I’ve been waiting for filmmaker Lars von Trier to feature in our Director’s Showcase ever since the series began over a year ago. So I’m rather excited it’s his turn this month, and we can indulge in five films that have made von Trier a controversial and unique cinematic force.
I’ve been waiting for filmmaker Lars von Trier to feature in our Director’s Showcase ever since the series began over a year ago. So I’m rather excited it’s his turn this month, and we can indulge in five films that have made von Trier a controversial and unique cinematic force.
This Sunday evening you can sob your way through Breaking the Waves (11th November, 8.30pm), one of the most devastating films I’ve ever seen. I’ve never cried in a film screening as much as I did watching this multi-award winning film back in 1996. This marvellous work won the Grand Jury Prize in Cannes in 1996, and features a stand-out performance by Emily Watson who was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role Oscar in 1997.
It’s the story of naïve Scottish woman Bess and her Danish partner Jan, whose neck is broken working on an oil rig. Jan urges Bess to find a new lover and share with him the details; before long Bess comes to believe her deviant sexual behaviour is sanctioned by God and is keeping Jan alive.
I went to a morning session of this film and I can clearly remember walking into work at music TV station MAX TV that afternoon with a bloated, red face and puffy eyes. I was greeted by concerned co-workers who presumed something terrible had happened; I never mentioned I’d been at the movies, but I was depressed for days. Please don’t let this put you off – it’s a fabulous film!
The Whistleblower (Saturday 10th November, 8.30pm) is another film that carries an emotional wallop, thanks to a passionate performance by Rachel Weisz. It’s the debut feature from director Larysa Kondracki and is based on the true story of Kathryn Bolkovac, an American cop working as a peacekeeper in Bosnia, who outed the U.N. for covering up a sex scandal.
The Whistleblower is a hard hitting and conventionally told thriller. It tackles the harrowing subject matter of human trafficking and sex slaves; so while it’s intense and enlightening there is simply no getting away from the fact it’s a sad story. Weisz is her normal compelling self, and she’s joined by the excellent Vanessa Redgrave, Monica Belluci and David Strathairn. Unfortunately, there are a few too many other actors and characters involved, which means it’s a little hard to keep up with who’s who, but it’s a melodrama definitely worth a watch.
I have also, amongst the misery(!), picked a sweet, uplifting documentary to make you feel good. It’s called Buck (Thursday 8th November, 8.30pm) and you’ve more than likely heard of it as it’s been charming film festival audiences around the world since it scooped the US Documentary Audience Award at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.
Director Cindy Meehl had 300 hours of footage to work as she pulled together this story about horse trainer, whisperer and philosopher Buck Brannaman, the inspiration behind the novel and film The Horse Whisperer. This documentary tells Buck's story from abusive childhood to legendary cowboy and trainer, but also shows you his incredible ability to communicate and work with horses. Even if you’re not a “horsey type” it’s pretty impressive.
Have a great week. Enjoy.