Lars von Trier's Cinema: Excess, Evil, and the Prophetic Voice

This book explores Lars von Trier's cinema through philosophy, theology, and aesthetics, examining his prophetic voice and the spiritual, biblical content of his films. It argues that spiritual conflict is the mechanism that unpacks the films' excess, exposing the spectators' complicity in personal and structural evil. It offers a theoretical framework beyond von Trier and is of interest to scholars in film studies, film and philosophy, and film and theology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate world of Lars von Trier's cinema, offering a bold and dynamic exploration by seamlessly intertwining philosophy, theology, and aesthetics through style and narrative. It delves into the prophetic voice of von Trier's films, juxtaposing them with Ezekiel's prophecy and Ricoeur's symbols of evil, myth, and hermeneutics of revelation.

Von Trier's films are often categorized as extreme cinema, as they provoke intense trauma and emotional rupture, rarely matched in the world of film. They challenge audiences to respond in unique and profound ways, pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression. This volume argues that the spiritual, biblical content of von Trier's films holds the key to understanding his oeuvre of excess. Spiritual conflict serves as the mechanism that unravels the films notorious excess with explosive, centrifugal force.

By confronting the spectator with spiritual conflict through the portrayal of evil, von Trier's films truthfully and prophetically expose the spectators' complicity in personal and structural evil. They force self-examination through theological themes, akin to the prophetic voice of the transgressive Hebrew prophet Ezekiel, his prophecy, and its unique form of delivery. This volume places von Trier's films in context with the prophetic voices of Dante, Milton, Dostoyevsky, OConnor, and Tarkovsky, providing a theoretical framework that extends beyond his work. It will captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike in the fields of film studies, film and philosophy, film and theology.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367775742