[soliloquy id=”1769″]
I was quite stunned by the graphic sexual nature of this movie but hey, I’m not and wasn’t complaining!
The Antichrist, directed by Lars von Trier, does not tackle the devil or evil in the traditionally known way. It shows us the acts of humanity and human nature; a human being which holds both good and evil. It’s an artistic film and with no names for the characters played by Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg, just known as ‘he’ and ‘she’.
Antichrist starts with psychotherapist “he” and his wife “she” making love as their young toddler climbs onto a desk to look at snowflakes outside. When tragedy happens.
He uses his professional skills to help she deal with what happens, taking her out into nature to be alone and attempt to heal her pain. He has the best intentions, leading she into the darkest recesses of her mind and instead of releasing psychological trauma, he reinforces it. Having to defend himself when she becomes the controlling force.
The film is divided into six parts, including a Prologue. Grief, Pain, and Despair; The Three Beggars, and an Epilogue.
Antichrist is a psychological ride that will no doubt divide audiences, with the last parts of the movie brutal, revealing, disturbing, shocking and much more.
Barring the intense and hardcore images, the movie will leave you with some in-depth thoughts.
The performances are exceptional and in the end, any confusion should fall into place, directing the viewer towards Trier’s view on existence.
If artsy films with subliminal messages and symbolism aren’t really your bag you definitely won’t get or enjoy this film, but if you’re into art movies and are looking for something with more depth and more than meets the eye, then you’ll find Antichrist a possible masterpiece.
I would personally recommend this film but if you do watch it, brace yourself for a pretty heavy experience, but also be prepared for an hour of possible boredom and irritation up until these testing scenes, if shock is what you are are after.
WICKED RATING: 6.5/10 [usr 6.5]
Title: Antichrist
Directors: Lars Von Trier
Writer(s): Lars Von Trier
Stars: Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Storm Acheche Sahlstrøm
Year: 2009
Studio/ Production Co: Zentropa Entertainments, Zentropa International Köln, Slot Machine
Budget: $11,000,000 (estimated)
Language: English
Length: 108mins
Sub-Genre: Drama
