Lars Von Trier

Started by Adam0199, March 19, 2003, 10:41:39 PM

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Pubrick

ok this got out of hand pretty much instantly.

firstly, JB's and stefen's initial reactions are as reactionary and tone deaf as the journalists who are writing he's a nazi. i laughed when he said nazis like to do things in a big scale, that was funny. i also understand the beginning of his response which i don't think is that scandalous, at least not in any way that exceeds what we've come to expect from him, after all we've had our very own hitler-sympathizer in the form of kotte.. and i DON'T even think he was saying he sympathizes with hitler in the outrageous sense of hating jews, he was just goading the press since they asked about his germanic roots and kind of went too far in name dropping something that everyone loves to go crazy over. point proven. and susanne bier.. who knows, maybe she's a jackass.

secondly, i'm liking how sundown (is) all over mod's nuts.. that was always an eternal rivalry waiting to happen, they will NEVER understand each other's perspective on cinema. if you want to know if a movie is entertaining, you read modage reviews.. if you want to know if the movie has any substance and is worth thinking about, you read sundowns. you guys should totally host a show together.
under the paving stones.

Mr. Merrill Lehrl

I sometimes really like what the guy has to say.  LVT yes, but I mean modage.  It's because I respect him I sometimes disagree with him.  His "let's get real" Malick scale was for me what this Von Trier Nazi thing was for others.
"If I had to hold up the most heavily fortified bank in America," Bolaño says, "I'd take a gang of poets. The attempt would probably end in disaster, but it would be beautiful."

Jeremy Blackman

Quote from: Pubrick on May 18, 2011, 07:20:46 PMfirstly, JB's and stefen's initial reactions are as reactionary and tone deaf as the journalists who are writing he's a nazi.

Jeez, all I said is that I didn't think it was funny. I guess that's "reactionary."

After having watched it, though, I agree with your reaction completely...

It seems like he was just lazily playing around with the press (and the press conference format itself). Nothing more than that. All the Nazi stuff is so obviously insincere and sort of gently over the top... I have to believe the only thing fueling the hysteria is dishonest sensationalism, because I don't understand how any reporter could interpret this as something that genuinely deserves concerned attention. It's also interesting that none of the articles mention how many times he says "I'm sorry" and "I'm only joking" as he's delivering the lines.

MacGuffin

CANNES: Lars Von Trier's Nazi Outburst Prompts Party Cancellation
BY MIKE FLEMING |Deadline

I flew home today from Cannes and am playing catch-up to Lars Von Trier's Nazi and pro-Hitler outburst at a press conference for his film Melancholia, which was capably chronicled by my colleague Pete Hammond. I'm told that a post-premiere party for Melancholia was canceled, which is probably appropriate because the provocateur left nobody in a mood for revelry and put a blot on what has been a fine festival so far. After watching yesterday's press conference with Jodie Foster, and the way she thoughtfully answered every question both in English and in French about her film The Beaver, I find it shocking that an experienced director like von Trier could be so graceless in his opportunity to introduce his film on a worldwide platform. It's inexcusable to be making flip comments about being a sympathizer of the Nazis and Hitler, seemingly oblivious to the memory of genocide that is the first thing most rational, decent people think of when those words are brought up. If there was a festival prize for Biggest Douchebag, von Trier wins, hands down. Despite a tepid apology issued through the festival that he "let himself be egged on by a provocation" (what the hell does that mean, anyway?), von Trier deserves all the lumps that will be coming to him.
"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." - Andy Warhol


Skeleton FilmWorks

MacGuffin

Lars von Trier Apologizes For Controversial "Melancholia" Press Conference Comments
by Peter Kneg, indieWire

After this morning's press conference for "Melancholia" quickly caused a spread of controversy on the Croisette and across the internet, Lars von Trier has offered a brief apology via an official Cannes press release. The release notes that the festival was "disturbed" by Trier's comments, which included the following: "I thought I was a Jew for a long time and was happy being a Jew, Then later I found out that I wasn't a Jew. I really wanted to be, but found out I was really a Nazi because my family was German. I understand Hitler, but I definitely see some wrong things. I just think I understand the man. He's not what I call a good guy. I'm not for the Second World War. I'm for Jews, well maybe except for the Israelis -sometimes they're a problem..." Check out a complete rundown of the press conference here, and the full press release below, which simply states that Trier felt "he let himself be egged on by a provocation.":

The Festival de Cannes was disturbed about the statements made by Lars von Trier in his press conference this morning in Cannes. Therefore the Festival asked him to provide an explanation for his comments. The director states that he let himself be egged on by a provocation. He presents his apology. The direction of the Festival acknowledges this and is passing on Lars von Trier's apology. The Festival is adamant that it would never allow the event to become the forum for such pronouncements on such subjects.

