Antichrist

"Chaos Reigns."

So said the fox in Lars von Trier's horror odyssey Antichrist. This sinister piece of art was given a special anti-award at the Cannes Film Festival for it's diabolical images and themes. It's one of the most controversial (yet praised) films in recent years and no matter what you think of it, it's a movie that stays with you long after it is over. I've sworn to myself that the only art house films I enjoy are those which have horror themes, and this movie is no exception. Disgusting, disturbing, unnerving, and all around depressing; all themes that conventional horror movies strive to express, yet fail to do more often than not. Antichrist accomplishes all of them, with style to spare. This is Trier's self described attempt to make a fright film, and it succeeds on every level.

The story surrounds a couple, simply credited as He (Willem Dafoe) and She (Charlotte Gainsbourg), who recently lost their son in a tragic accident. To help themselves cope with his death, they go to their cabin in the woods for some peace and quiet, and to also get away from the chaotic city. As they settle in, they realize something dark lurks deep within the woods. This evil becomes more and more tangible and hostile, and their trip soon becomes a twisted vision of hell. As the tagline for the movie states "Nature is Satan's Church."

The best thing about this film is the outstanding performances of the two leads. Dafoe and Gainsbourg really sell a newly broken family to extremely real effect. Their chemistry is very believable and you really feel their pain. It's very heart wrenching watching He (who is a psychologist) try to help She cope, as she spirals into a deep depression. The way they deal with their evil surroundings is also very grounded. These characters just feel so human in their inhuman situation. 

The look of the film is quite simply perfect. It's dark, cold, and mirrors the themes and tone of the movie impeccably. Trier uses quick shots, dizzying editing, slow motion, classic filter effects, and even a few disorienting CGI shots to convey his vision. The three beggars (a deer, a fox, and a crow) all have a terrifying screen presence, and Trier photographs them in such a way that they seem very supernatural (which is obviously magnified when one of them actually speaks). When the chaos really starts, all of the violence and grotesque imagery is very surreal, and surprisingly never feels unnecessary or excessive. Yes, the images are very shocking, but they aren't so just for the sake of being shocking. It's a truly beautiful film filled to the brim with truly horrendous shots.

The whole movie is essentially about an evil presence being in control of the woods and everything and everyone in them. Trier communicates this through gorgeous, if despicable imagery and two terrific performances. It's a movie that demands to be seen, not just by horror fans with an open mind, but by any film lover with an open mind. It's far more stylish and smart than your average gore flick. It's a dangerous, thought provoking piece of art that will be talked about for years to come. So now I ask you, what do you think is supposed to happen in the woods?