Dreyer's film, which must be one of the most beautifully photographed films ever made, explores the gulf between religious orthodoxy and true faith. The simplicity and luminescence of the rural setting only adds to the power of the understated drama, in which son Johannes believes he is the reincarnated Christ. Questioning where truth, miracles and madness overlap, this is film as a true art form. It's also one of the Vatican's top 10 recommended films and features what Paul Schrader describes as 'one of the greatest moments in film history'.
A film that takes its time beautifully. Like F.W. Murnau's 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans' and Jean Cocteau's 'La Testament D'Orphee' this is cinema as poetry. The cam... more >
A film that takes its time beautifully. Like F.W. Murnau's 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans' and Jean Cocteau's 'La Testament D'Orphee' this is cinema as poetry. The camera movement, such as the three hundred and sixty degrees tracking shot around Preben Lerdorff Rye and Ann Elisabeth Rud, is subtly done and compliments the performances. It takes a second viewing to notice Carl Dreyer's skill in handling his performers and crew.
When watching 'Ordet' for the first time one barely notices the tracking and panning shots. This is because as a viewer you are lost in the world of the film. Carl Dreyer has the ability to make you believe in the worlds he creates, especially the world of 'Ordet', that is his genius. You don't think of the actors and crew getting ready to do a 'take' when watching this sublime masterpiece. 'Ordet' is very much real. As real as the personages of Hamlet and Sir John Falstaff. < less
