But it is reality, not escapism, that gets her into horrible trouble. This is America, after all, or at least Von Trier's take on it. The surreal circumstances of Selma's final retreat into escape add to the scene's impact. I just know the rest of us are left blinking as the lights come up, as it were. There is even a kind of encore or reprise.
Several devices tend to distance viewers from the film.
The reality sequences are shot like a documentary, with a handheld camera that will cause some audience members to reach for the Dramamine. The musical numbers, in contrast, were supposedly shot with 100 cameras, fixed in place. Bjork may or may not be an actress, but she is effective in the role. All rights reserved. Click here for Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.