He's simply one of the best filmmakers working right now, I love 90% of what i've seen from him
Antichrist - 10/10 - It's not for everyone, but if you want a cerebral, artistic study of grief and misogyny then this is it. That's not to say the film is misogynist (I don't think this is a fair claim, and it's thrown at von Trier a lot) just that it has interest in the subject. There are too many themes to mention here, Munchausen By Proxy Syndrome also plays a big part. It's very referential to classic horror cinema (The Evil Dead especially) and the cinematography is inspired by the films of Andrei Tarkovsky (who the film is dedicated to). It's stunning visually. Charlotte Gainsbourg is also mind-blowingly good, a terrific actress. If you enjoy it then also check out Possession (Andrzej Zulawski, 1981) and The Night Porter (Liliana Cavani, 1974).
Direktøren for det hele (The Boss of It All) - 6/10 - This was my first from him a long time ago, didn't really get it, but it was well acted with a few funny moments. Certainly don't start with it, you need to get used to von Trier as a prankster first.
Dogville - 10/10 - Staggeringly powerful, but again, not for everyone. It's essentially a three hour stage play. It's a genuis idea and I think its executed perfectly. The script and performances are just perfect. It's another film where von Trier puts his female protagonist through hell but if you've seen his Golden Hearts trilogy, there's an interesting spin on it. It has themes of guilt, repression, sexuality... it's a morality play. I love it. I know people who couldn't even get through it because of boredom but I eagerly await my third watch.
Dancer In The Dark - 9.5/10 - This one is tough. It has a slow start and a very grainy image and it took me a while to adjust to Bjork's performance (and even the songs). But it's a film that pays back if you're willing to invest. The story takes its time to unfold and it lets the emotions slowly pour out until they just flood you at the end - i'm not ashamed to admit I cried. But again, really, really not for everyone. It has a real heart and a real soul and it's a painful but rewarding experience.
Idioterne (The Idiots) - 10/10 - This is so, so, so misunderstood. Again (this is a recurring theme) it's not for everyone - it's tough with a capital T. The very idea of this film may repulse some people, but these are the ones unwilling to explore and there is a good core to The Idiots and a heart and a soul that is incredibly powerful. It was made under the Dogme 95 manifesto so it looks pretty rough, but that's the style it had to be made in IMO. It's also another film in the Golden Hearts trilogy, so the female protagonist is put through a hard time. The ending is among the most shocking, uncomfortable, heartbreaking moments in cinema. Again, not afraid to admit it, I cried. But it will divide people like nothing else. von Trier is all about investing. There is a scene that annoyed me here though, you'll know it when you see it
Hope that helps
I've also seen two of the three that you've seen, watching Europa soon!
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