Manderlay

The second film in director Lars Von Trier’s Dogma trilogy. It is the 1930’s in the American Deep South and after leaving Dogville, Grace and her gangster father come upon the isolated plantation of Mandelay, where 70 years after its abolition, slavery still exists. Refusing her father’s advice, Grace is shocked and disgusted by the situation and resolves to stay and help liberate the slaves of Manderlay.

A seemingly honourable act proves the catalyst for a myriad of problems, as Grace learns that the act of liberation and its aftermath was not as simple as she first thought. Far from being passive, it becomes clear that the slaves have been complicit in their continuing oppression; nowhere is this more visible than in the character of Wilhelm magnificently played by Danny Glover, who helped write the laws that govern the slaves of Manderlay.

An absorbing, cynical and unrelenting narrative that climaxes in a shocking and savage conclusion. The film explores ideas of idealism, politics, freedom and reveals how pertinent these themes are in a present day black america. A fine ensemble of British actors including Isaac de Bankole and Mona Hammond plus the brilliant, yet disturbing performance by Bryce Dallas Howard as Grace draw you inexorably deeper into the dark and gloomy world of Manderlay. With a simple and bare set and dark and evocative lighting and sound the film plays more like a thearte production helping to further enhance the sense of desolateness.

In the director’s signature style, convention is dismissed with numerous jump cuts that break continuity as the camera roams around the stage like setting,, beyond the Manderlay gates, nothing exists. Black and white dominate the screen with minimal use of colour. Conventional cinema this certainly isn’t.

Manderlay’s narrative will force you to ask yourself questions about the nature of freedom , and the effects of 'institutionalistion' on the psyche. A controversial piece of cinema that had many activist up in arms at what they deemed to be an unrealistic and damaging portrayal of slavery. Is black America really better off with its freedom? Watch and judge for yourself.

The film manages to be uplifting and disgusting simultaneously and invites you to  revel in its contentiousness. Essential, if uneasy viewing. An intelligent film by a unique filmmaker. A must for your dvd collection.

Verdict: 5 stars
July 2006