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Dancer In The Dark [2000]


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Strangely Endearing
Review date: 2008-07-01 Rating: 8 out of 10

I saw a little of this on tv and it made such an impression that I just had to get the dvd. The story is of Selma, a Czech immigrant working in a USA factory, trying to raise enough money to pay for an operation so that her son can be cured of a defective eye condition that they both suffer from. Her condition is at an advanced stage and she is close to being blind - so keeps her spirits up by imagining life around her as a musical - a genre she adores. Unfortunately, her landlord (David Morse) is in financial difficulties and steals Selmas savings - an act which has serious repercussions for them both.

This is one of those 'love or hate' films - and for several reasons. Firstly, it's filmed in a jerky hand held camera way - not as bad as say Cloverfield but it doesn't make for the easiest viewing. Secondly, it's sort of a musical - not completely, but there are a few songs - particularly in the second half. Thirdly, Bjork plays Selma - if you don't like her singing voice, you won't like this film. I do and I count Debut and Post in amongst my favourite albums - and whilst none of the songs in the film are of that quality (far from it!) she certainly sings. I thought her acting ability was also very good here and it would have been interesting to see if she could play a different kind of character. As the innocent Selma, her performance is very endearing and you really feel for her as she struggles against the knocks that life serves her. Another good performance too from Catherine Deneuve as Selma's work-mate and friend.

The one thing that spoilt the film a little for me was the songs sung towards the end. (Spoiler Alert!) After Selma kills Morse, he then gets up again and they sing together - I found that really odd and somehow distasteful. Then later when (another spoiler!) walking to the execution room, Selma is encouraged to revert to her fantasy world to give her the strength to face her death, I felt the song was at odds with the mood being created for the final act of injustice. But this gripe aside, I found the film challenging to watch but rewarding and if you can get past its strangeness, you may too.

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Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Peter Stormare
Catherine Deneuve
David Morse
Bjork
Udo Kier

Creators:
Bjork (Primary Contributor)
Catherine Deneuve (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: 4dvd
Manufacturer: 4dvd
EAN: 6867449005393
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-09-17
Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 134 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2000
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Original Language)

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