique films that you will ever see. Lars von Trier creates a disturbing, thought provoking masterpiece that is a cry against humanity. Nicole Kidman gives the performance of a lifetime.
  22. Patrick
    Jun 8, 2004
    9
    Utterly brillant. Lars Von Trier prooves himself frighteningly relevant with this 3 hour minimalist "critique" of American culture. Blending the styles of Bertold Brecht and Thorton Wilder, Von Trier has created one of the most frightening allegories in recent years, and he has done it without props, scenery, or things that are cinematic. while the choice to shoot the entire film on a one unit black box set was a little strange, it works better than expected, as the actors are challenged to do things only stage actors have had to do in the past. We are lucky in this to see stellar performances from Nicole Kidman, Paul Bettany, Patty Clarkson, and Lauren Becall. … Expand
  23. NicB.
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    Takes an effort to get into but well worth it. A work of genius!
  24. JakeS.
    Dec 9, 2005
    10
    I thought this movie was brilliant. It subtly exposes the flaws of capitalism via exploitation and greed. The ending is predictable but the haunting message echos long after viewing. I loved it.
  25. JoachimJ
    May 23, 2005
    10
    Brilliant and very interesting movie. So much to tell about it, that I still have to think it over.
  26. S.Gold
    Feb 20, 2006
    9
    Strong, entertaining, artsy all for a 3 hour film. Features great acting and directing, an interesting, but sad film.
  27. John
    Mar 24, 2004
    10
    A masterpiece. Sure to be the best film of the year, if not the past several years. It is certainly the most provocative and disquieting film about human nature that I have ever seen.
  28. JackH.
    Apr 18, 2004
    10
    It's a 10 out of 10 for me, do I need I need to add something?
  29. ChrisH.
    May 25, 2004
    10
    The best film I have seen this year. Can't wait to see Mandelay.
  30. BillC.
    Sep 15, 2004
    10
    It must be a great movie if Edelstein hates it.
  31. RobC.
    Jan 22, 2005
    10
    This movie is a moral allegory on par with the Crucible and is perhaps even richer in subtexts, symbolism, and insights into human nature. Anyone who thinks it takes too dim a view of human nature need only remember the holocausts. We need films like this to remind us of our darker natures. I loved it.
  32. NicholasE.
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    Oh, if you just understood what this movie was all about. But you can't. You're not supposed to. It's supposed to be open ended. "Movies should be made to raise questions, but never to answer them" -Lars Von Trier.
  33. smijatov
    Dec 20, 2010
    9
    Dogville is one of the most haunting films I have seen. It stays with your for a long time and makes you question the very nature of humanity. With one of the most impressive acting ensembles, especially in regard to Nicole Kidman, Dogville shows the inhuman side of humanity. Also, being part of Lars von Trier's dogma ideology it is highly minimalist and experimental. If for anything else, it should be watched for its strange visual technique and performances. Very good film, overall.… Expand
  34. ryancarroll88
    Aug 27, 2010
    9
    Lars von Trier once again returns to his obsession with the idea of the victim and avant-garde style, but this time around the lead actress (Nicole Kidman) is apt for the part, giving a perfect duality between the "damsel in distress" and "femme fatale," and the absence of a set isn't ever detracting, but just sort of fun (at least to me - more traditional-minded critics were probably crying out in disgust...) Also, rather than simply forcing emotion, von Trier uses his extremism to finish with a question of morality, which presents a harrowing view of humanity and a reconsideration of how we function as a society.… Expand
  35. babaganush96
    Oct 8, 2010
    10
    Beautiful and inventive. Philosophical and thought-provoking.
    Ugly and dull. Boring and mind-numbing.
    Both equally justified responses to Lars von Trier's experimental drama Dogville. As the wonderful Bjork once said, you don't know anything until you've tasted all the sweets at the sweet shop. Go ahead and watch it. Sure, you may turn it off after the first 15 minutes, you may find the     rape scenes overboard and you may find it pompous, but you also might, like me, think it is a fabulous portrayal of human behaviour and a brilliantly made film. Just, like the protagonist Grace, take a chance on Dogville. You may love yourself for it.… Expand
  36. RegOz
    Apr 6, 2012
    10
    I know this is not a movie that will appeal to everybody, but I personally think this movie is one of the best ones I have since the last decade! NIcole Kidman's performance is oustanding! This is an inventive, original movie that challenges order, and questions humans 'good faith'. A masterpiece. I cant describe it...you have to see it!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 39 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 39
  3. Negative: 10 out of 39
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: David Denby
    10
    What Lars von Trier has achieved is avant-gardism for idiots. From beginning to end, Dogville is obtuse and dislikable, a whimsical joke wearing cement shoes. [29 March 2004, p. 103]
  2. Empire
    Reviewed by: Alan Morrison
    80
    Argue that von Trier’s latest is theatre and not cinema. But at least acknowledge that Dogville, in a didactic and politicised stage tradition, is a great play that shows a deep understanding of human beings as they really are.
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  3. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Phil Hall
    30
    If Dogville has a reason for importance, it is the astonishing all-star ensemble who try very hard to put life into their cardboard characters and make this silly film work.
    Read full review
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