The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Review Request: Breaking the Waves (1996)

Who is one of the most controversial and compelling filmmakers working today? Lars von Trier. Films like Antichrist and The House That Jack Built are just a few, twisted examples of how von Trier explores the human condition with such a dark and unnerving twist. Von Trier has no issue in confronting some of the darkest corners of human experience. There is also a complete lack of shame when it comes to portraying the human body in its most raw and intimate. There are also plenty of bold filmmaking choices that von Trier makes to give his films a distinct and unique vision. These are all the elements that make a von Trier film a von Trier…just like Breaking the Waves.

How does von Trier make a film so uniquely his? One of the most interesting elements of this film is the set of chapter titles with killer needle drops that grab your attention. From T. Rex to David Bowie, they are such inspired and interesting choices that they oddly accentuate the story and characters. The film also has a rich and distinct visual experience. Von Trier and cinematographer Robby Muller capture a feeling of an old school home video. The graininess of a home video. The rich textured color palette. Breaking the Wave is a deeply intimate experience with how the camera navigates the space of the film like a voyeur taking in all the uncomfortable and concerning happenings of this small Scottish village. For a two-and-a-half-hour film, Breaking the Wave moves briskly with a strange and unsettling energy that von Trier generates so perfectly. There are some key moments where von Trier blurs lines of reality including the emotionally resonant and cinematically powerful final moments of the film. Breaking the Wave is not a standard drama in the hands of von Trier.

Is the writing as provocative as the filmmaking is? This is a darkly unnerving visage of marriage, relationships, community, and faith. Bess is a strange outcast of her small community. She does not fit in at all and when she marries a Danish oil driller, that fractures her connections even more. But when a dark twist of fate leaves Jan, her husband, in a sorry state, he has only one idea for his wife to improve the situation. Give herself and her body to other men in his place. This is a wild and complicated core of the film. Bess is so uncomfortable with this situation, and it finds her in dangerous and unfortunate situations. Abuse and assault follow suit, and von Trier does not shy away from seeing how this is treated in such a small, close-knit, and religious community. Not only that but Bess is shunned by this community and von Trier explores the hate, judgment, and hypocrisy of religious leaders and communities who would do such things to a struggling young woman. Von Trier’s film is a sharp and powerful exploration of self-sacrificial love as Bess goes to extremes for Jan.

What is the most powerful element that brings von Trier’s film to life? Emily Watson is a powerful force in this film. The facial expressions you see on her face throughout the film range between probably 50 different emotions. Watson is an extremely talented former and her ability to build empathy in Breaking the Waves is unmatched. There are plenty of rich emotions of conflicting meaning throughout the experience making Bess a compelling protagonist. The way von Trier leverages intimate camera work benefits Watson’s efforts. Stellan Skarsgard is such an enigmatic presence as Jan with his confidence in his body and his needs. We get to witness plenty of conflict and vulnerability as Skarsgard struggles with his character’s trauma and tragedy. An unsung hero of the film is Katrin Cartlidge who portrays Bess’ sister-in-law and only real friend and support. Cartlidge’s performance is earnest, real, and moving. She takes a commanding step forward in a climactic scene that takes presence and power. Her chemistry with Watson is palpable and it makes it just that more challenging when we witness Cartlidge processing the tragic events of this film.

How does one encapsulate von Trier’s Breaking the Waves? This is, simply, a powerful cinematic experience. Von Trier fingerprints are everywhere. His visual style and personality bleed into the art so impactfully. Watson delivers a powerful and intense performance that is overflowing with emotion. Breaking the Waves does not shy away from self-sacrificing romance, intense abuse/assault, extremist religion, and the thin veil between faith and madness. When that final frame appears, you realize just how grand and powerful this enigmatic journey has truly been.

Special thanks to Carl Kelsch for nominating Breaking the Waves (1996)!