Many parallels can be drawn between the two danish directors, but this is the first time I've ever noticed a direct link.
Does anyone know exactly how Dreyer was connected to this film? Did he actually have any involvement in the script, or is it just an inspirational credit?
Anyone have any details on the tv-film itself?
Worth finding?
Dryer originated the script upon which this version was based. He died before he could realize it... and Von Trier made a few changes... but basically attempted to create the film because of Dryer's script. Some of the shots, fades, screen out... were adapted from Dryer's style... although Von Trier says he in no way intended Medea to be confused for Dryer's work, although I'm not sure about that.
As far as the tv film, all I know is it was first shown on Good Friday, a big broadcasting day for Denmark which only had one channel at the time. People were outraged, and the critics all hated it. They said it was disrespectful to the Classic because of the changes in the story as well as the film work...
Although somewhat boring, I loved the scenes of the actual revenge. I literally cried. It was disturbing, but beautifully done - very aesthetic.
I don't know how much truth there is to the back of the DVD case, but it states that Von Trier claimed to be in telepathic communication with Dreyer throughout filming.
I love the high contrasty shots, and those with the blankety, flickering shadows are good, and (i think?) in Dreyer's style, though I've only seen Vampyr.
I agree that the revenge scenes are the best, totally creepy (i dreamt about baby-death after seeing it). Also, the scenes with all that grass blowing in the wind are nice.
I can't believe how great this movie was! Although less emotionally involving then von triers later work, the estetics were much better, very dreyerish! Dreyer is much greater then von trier, which sometimes seems a bit full of *beep* but i admire them both, so I was really looking forward to see this film. and it was even better then I imagined. Unforgetable!
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It's possible Danish critics hated it, but film in the 80ies in Denmark just did not look like anything like this. The film was popular in France where it won a TV-film prize.
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