UPDATE: U.S. distributor Magnolia Pictures also sent around a release, which included an extended statement from von Trier: In connection to the Melancholia conference this morning, Lars von Trier has the following statement: "If I have hurt someone this morning by the words I said at the press conference, I sincerely apologize. I am not antisemitic or racially prejudiced in any way, nor am I a nazi." -Lars von Trier.
"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." - Andy Warhol


Skeleton FilmWorks

modage

Quote from: Merrill Errol Lehrl on May 18, 2011, 05:51:05 PM
So, are you more concerned about which will be the better movie and receive a better grade, or what your personal experience will be while watching the movies?  Like with Malick, I find curious the investments you make in other people's receptions and opinions, especially when expressed with surrogate authority.  That's the mindset of studio bigwigs, isn't it?  Relying on response cards.  Are you excited about what people will say about the movie, or what you yourself will think and feel while watching the movie?

I'm gauging the reactions of people I mostly trust and getting a general feel for what to expect when I see it. (Everybody does this, no?) These opinions wont end up affecting how I feel about it but can just help guide my expectations going in (as I'm sure like most people, I lowered them when reading/skimming the reviews). The only thing that really matters is how I feel watching it (duh). But judging from my past history with either director, I have a pretty good idea of where these films will probably fall. But again, we'll see.

Yes, the Malick scale was a little provocative but that was my personal preference and if you want to argue it, go ahead. Nobody else did.

Quote from: Merrill Errol Lehrl on May 18, 2011, 07:32:12 PM
His "let's get real" Malick scale was for me what this Von Trier Nazi thing was for others.

But that makes no sense.
Christopher Nolan's directive was clear to everyone in the cast and crew: Use CGI only as a last resort.

Mr. Merrill Lehrl

Quote from: modage on May 18, 2011, 11:20:16 PM
Quote from: Merrill Errol Lehrl on May 18, 2011, 05:51:05 PM
So, are you more concerned about which will be the better movie and receive a better grade, or what your personal experience will be while watching the movies?  Like with Malick, I find curious the investments you make in other people's receptions and opinions, especially when expressed with surrogate authority.  That's the mindset of studio bigwigs, isn't it?  Relying on response cards.  Are you excited about what people will say about the movie, or what you yourself will think and feel while watching the movie?

I'm gauging the reactions of people I mostly trust and getting a general feel for what to expect when I see it. (Everybody does this, no?) These opinions wont end up affecting how I feel about it but can just help guide my expectations going in (as I'm sure like most people, I lowered them when reading/skimming the reviews). The only thing that really matters is how I feel watching it (duh). But judging from my past history with either director, I have a pretty good idea of where these films will probably fall. But again, we'll see.

I'm sorry that I was unable to decode all of this from your earlier post of:

Quote from: modage on May 18, 2011, 12:57:01 PM
The real story here is that the movie kinda sucks:

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/archives/cannes_review_lars_von_trier_confronts_depression_head_on_in_grim_melanchol/

It's not outrageous that I thought you were saying the movie kinda sucks because one guy at The Playlist gave it a c.  There was also the "Ha, I'll wait for Haneke's movie" comment in reply to KarlJan's linked review, which I kind of thought was arrogant, and that your arrogance solely came from having read The Playlist review.  Lots of people are saying nice things about the movie, but I guess not your people, or something.

Quote from: modage on May 18, 2011, 11:20:16 PM
Quote from: Merrill Errol Lehrl on May 18, 2011, 07:32:12 PM
His "let's get real" Malick scale was for me what this Von Trier Nazi thing was for others.

But that makes no sense.

'Cause I thought you were nuts.  I don't think this was confusing.
"If I had to hold up the most heavily fortified bank in America," Bolaño says, "I'd take a gang of poets. The attempt would probably end in disaster, but it would be beautiful."

Stefen

Quote from: Merrill Errol Lehrl on May 19, 2011, 12:50:35 AM
I'm sorry that I was unable to decode all of this from your earlier post of:

Quote from: modage on May 18, 2011, 12:57:01 PM
The real story here is that the movie kinda sucks:

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/archives/cannes_review_lars_von_trier_confronts_depression_head_on_in_grim_melanchol/

It's not outrageous that I thought you were saying the movie kinda sucks because one guy at The Playlist gave it a c.  There was also the "Ha, I'll wait for Haneke's movie" comment in reply to KarlJan's linked review, which I kind of thought was arrogant, and that your arrogance solely came from having read The Playlist review.  Lots of people are saying nice things about the movie, but I guess not your people, or something

Quote from: Pubrick on April 26, 2011, 08:16:40 PM
Quote from: Stefen on March 12, 2011, 06:37:14 PM

Falling in love is the greatest joy in life. Followed closely by sneaking into a gated community late at night and firing a gun into the air.

