Oh Dear Wendy.

Lars von Trier deserves credit for his role in developing Dogma 95 filmmaking. His Breaking the Waves is a classic. Even Dancer in the Dark is fascinating to watch as a naturalistic musical. But Dear Wendy, which he wrote and didn't direct but which shows his influence, is a bit much.

Whereas Dancer's heavy-handed social commentary was mitigated by the fascinating filmmaking style, this movie is all message. For instance, one shouldn't romanticize guns because they are dangerous and will kill you. You think?

Frankly, it's more than a little off-putting to this American to watch von Trier grind his anti-American axe. His view of America is two-dimensional.

You've got to give this film credit for one thing. Those Dandies (the kids in the movie who become too fascinated with their guns) carried some pretty cool handguns. Not very practical. Just cool. Mister Americano wouldn't mind owning a little pearl-handled Wendy himself.

-tdr

Technorati: movies.