Capsule Review: "Dancer in the Dark"

by Eric Melin on September 22, 2000

in Print Reviews

Lars Von Trier did “Breaking the Waves,” a movie that kicked my ass so completely, I was unsure if I ever wanted to see it again. His newest pic covers more bleak, disturbing material with another horribly tragic protagonist. Except this time she’s played by Bjork AND it’s a damn musical! This is an inspired, original work that must be seen by true movie fans. I saw it 8 hours ago and I can’t stop thinking about it. Even when life is at its most tragic depths, music has the ability to lift the soul, and “Dancer in the Dark” takes that premise to its grisliest conclusion. Bjork is a natural, giving a transcendent performance and writing and singing songs that have her own distinct personality, but also fit within the realm of the film. No musical has ever plumbed the depths of the human condition like this before.

Eric is the Editor-in-Chief of Scene-Stealers.com, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, and contributor for The Pitch. He’s former President of the KCFCC, and drummer for The Dead Girls, Ultimate Fakebook, and Truck Stop Love . He is also the 2013 Air Guitar World Champion Mean Melin, ranked 4th best of all-time. Eric goes to 11. Follow him at:

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