Dancer in the Dark (2000)

Synopsis of Dancer in the Dark

Reportedly the third in acclaimed director Lars von Trier's "Golden Hearts" trilogy (preceded by Breaking the Waves and The Idiots), this film is a hip reworking of the classic Hollywood Musical, starring international pop diva Bjork. Set somewhere in rural Washington state, Czech immigrant Selma (Bjork) works in a pressing plant, struggling to make ends meet for herself and her 10-year-old son, Gene (Vladica Kostic). Her best friend is coworker and fellow European Kathy (Catherine Deneuve). While outside work, she is maintaining a cautious friendship with local yokel Jeff (Peter Stormare). She also landed a starring role as Maria in an amateur production of The Sound of Music. Selma's life would be one of relative contentment if it were not for the ugly secret she harbors -- she is on the verge of blindness due to a genetic disorder, and her young son will suffer the same fate without an operation. Selma has quietly been stashing away money for the surgery and has already amassed $2,000. When her savings, squirreled away in a can in the kitchen, suddenly disappear, she confronts her cash-strapped landlord Bill (David Morse). Of course, like all musicals, the plot periodically takes a backseat to the seven production numbers, including a show-stopping sequence in Selma's factory. Shot entirely on digital video, the film reportedly used up to 100 cameras for each musical number. Dancer in the Dark received top prizes at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival including Best Actress for Bjork and the coveted Palme d'Or for Best Picture. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

141 mins

Director(s):

Lars von Trier

Writer(s):

Lars von Trier

Producer(s):

Vibeke Windeløv

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Adult Situations, Violence, Not For Children)

Categories:

Independent Films

• 2000 - Cannes Film Festival - Best Actress
• 2000 - Cannes Film Festival - Palme d'Or
• 2000 - European Film Academy - Best European Actress
• 2000 - European Film Academy - Best European Film
• 2000 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Foreign Film
• 2000 - Jameson People's Choice Award - Best European Director
• 2000 - Jameson People's Choice Award - Best European Actress
• 2000 - National Board of Review - Best Musical Performance

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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