What themes are explored in their work?
Eg: When asked about his perspective and whether there was more misery or joy – he responded: “Misery, dammit! Clearly. You may argue: Orgasm. Yes, that’s fine enough. But, orgasms, Ferraris and other pleasures. Yes, but with death and suffering at the other end of the scale, these weigh more, I think. And there’s much more suffering and pain than pleasure”. In a way this sums up his approach to characters and creation of narratives that push discomfort in many ways. Von Trier takes the ambiguity and paradox of existence to be the basis of his interpretation, never leaving the viewer with an easy answer. Underneath every normal societal configuration there is a sideways truth that is erodes the superficial ideas.
5) What is the audience/public reaction to the emotional content of the work?
Reading reviews of any Von Trier work, can be quite revealing, since reviews often contain both respect for his technical and artistic approach but then split heavily in interpretation of theme and ultimate meaning. Because he does push boundaries and genuinely include provocative images that explore his themes and intent, there is a challenge to tolerance and norms. Peter Hjorth, one of his long term collaborators as a 2nd unit director and visual effects supervisor puts it this way – “Lars’ films both ravish and revolt audiences, pushing the limits of tolerance and understandability.” In looking at reviews of “Dogville” for example, there are many critical statements ranging from “fatally self important” to “brutally masterful allegory” and in general there is a question between the artistic value and daring measured against the pretentious ambiguity and harsh interpretation. In other words, unless you have a high tolerance for ambiguity, or just enjoy his visual experiments, and symbolic/allegorical presentations, it may be a difficult experience.
