RETHINKING HUMAN ESSENCE AND SOCIAL RELATIONS FROM DOGVILLE

One of the main reasons why Dogville (2003), by Lars Von Trier became a famous film, was the way it was filmed, that is, the way Lars Von Trier created a totally new aesthetic in filming, by providing a scenario that represents reality. In fact, this is the right word, scenario, but it’s not just that. With this particular way of filming, Lars Von Trier provides also a particular way of thinking, that is, he ends up reproducing the way of seeing with the imagination: creating presence in the absence, as happens when we remember a deceased relative or when we create artistically. In Dogville there is no room for imagination. In this sense, we argue that this film represents contemporary (alienated) society where everything has its value and ethical / moral values are only manifested paradoxically as a reaction. Dogville becomes also an aesthetic educational project since it provides an understanding of human condition and human nature. For this task we will make use of some major figures from contemporary philosophy and sociology.