DOGME films

[eddie]

I saw Breaking the waves a while ago, and Festen (at long last) the other night.
I beleive that the rules are a combination of the above comments and more.
They serve(d) as a good publicity stunt but they also provide a platform to experiment with film.
The results from following these rules seems to be to produce a harrowing and emotionally painful film (almost a documentary) to watch. To me the concentration seems to move away from the 'film' idea, to concentrate more on actors and performances.
Most of the technical stuff is thrown away, giving the film makers time to concentrate on the story and the acting.
Festen is one of my favourite films, because it is fresh, alive, painful and anarchic.
Seeing a film like that makes me want to become a farmer. Imagine the passion/drive/anxiety/arguaments/laughs on set!!?
Even the gang behind inventing the rules would probably admit that they are just a guideline. But look at the results!
These are unique films, whether you like em or not, and they are low budget. Perfect. You could actually think of the 'rules' as a low budget guide. (The technical ones at least, not so much the more philosphical ones, such as not crediting the director.)
I read an interview with Lars Von Trier, he sounds like an egomaniacal nutter. Is that the only attribute you need to 'make a film' ?

[Matt J Heaton]

Since you put it like that it sounds pretty good.

I wouldn't mind giving that kind of film a try. The acting sounds just the sort of thing I'd enjoy. (And be good at. )

[EdWood]

Trier and friends made up the wow, to focus more on the important aspect of films. STORY!!

Ed

[Stuntman]

Just my opinion.... but this current "DOGME" isn't new... we have had it for years... it was just called "HOME MOVIES" before... there are no rules to filmmaking... make what you want, the way you want, that is the way of the artist and always has been... you want to make mainstream films, DO IT! you want to make wierd art-house films? DO IT! you want to make a movie following some guy that thought it would be fun to make up his own rules and see who follows? DO IT! But if you are a filmmaker, you will make films... there are several "Wonderful" films that I think are crap, but that is my opinion... just make yourself happy. And stop complaining and pick up a camera and shoot something...!!!

Good Luck,

Stuntman (A veteran of over 250 films, some good, some bad, some great...)

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"Madness takes it's toll... please have exact change."

[This message has been edited by Stuntman (edited September 01, 2000).]