Lars Von Trier's Dogville is a cinematic experience that's difficult to describe. Set entirely on a mostly blank soundstage representing a cosy village in the Rocky Mountains, Von Trier succeeds in creating a powerful atmosphere through just his camerawork and the terrific ensemble cast. The film sees Grace (Nicole Kidman), a fugitive being chased by gangsters, take refuge in Dogville. At first she is sheltered by the inhabitants, especially the young and philosophical Thomas Edison Jr. (Paul Bettany), but later on, as the film puts it, 'Dogville bares its teeth'. Von Trier presents it almost as a morality tale, but the shocking and unexpected ending will have you turning over his message in your mind for weeks. I can say no more about the plot of the film here without ruining it, but rest assured, this is a film that has to be seen. Boasting phenomenal performances, especially from Kidman, Bettany and Patricia Clarkson (who has one particularly chilling and powerful scene) and a suitably 'epic' scope in such a small environment, Dogville is one of the most intriguing works of this new century.
*****