The Idiots
Idioterne, released internationally as The Idiots, is a 1998 Danish film written and directed by the ever-infamous Lars von Trier. The film was the second officially released 'Dogma 95' film after Thomas Vinterberg's The Celebration.
The story opens with a shy woman, Karen (Bodil Jørgensen), sitting in a fancy restaraunt. Suddenly, the establishment is disturbed by the behaviour of two apparently mentally ill men. The men (and their carer) are promptly asked to leave, but on the way out, one of the men notices Karen and decides to hold her hand, forcing the timid lady to go with them. Upon leaving however, it is revealed that the two men aren't mentally handicapped at all. They were just faking it, seemingly For the Lulz.
Black Hilarity Ensues as Karen and ourselves are introduced to a larger group of "idiots" or "spassers" and their lives in a series of episodes of varying moods. The supposed leader of the group, Stoffer (Jens Albinus), has acquired a large house from his family where most of the story unfolds. When the council try to interfere with Stoffer's 'programme' by relocating them, he suffers from something of a Heroic BSOD, which he is temporarily pulled out of by engaging in an orgy with most of the other idiots. Ultimately everyone is left with something of a bitter taste in their mouths about the ordeal, especially after Stoffer issues The Bet: that none of his associates would dare "spass" in front of their loved ones or while they're working. He's almost right.
- Black Comedy
- Break the Cutie : The film is the second entry in von Trier's 'Golden Heart' trilogy (between Breaking The Waves and Dancer in the Dark), focusing on this trope.
- Crap Saccharine World : Stoffer tries to expose the town of Sollerod as one of these. The citizens end up almost proving him right by putting their own discomforts above being charitable. Of course, when faced with a similar challenge, Stoffer ends up looking like a Hypocrite.
- Creator Cameo : Lars von Trier appears in an uncredited role as the interviewer/officer/therapist talking to the idiots throughout the film.
- Doing It for the Art : This seems to be one of the rationalisations for the group's actions, one that Stoffer calls others out for.
- Downer Ending
- Dude, Not Funny : Karen's initial reactions to the groups activities.
- Enforced Method Acting : The orgy scene comes off as awkward because the sex is unsimulated. Some industry 'professionals' hired for advisory roles were uncomfortable with the idea.
- Fan Disservice : Pretty much all of the nudity, largely due to the encroaching style of shooting.
- Heroic BSOD : Stoffer has a... rather unusual one aimed at a local council worker.
- Hey, It's That Guy! : Paprika Steen, the 'Jeanne Moreau of Dogma 95' (named so for also having roles in the two other original Dogma films), appears as a prospective house buyer.
- Hypocritical Humour : Thrown about quite a bit by Stoffer.
- Jerkass : Stoffer.
- Lonely Piano Piece : The sombre violin piece repeated occasionally throughout the film. A weird example in that it's non-diegetic, breaking the Dogma 95 rules somewhat.
- Minimalism
- Mood Whiplash : Much like The Celebration, this film vaults the viewer back and forth mentally again and again.
- Rich Idiot With No Day Job : Quite literally. All of the idiots, perhaps with the exception of Karen, have elements of middle class stereotypes who are simply bored with their lives.
- "The Reason You Suck" Speech : Stoffer delivers one to his associates towards the end.
- Throw It In : A staple of Dogma 95 - filming equipment is briefly visible in some shots. Stoffer was supposed to have a very visible erection when walking naked through a female changing room but it was simply shot as it happened.
- Wham! Line :
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Susanne: "I think Stoffer should choose what we do next. Because it's his party." |
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