P Heat

you can view the FULL video interview if you want of Lars in the cannes website. I just skipped to his REALLY odd remarks. LOL at kirsten Dunst and the others reactions.

I've only seen anti-christ  and dancer in the dark. I didn't really like neither. Why is this guy so high regarded apparently?
Quote from: Pubrick on September 11, 2012, 06:33:41 PM
anyway it was after i posted my first serious fanalysis. after the long post all he could say was that the main reason he wanted to see the master was cos of all the red heads.
:P

MacGuffin

CANNES: Lars Von Trier Declared 'Persona Non Grata' By Fest Organizers
BY MIKE FLEMING | Deadline

BREAKING: The Cannes Film Festival organizers are taking very seriously the comments made yesterday by director Lars Von Trier during the press conference to introduce his film Melancholia. While Deadline termed him Biggest Douchebag after he made a tepid apology and a party for the film was canceled, the festival, has gone further and labeled him "persona non grata" because of his inflammatory comments about the Nazis and Hitler. Meaning even provocateurs should watch the potentially hurtful things that come out of their mouths. Here's the festival announcement:

The Festival de Cannes provides artists from around the world with an exceptional forum to present their works and defend freedom of expression and creation. The Festival's Board of Directors, which held an extraordinary meeting this Thursday 19 May 2011, profoundly regrets that this forum has been used by Lars Von Trier to express comments that are unacceptable, intolerable, and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the Festival. The Board of Directors firmly condemns these comments and declares Lars Von Trier a persona non grata at the Festival de Cannes, with effect immediately.
"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." - Andy Warhol


Skeleton FilmWorks

children with angels

Oh for fuck's sake...
"Should I bring my own chains?"
"We always do..."

http://www.alternatetakes.co.uk/
http://thelesserfeat.blogspot.com/

Pwaybloe

Yeah, I read about this elsewhere.  If you read Trier's press conference, he's obviously kidding around. 

The Perineum Falcon

Painfully obvious he was joking the entire conference. This is my favorite response of his (and it doesn't involve Nazis!)

from Vulture:
On what he has coming up next: "I would like to talk about my next film, which is, Kirsten insisted, going to be a porn film. And we made this famous beaver shot [Admittedly, he could have said "River." We couldn't tell because of the accent] in the film where Kirsten was naked, and I said, 'It doesn't really fit the film,' and she said, 'I feel strongly for this.' And I said, 'Yeah, it's pretty good.' And now she wants more. And Charlotte is behind this. They want a really, really hard-core film. And I'm doing my best. I said, 'But then let's make a lot of talking in between. There should be a lot of dialogue.' And they said, 'We don't give a shit about dialogue. We just want to have a lot of very, very unpleasant sex.' And that's what I'm working on. And it's going to be about three or four hours long, and the only reason for that is that this press conference will be a little later."

I wonder how many people now believe he's working on an anti-semitic porno with Gainsbourg and Dunst??
We often went to the cinema, the screen would light up and we would tremble, but also, increasingly often, Madeleine and I were disappointed. The images had dated, they jittered, and Marilyn Monroe had gotten terribly old. We were sad, this wasn't the film we had dreamed of, this wasn't the total film that we all carried around inside us, this film that we would have wanted to make, or, more secretly, no doubt, that we would have wanted to live.

wilder

The festival's reaction is retarded, and the hoopla building up around this is absurd and making me feel insane.

Pubrick

Quote from: MacGuffin on May 18, 2011, 11:08:05 PM
Lars von Trier Apologizes For Controversial "Melancholia" Press Conference Comments
by Peter Kneg, indieWire

"... I'm for Jews, well maybe except for the Israelis -sometimes they're a problem..."

i just want to point out this blatant misquote and add it to the pile along with what JB highlighted (and i acknowledge you weren't been that reactionary in the same way as stefen, it just felt like your reaction was not entirely "getting it", as if to say you thought the joke was not funny and therefore since his defense was not very good he deserved more than just having no one laugh..).

why is NO ONE in the press talking sense? at the very least to point out their colleagues' inaccuracies. this idiot above changed Israel the political state to Israelis the people, and then MADE UP "they're a problem".. Von Trier NEVER SAID THAT. obviously the effect of the change is to hammer on the idea that he is indeed a nazi and hates Jews. this is more infuriating and offensive than anything von trier said!

no one of course is talking about his only sincere statement in his response, that he actually does admire Albert Speer.. the nazi architect, because this relates to the question he was asked and is all he should have said, and because the dude apologised at nuremberg and is kind of ok to like. speer seems to have got off easier than Von Trier after this ridiculous debacle.

edit: woohoo, top of the page twice in a row!
under the paving stones.