Movie Description
Lars von Trier's first contribution to Denmark's Dogme 95 collective (subtitled "Dogme 2," following Thomas Vinterberg's THE CELEBRATION) concerns a group of adults who decide to get in touch with their "inner idiot." When Karen (Bodil Jorgensen), a shy, sensitive young woman, follows a group of mentally disabled individuals home after an encounter at a restaurant, she discovers that they are, in fact, healthy and intelligent. Led by Stoffer (Jens Albinus), the group lives communally in his wealthy uncle's house. Stoffer believes that by "spassing" in public they are rejecting the conformity and normality of modern society, and he spends his unemployed days thinking of different ways to toy with the world at large.
Shot with handheld digital cameras and using natural lighting and natural locations, THE IDIOTS possesses an urgency that makes it feel like a documentary. Von Trier sparked a heated controversy with his decision to film the sex scenes with actual intercourse, adhering to the Dogme tenets. (He hired porn actors for the close-ups.) This controversy aside, the film nonetheless raises questions about cultism, modern ethics, and the idea of individuality within the absurdity of the characters' world.
| Credits | | Producer: | Vibeke Windelov | | Cast: | Nicolaj Lie Kaas, Paprika Steen, Trine Michelsen, Troels Lyby |
| Details | | Edition: | Both R-Rated and Unrated Versions | | Sound: | Stereo Sound |
Notes
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
Includes both R-Rated and Unrated Versions of Film, In Lars von Trier's Dogme confessional, he admitted to committing these "sins": using a stand-in for the sexual intercourse scene; organizing payment of cash to the actors for grocery shopping; altering the natural lighting to achieve a better exposure; and acknowledging that he knew a car had been leased without the actor's knowledge.
Von Trier established the Dogme manifesto with fellow Dutch director Thomas Vinterberg.
The film captured three Bodil Awards (Denmark): Best Actress (Bodil Jorgensen), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Ann Louise Hassing), and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Nicolaj Lie Kaas).
Editorial Reviews
"...Raw, funny, maddening....[Von Trier] means what he does..." -- Rating: B
Entertainment Weekly - p.46 - Owen Gleiberman (05/19/2000)
"...With shocking humor and surprising grace, Von Trier creates something unique and memorable..."
Rolling Stone - p.82 - Peter Travers (06/08/2000)
"...Energetic direction....It is anchored by Jorgensen's bold performance..."
Box Office - Ed Scheid (07/01/1998)
"...All 11 of the film's principals clearly must have reached deep within themselves to make so powerful an impression on the screen..."
Los Angeles Times - Kevin Thomas (06/23/2000)
"...Lars Von Trier's Dogme movie is uncomfortable and provocative, but packs an unexpected emotional punch..."
Total Film - Alan Morrison (12/01/2000)
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