My Review Of “Antichrist” (2009)

A quick note: This is not a film about the figure head of an evil leader who comes to power and leads us all into hell based on Christian mythology. The use of Antichrist here is more symbolic. Used as a metaphor for the dark chaos that seeds and grows in human nature. At least that is how the film matched against the title for my experience of seeing Lars Von Trier’s “Antichrist”.

“Antichrist” follows the emotional and physical relationship of a couple after the tragic loss of their toddler son. Directed by Lars Von Trier and starring William Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg this film is a true film noir with perfect moments of artist stylization. There is a symphonic build within this dark psychological thriller that is both hypnotic and disturbing. The movie begins much like a classical opus so do not go into this film expecting an ‘edge of your seat’ intensity that is associated with most psychological thrillers in modern cinema. This is not that kind of film. Instead go into this movie with the same approach you would take toward a trip to the symphony or opera. Trust me if you allow yourself to experience this film from start to finish – uninterrupted-you will not be disappointed. I promise that.

The direction taken in “Antichrist” is a very European and controversial approach. This film is mostly intended for a Danish audience with little regard to western sensitivities. That makes this movie a film apart from anything out there today. It is graphic and emotional. At times the story seems slow but with purpose. It builds with moments of twisted visionary climax before slowly drifting back into deep melodrama. The images fill the screen and your mind with explosive affect. The movie is told in Chapters, starting with the Prologue followed by four Chapters then ending with the Epilogue.

The film is a journey of human nature through emotional and spiritual chaos that starts with a tragic catalyst then spirals into a near demonic frenzy of psychotic collapse. A movie that has changed my whole perspective of cinema and genre film making. I swear that if you refrain from wanting to get out of this movie during the first 45 minutes allowing yourself to fully experience the story both visually and emotionally you too will feel changed somewhat. This is a dark thriller that is beautiful and sinister in every detail and frame. Both graphic and groundbreaking. “Antichrist” is not your average noir nor is it your typical thriller story. I consider this to be one of the best films of the last 20 years of world cinema. A must watch for any fan of genre filmmaking whether noir, horror, or drama.