The Idiots

The Idiots (1998) Directed by Lars Von Trier.

I found that this film was very similar to a documentary style film. It follows the codes and conventions of Dogma '95 which gives the film a very normal look to it.It is an independent film that doesn't appear to be glamorized. The concept of the film is for a group of friends to find their 'inner idiot.' To prove this they have to 'spazz out' in front of their close friends and family.I find the film very odd and is very different to any other piece of cinema that I have seen before. The scene that I find quite shocking is after the 'sex scene' when two others go into the bedroom and begin kissing which leads to sex. Although the scene before hand is very graphic this doesn't shock me as much. When watching to couple begin to kiss and undress I feel very uncomfortable watching as I feel as if I am intruding on their privacy. In this scene they also act like 'Idiots' so there is an awkwardness between their relationship and their relationship with the viewers. Another scene that I find awkward to watch is when Karen 'The newest member' goes home to pursue her 'act' within the company of her family. The house is tiny and has a lot of people in the scene. The movement of the camera is very close to the characters creating a very claustrophobic environment at her home. This is reflecting her life before she became friends with the 'Idiots' as if everyone is stepping on each others toes. So maybe she felt more 'at home' playing 'the Idiot' with Stoffer and his friends, than facing up to her family and mourning for her dead baby. This shows selfishness and a lack of reality, the consequences of acting like 'an Idiot.'

The Accused

The Accused (1988) Directed by Jonathan Kaplan. 

The shocking factor in this film for me is the rape scene. I feel that the camera movements help to emphasize this scene as being horrific and terrifying. The camera cuts between jaggerred movements in-between the crowd of men standing in front of Jodie Foster who plays the victim. In certain shots the camera plays Jodie Fosters eyes as a piont of view shot. This engages us, the audience into feeling as if we are there, rather than standing on the sidelines. The intensity of the scene also adds to the suspense. For instance we also see a point of view shot from the 'accused' men. which makes the audience feel as if we are the ones that are taking turns as to who rapes her. this scene is very full on and violent, it isn't glamorized or covered up. It shows it how it is.

Life of Brian

Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) Directed by Terry Jones. 

This film is a comical take on religion using Brian (a jewish man) who is mistaken as Jesus Christ. There seems to be a shock element that runs throughout the whole film with regards to religion and the Bible. However this film would only effect people that have religious beliefs. As I don't, I find the film humorous but can still sympathize with people that might easily become offended by this film. When the film first came out there was a huge amount of controversy with regards to christians commenting on Terry Jones' work. I believe that he as an individual is allowed to make any film with any concept of his choice. I just feel that it is a shame that Christians can't respect his views on the Bible and of Jesus. As the film is now a few years old it is starting to become more acceptable to people who choose to view it, as apposed to years ago when the film was getting slaughtered for its humorous and comical edge to a serious issue.