Just finished reading Richard Kelly's The Name of This Book is Dogme 95. It was an entertaining and informative book with an interesting structure. I read it because I count myself a fan of Lars von Trier and felt it pertinent to get a better grasp of the movement he helped spearhead more than a decade and a half ago. Also because I recently discovered that up to 60 films have been branded with the Dogme 95 label, at least according to IMDB. I thought there were maybe 20 at the most. So count me surprised, impressed, etc., by the staying power of the movement's influence.
If you're not familiar with the movement and its Vow of Chastity, you should really go and read up on it. The movement has inspired some fascinating films that will likely never stop stoking debate about cinematic worthiness and the state of filmmaking today. Those crazy Danes were on to something that not enough people -- supposed movie-lovers -- have still to take notice of. Filmmaking goes stagnant, even when the tech is evolving. Bay's Transformers series is the best example. Amidst all that kineticism on screen, there's just an inescapable, overriding disrespect for the audience, and sheer boredom. And things seem to be getting worse.
Go and watch a few of the Dogme films and begin a conversation with someone about film. I recommend starting with Festen (The Celebration), The Idiots, and The King is Alive. You may not "like" any of the films that you watch, but you will definitely form a respect and opinion about them. They will definitely make you think more about what constitutes artfulness and/or effectiveness in the filmic world.
Some more thoughfulness would go a long way to improving what we're watching.
Romance by Christine Breillat was a worth while to watch. I could definitely understand what heroine was going through there as well! I thought she was very much in touch with the rest of us women in real lives. good post! J
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