A stark, Brechtian parable of morality where a chalk-outlined stage becomes a crucible for human cruelty. Amidst invisible walls, a fugitive's grace curdles into apocalyptic vengeance, exposing the arrogant darkness within ordinary hearts.

Dogville

"A quiet little town not far from here."

21 May 2003 Denmark 178 min ⭐ 7.8 (2,600)

Director: Lars von Trier

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Paul Bettany, John Hurt, Stellan Skarsgård, Philip Baker Hall

Drama Crime Thriller

The Arrogance of Forgiveness Power and Exploitation Hypocrisy of the Community The Outsider as Scapegoat

Budget: $10,000,000

Box Office: $16,690,617

Dogville - Easter Eggs & Hidden Details

Easter Eggs

Pirate Jenny

The plot mirrors the song "Pirate Jenny" from Brecht's The Threepenny Opera, where a kitchen maid dreams of a pirate ship bombarding the town and killing everyone who mistreated her.

Dictum Ac Factum

A Latin phrase carved into the beam of the mine entrance, meaning "Said and Done." It foreshadows that words and promises in Dogville will eventually translate into harsh actions.

Tom Edison's Name

Named after Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb. Ironically, Tom brings "light" (Grace) to the town, but instead of enlightenment, it only exposes their ugliness.

Young Americans

The closing credits feature David Bowie's song "Young Americans" played over Jacob Holdt's photos of American poverty, juxtaposing the film's abstract setting with gritty reality.

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