An Explanation for the Showing of Lars von Trier's Breaking the Waves
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who came to the film on Friday, January 23rd, 2004. I had not expected so many to attend the showing and was pleasantly surprised. At the end of the film, the question of why the film was chosen was directed at me. My answer, I was told, was disappointing. I wish to revise my reply.
For everyone who came, it is quite obvious that the film brought forth many, many responses. Many found the film to be an emotional rollercoaster with periods of loving and hating the film intertwined with the sadness and laughter brought forth by the characters. Others found the film to be distasteful and offensive with others plainly saying that it was just plain boring and much too long. I found it amusing that while one was saying that the ending was unnecessary, another spoke of the ending as not only essential, but let the film end on a joyous note. Clearly, the reactions to the film were varied.
The Film Lovers and Philosophy Society Webpage contains this blurb, “Our job as philosophers is to think about how we can and should think about films.” Obviously, Lars von Trier has helped us do exactly this. “Breaking the waves” brought forth a countless number of emotional and philosophical reactions from the audience. So if ask again why we chose this film, my answer would be because it is a powerful, moving film with much to reflect on afterwards. Not a film for everyone but what film is?
Thank you for coming to our showing and we hope to see you back next week with the screening of “South Park – Bigger, Longer and Uncut” on Friday, January 30, 2004.
-bob-
If you have comments or
suggestions, please email Webmaster:
bob perrine
Copyright © 2003/2004, The
CSUB Philosophy and Religious Studies Club.