Dogville

Name: Dogville
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Released: March 26, 2004
Duration: 178 min
Rating: 60
Cast: Lauren Bacall, Nicole Kidman, Paul Bettany

2004

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 39 Critics

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 172 Ratings

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8.1	User Score Universal acclaim based on 172 Ratings

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DOGVILLE

Movie Details & Credits

Lions Gate Films | Release Date: March 26, 2004

Starring: Lauren Bacall, Nicole Kidman, Paul Bettany

Summary: Lars von Trier explores the concept of goodness in this story of a fugitive hiding in a small town in the Rocky Mountains in the 1930s.

Director: Lars von Trier

Genre(s): Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Rating: R

Runtime: 178 min

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Awards & Rankings

54	#54 Most Discussed Movie of 2004
90	#90 Most Shared Movie of 2004

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Empire - Alan Morrison

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. Read full review

100

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) - Liam Lacey

If nothing else can be said of Dogville, it's a film that is like nothing else. Read full review

Portland Oregonian - Marc Mohan

This unique cinematic experience is a parable of greed and revenge that could take place anywhere. Read full review

ReelViews - James Berardinelli

Dogville isn't for everyone, but there's some intellectually stimulating conversation fodder for those with the patience to navigate the film's rough terrain. Read full review

New York Magazine (Vulture) - Peter Rainer

The film centers almost entirely on the faces of the townspeople, which Von Trier frames vividly. There’s nothing static about his technique, but everything else about the movie is dreary and closed off. Read full review

Los Angeles Times - Manohla Dargis

A provocation, a coup de théâtre and three hours of tedious experimentation. Read full review

Slate - David Edelstein

The politics of Dogville are on par with a third-rate gangster picture: cheap, opportunistic nihilism, with no enlivening sense of humor. Read full review

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User Reviews

PatP

Dec 24, 2005

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 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

0 of 0 users found this helpful

ECantona

Dec 23, 2013

A very strong, heavy perspective about humanity. In my opinion this is the best movie Trier has directed so far. Nicole Kidman fits in her role perfectly. The visual look of this movie makes it complete. Masterpiece.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

babaganush96

Oct 8, 2010

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 sweetBeautiful 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

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

S.Gold

Feb 20, 2006

Strong, entertaining, artsy all for a 3 hour film. Features great acting and directing, an interesting, but sad film.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

JoshC.

Jan 14, 2007

From the gooseberries in Ma Ginger's garden to the German Hummels Nicole Kidman's Grace collects throughout her stay in Dogville, everything in Lars Von Trier's "Dogville" is a symbolic gesture of some kind. Narrated by John Hurt, this acerbic "illustration" of a small From the gooseberries in Ma Ginger's garden to the German Hummels Nicole Kidman's Grace collects throughout her stay in Dogville, everything in Lars Von Trier's "Dogville" is a symbolic gesture of some kind. Narrated by John Hurt, this acerbic "illustration" of a small town's curious notions of entitlement unspools as a Christian allegory by way of Mark Twain or Dr. Seuss. Von Trier understands that the root of American aggression is the arrogant elite's subjugation of the culturally underprivileged. The director walks a fine line: Dogville isn't anti-American, but anti-oppression.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

TrevorL.

Feb 28, 2007

Somewhat long, and at times frustrating. The frustration is erased by one of the most satisfying endings I have seen. It is not a happy ending, but one that immediately feels right. I did find the lack of sets somewhat distracting, which prevented me from giving a higher rating. The acting Somewhat long, and at times frustrating. The frustration is erased by one of the most satisfying endings I have seen. It is not a happy ending, but one that immediately feels right. I did find the lack of sets somewhat distracting, which prevented me from giving a higher rating. The acting is all top notch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

PeterPan

Feb 14, 2006

First of all, I would not call this a film. It is, as others already mentioned, an experiment and IMHO, an insult to real cinematography. Some of you might think that Lars von Trier is a genius and consider the so called Dogma 95 an utlimate achievement in style. I don't. I would First of all, I would not call this a film. It is, as others already mentioned, an experiment and IMHO, an insult to real cinematography. Some of you might think that Lars von Trier is a genius and consider the so called Dogma 95 an utlimate achievement in style. I don't. I would rather consider it snobbish pseudo-elitist garbage that serves mainly one purpose: giving a group of opinionated "intelectuals" a self-validation tool which has to prove their mental superiority i.e. "You morons, don't get real art and never will. Go watch 'Rocky VI' instead. Leave art to us to judge upon." I recommend reading "Emperor's new clothes". You know, it's not really about tailors and clothes.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

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