Dogme 95

So, after rewatching the "Italiensk for Begyndere" film for almost the third time, I think I finally grasp what's going on. The movie is actually pretty good, considering how it was shot. However, it seems to break a few rules of dogme 95 and The Vow of Chastity. This movie seems to fall under the genre of romance. There is also a large use of music. A few times I noted that it came from the environment or from the cameraman humming, but there were times when it could not be determined whether the source was actually in the facility. There was also a moment when I questioned when the original language instructor started to die. An ambulance was called which brought in a stretcher. This seems like it was an added prop and not one on location. The movie though does put story over effects, even if the story can be quite confusing. In the end though, it is a good piece and portrays the lifes of several people coming together very well.

As for dogme films and the Vow of Chastity, it does sound like an interesting way of shooting. Von Trier's idea of story being more important is something I agree with. Today, the story is thrown out or either ignored in an attempt to offer something visually appealing and nothing more. The rules though of the Vow of Chastity really interest me. They help to create a more geniune and believable movie. Even though it may or may not be possible, the only thing I don't agree with is the prohibiting of superficial actions. The place one is recording in could always have someone show up and randomly die. "Italiensk for Begyndere" had two people die in it.

The dogme films may offer me a slight bit of viewing troubles, but there is something compelling about them. Perhaps it is that they are story driven and the characters are what's most important.