DANCER IN THE DARK

directed by Lars Von Trier.

dancer in the dark is a gloomy yet lovely. the film tells the story of Selma, a factory worker who has a condition which causes her to steadily lose her sight. she knows that her son will eventually have the same problem, and so is saving her wages to be able to afford a sight saving operation to ensure he doesn't suffer the way that she has. she tells no one about her problem, and continues to work in dangerous conditions where sight is essential.

the film is part musical. i hate musicals, but i love this film. the musical sections build up slowly as Selma's hearing becomes her primary sense. she makes songs out of the repetitive factory noises and imagines herself playing the lead part in a glamorised musical about her life.

dancer in the dark is ultimately a dark tale, the only happy parts being in Selma's imagination. we witness as she totally loses her sight, and is forced to confide in someone, who later takes advantage and steals the money she has been saving for her son.

this film is different, it is cleverly shot and the lead actor (Bjork) plays the part of Selma perfectly. the story is thoughtful yet very depressing. you hope for her sight to be restored, even though blindness is inevitable. she is coping well, and her intentions are good by saving for her son, only to be robbed of the only thing which keeps her going. the songs and routines in the film are brilliant. its well worth a watch, even if the ending is a tad dark.

posters for this film were cleverly designed, being very fitting to the story, but not giving too much away.