In this episode, Ken and Todd tackle Lars von Trier’s provocative and controversial film Dogville and choose to examine it through an allegorical lens. How does the film’s set design impact interpretations? What does it have to say about morality, revenge and forgiveness? Is there a political message, and why might Norway terrorist Anders Breivik have been influenced by it? Tune in to find out.

SHOW NOTES:

0:34 - Intro

1:44 - Basic plot synopsis of Dogville

4:35 - The artificiality of the set and possible allegorical interpretations

8:45 - What’s not there, reality vs. pretend

15:25 - Forgiveness, revenge and the abuse of Grace

26:34 - Political themes, the treatment of outsiders

32:43 - The father/daughter relationship between the mobster and Grace

34:55 - A link to the Norway attacks?

39:14 - Moral deterioration and the complicity of the viewer

42:48 - Show close

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