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This musical drama represents one of von Trier's most accomplished and unconventional cinematic works.
From the astonishing opening number, set to Björk's ethereal score, it grabs the viewer and doesn't let go until the devastating finale.
The bravery of casting a non-actress like Björk in the lead role and her raw portrayal of Selma are simply breathtaking.
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She is a Czech immigrant and single mother working in a factory in small-town America.
From the piercing gazes of her almost blind eyes to her graceful dance escaping reality, Björk fully embodies this troubled character.
Supported by a strong cast including David Morse, von Trier constructs a tragic tale of the immigrant experience.
Through expressionistic musical sequences shot with hypnotic vitality, he seamlessly blends gritty realism with romantic fantasy.
The deeper themes of blindness, corruption and the American dream collide in a devastating emotional climax that few films can match.
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A true cinematic experience not easy to digest, but unforgettable for its bold artistry.
Dancer in the Dark is the third installment in the Heart of Gold film trilogy, which is completed by Breaking the Waves, starring Emily Watson, and The Idiots.
She was recognised for her artistic merits, winning top prizes at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival:
Bjork also won the Palme d'Or award for Best Actress, she was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song for "I've Seen it All".
She also received 3 Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress in a Drama and Best Original Score.
I remember movie poster saying the finale is going to be unexpected, so I started expecting something else. Turned out the poster was right - oh boy, how surprised I was at the end... 😢
It was a well-publicised film with unexpected twists and turns.