Shadow Dancer: Review of Dancer in the Dark

Classic from the Vault

Dancer in the Dark (2000)

Director: Lars von Trier

By Alex Watson

 

Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier is a man who truly divides people and his movies are never easy going affairs. A pioneer of the Dogme 95 style, his efforts are always mesmerising to watch, though for not always the right reasons. But he has a knack for making films work out of very little; take for instance his stunning effort Dogville, using just a sound stage and minimal props or his harrowing take on a woman’s devotion to her husband in Breaking the Waves. But none of his films have quite so emotionally hard hitting than his 2000 Palme D’Or winning effort, Dancer in the Dark, which showed us the lengths one mother will go to help her son’s life.

Czech Immigrant Selma (Bjork) works at two different jobs in order to stay afloat and provide for her son Gene and although life is hard, she is always constantly smiling with her best friend Kathy (Catherine Deneuve) and when she feels lonely or sad, Selma slips into her fantasy world where life is like the musicals she adores. But behind her happy face, Selma hides a big secret that she is slowly going blind and her hard work is to pay for an operation to save her son from the same fate! But when her seemingly pleasant Landlord Bill (David Morse) attempts to take her money- there are tragic consequences!

Dancer in the Dark is one of the most haunting yet extremely poignant movies you will ever experience, but it is one that leaves us with a heavy heart throughout. Selma’ story is one that is incredibly heart-warming in places but the feeling of devastation is never far away! The dark is constantly closing in as her sight worsens and she enjoys life while she can- particularly as she goes to the movies with Kathy who describes the various lavish musicals on display (much to the annoyance of the other viewers) . But as a character she is one of great power and as she fights to save her son- she will commit an act which is the ultimate sacrifice!

The scenes where Selma slips into her fantasy world provide the film with its moments of light and there are some impressive numbers such as hearing Bjork sing along to the crashes and bangs of factory machines. The songs on display go completely against the modern musical and leave it feeling like a radical alternative. But these moments of song summed up the feelings that Selma cannot express through words, particularly the sad ballard “I’ve Seen it All” where she laments her normal life coming to a close and wonders what there is left to see?

But it’s the final act of Dancer in the Dark which hits us hardest most of all as we Selma running out of time trying to save her son while behind bars. Her selflessness in this part is one that will make eyes water as she is willing to set aside her own life, it’s a decision that baffles Cathy but Selma never once shifts from her path. As she sings her last heart breaking song, it makes way for possibly the coldest finale ever. But as you watch just remember that with Lars von Trier- a happy ending is never assured!

Bjork is absolutely stunning as Selma and through her extraordinary voice it sends us on an emotional rollercoaster all throughout! This performance will surprise many and the Icelandic singer holds the screen with such force and wont the Best Actress award at Cannes for her efforts. But her performance wasn’t without its sacrifices and during production she was pushed to near breakdown by von Trier which tragically has meant she hasn’t had a role in a mainstream film since! We can only lament loosing such a promising star!

Catherine Deneuve is equally strong and provides the films emotional backbone as long suffering friend Cathy. Veteran actor David Morse also provides great support as desperate landlord Bill who to save his house commits an act so heinous, it completely shatters our positive image of him!

Lars von Trier may not be to everyone’s liking, but one thing is always assured- his films get us talking and in some ways we feel that this man is always one step in front of us, despite occasionally slipping up in interviews! Dancer in the Dark is a reminder of what a great artistic director he can be and this is quite possibly the biggest ride your heart will ever take. Also it is guarantee to have you slipping into musical day dreams for quite some time!