Thomas Vinterberg or the Tension between Normative Dogmatism and Aesthetic Liberation. An Analysis From the Perspective of Narrative Structure

Authors

  • Oana Răsuceanu “I.L. Caragiale” UNATC, Bucharest, Romania Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37130/9rr77m23

Keywords:

Dogme 95, manifesto, narrative structure, aesthetic liberation, Thomas Vinterberg

Abstract

 In 1995, Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg spearheaded a radical cinematic movement by creating the Dogme 95 manifesto, which challenged the conventional aesthetics of filmmaking. This article explores the tension between the movement’s normative dogmatism and the aesthetic liberation it sought, focusing on Vinterberg’s narrative structures in Festen and The Hunt. Through an analysis of the director’s adherence to and reinterpretation of Dogme 95 principles, the study examines how these films navigate the balance between creative constraint and artistic self-expression.

Author Biography

  • Oana Răsuceanu, “I.L. Caragiale” UNATC, Bucharest, Romania

    Oana Răsuceanu is a scriptwriter, playwright and theatre director. She co-wrote together with Ana Agopian and Iulia Rugina several scripts for short, medium, and feature length films, such as Breaking News (2017), Love Building (2013), Stuck on Christmas (2010), Dying from a Wound of Love (2014). Her work in theater includes choreography and theater performances, and theater productions dedicated to young audiences. Oana is currently wrapping up her PhD research on Nordic Countries’ cinema with a paper called Narrative Structures in Nordic Contemporary Cinema. She is also an active trainer for several Educational Programs in film and theater, a cultural manager, and Founder of Control N Cultural Association.

References

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Festen/The Celebration (1998) Directed by Thomas Vinterberg, screenplay by Thomas Vinterberg, Mogens Rukov. Cast: Ulrich Thomsen, Henning Moritzen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Paprika Steen. Awards: Jury Prize – Cannes Film Festival 1998, Independent Spirit Award for Best International Film 1999, Best Danish Film – Bodil Awards 1999.

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Jagten/The Hunt (2012) Directed by Thomas Vinterberg, screenplay by Thomas Vinterberg, Tobias Lindholm. Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelstrøm, Susse Wold. Awards: Best Screenplay – European Film Academy Awards 2012, Best Actor – Mads Mikkelsen – Cannes Film Festival 2012, Best Actor – Mads Mikkelsen – Bodil Awards 2014.

Submarino (2010) Directed by Thomas Vinterberg, screenplay by Jonas T. Bengtsson, Thomas Vinterberg, Tobias Lindholm. Cast: Gustav Fischer Kjærulff, Sebastian Bull, Mads Broe Andersen, Jakob Cedergren.

Druk/Another Round (2020) Directed by Thomas Vinterberg, screenplay by Thomas Vinterberg, Tobias Lindholm. Cast by Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang, Lars Ranthe. Awards: Academy Award for Best Film 2021, Best Film, Best Screenplay – European Film Academy Awards 2020, Best Actor in a Leading Role – Mads Mikkelsen.

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Published

2024-12-18

How to Cite

Răsuceanu, O. (2024). Thomas Vinterberg or the Tension between Normative Dogmatism and Aesthetic Liberation. An Analysis From the Perspective of Narrative Structure. CONCEPT, 29(2), 212-227. https://doi.org/10.37130/9rr77m23