The official Dogme films are counting 25 as of today. “Lovers” won the title #5, also claimed the first non-Danish Dogme film. Bulgarian artist Dragan and Parisianne Jeanne who works at the bookstore falls in love. Copule’s love story takes place in Paris, where Dragan is illegally residing. They fall for each other very hard and eventually Dragan pays its dues by being evicted out of the country. Dragan and Jeanne tries to deal with the problem but their relationship ends up in corruption. Unreasonable despair that leaves you no where to breathe will haunt you to death. The play or amusement, that are allowed in most movie is not at all accepted here. Elodie Bouchez, seen as Jeanne in the film, has saved the fall with her care-free kitchness, but overall it was not a light film to absorb. Must not forget, that is the achievement of Dogme, the movie made out of ultimate reality…

“Too Much Flesh” (2000)

“Too Much Flesh” was in comparison visually open. Midwest America’s yellow corn belt, deep blue sky, same scenery for miles to come. Then you gather the pieces of puzzle and realize that is the very problem. Film takes place in the town with population of 600, monotone puritan community, where to openly discuss about sexuality or even to question about it is a taboo. Surprisingly enough, Barr actually grew up in this town and admits that many of his family member contributed in making this film. Since the sexuality was dealt from the dead center, physically and mentally, I saw the success in exploring the theme to the very end without giving the sense of disgust. Maybe the dry and open scenery helped ease what to come in the end, where the ultimate despair comes with main character Lyle (played by Barr)’s slain by the exclusive community members (no, this is not a Dogme film). Yet I still like to send an applaud to the fresh portrayal of the theme “sexuality”. Same DV was used in making of this film, and it caters the honest look by its casualty in the intimate scenes.

Rosanna Arquett

“You can deal with or pursue the theme ‘sexuality’ without actually being graphic, ” says Barr. Co-star Rosanna Arquett (who resides in Hollywood, and arranged the baby sitter to attend the night’s event) commented on the possibility of DV film making. “All movies should be shot in this way,” explaining how light load it is on set and how it’s less about getting the perfect shot out of 30 takes. That casualness allows the actors to be creative on set, and relationship with the camera is nurturing. Having 6 movies in production back to back when filming “Too Much Flesh”, Arquett’s words are convincing. The capacity of things you can do in the editing process simply allows DV to demand less takes than filming on film. “This intimacy level was made only possible because of the DV, ” confirms Barr. Ironically, being known for the film taken by the director who completely went commercial, Barr’s sincere words for his films had a confident message and European field seems very content for his film making aesthetics. It is a brave journey to bring the films themselves around the world and be responsible until when it reaches the audience. Their Tokyo visit is scheduled in April 2002.

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