Illusions
and Emotions Anticipating
the tenth anniversary of Dogma 95
__________________________________________________________________
I.
In
March 1995, a group of Danish filmmakers created the Dogma 95
Manifesto. Among other ideas, the Manifesto contained the Vow
of Chastity, a list of ten rules, which were aimed at a firm denial
of illusions and personal attitude in art.
Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg, who signed the Manifesto,
claimed that they had made up the rules only for themselves; no
one had to apply them. But at the same time it is difficult to
deny that their text was full of both expressive categorical statements
and emotional appeals for rescue actions. Strong and flat words
did the job! Dogmas ideas started spreading around the world.
Among advocates of the dogmatic ideas there have always been a
lot of photographers. It is no wonder, since the Vow of Chastity
can be easily converted into a set of rules and recommendations
for photographers. On the other hand, filmmaking itself is based
on photography.
II.
What are the crucial ideas of Dogma?
The authors of Manifesto were disappointed with the wave for
grabs. Still the question is: can Dogma really prevent grabs?
They claimed the author concept was bourgeois romanticism. But
what came first the author or the bourgeois? Are there any essential
links between the bourgeoisie and the art? Can the art appear and
exist without authors?
In dogmatists opinion, the cinema is based on the bourgeois
perception of art. Well, what can be said about that? Yes, a theory
can be bourgeois. But the perception is more frequently determined
by cultural rather than social aspects.
Dogma rejected predictability and dramaturgy. Any glossing over
the truth, any interference in reality was outlawed. But did their
own work comply with the rules? In my opinion, no. And small wonder.
Art is based on human self-expression. Art is created and developed
only through people. If there are no individuals, then there are
neither authors, nor viewers; and finally there is no art.
Trickery, individuality, and interests do exist, no doubt. But
other things exist too. In addition to pseudo goals, there is self-expression
of a creator. It is through self-expression that the true art is
created. And self-expression is much more real compared to any
other artificial theory.
According
to Dogma 95, the movie is not illusion. OK, it may not be illusion.
Still, it is far from reality in any case. The
movie, similar to any other form of art, is real but subjective.
Denying that means denying the existence of authors subjective
worlds which are free from self-interest and pride.
The
followers of Dogma 95 often say that they are misunderstood.
According to such people, any experiments and manipulations are
acceptable. But do not call the result a movie or a photograph,
they say. But do names matter? Is it that important for an
author
to classify his or her works correctly? In my opinion, both
the author and the viewer have more important problems to solve
and more pleasant things to do.
The Manifesto criticizes illusions via which emotions can be
communicated. But the criticism is not justified in this case.
The medium, via which emotions are communicated, does not matter.
The emotions themselves are of greater importance.
III.
The simplest and easiest way of countering any dogma is the declaration
of a corresponding anti-dogma.
AntiDogma 2004: MEMORANDUM
AntiDogma 2004 counters Dogma 95, the group that tried to rescue
the cinema. We believe the cinema does not need to be rescued,
especially in the form that Dogma 95 suggested.
We are not banging our heads against brick walls. We are not banging
our fists on the tables either. We do not want to be too categorical.
We admit that Dogmaa approach can be reasonable. We only want
all Dogmas advocates to admit that other approaches also make
sense.
Think over our words. Then make your decision. Reject any ideas
somebody wants to foist on you! Nobody but you should make your
final choice!
AntiDogmas Vow of Reasonability
1. Shooting can be done with the help of any suitable equipment.
Shoot wherever you want. Follow your heart and soul. The
true solution is deep inside you.
2. You
may add to your pictures anything you want. Music, smells,
texts, — anything will do. The main thing
to remember is — all those additions should not be done
for the
sake of
trickery and idle
experiments. Your soul will tell you what is allowed and what
is not.
3. You can use any camera you want.
4. Any type of lighting is acceptable. The picture can be black-and-white
or color: it does not matter.
5. Any filters or optical work are allowed. You can use any instruments
you want. Why restrict your creativity?
6. Any superficial additions are also allowed. Use anything your
soul needs.
7. The art does not take place here and now. The essence of art
(in contrast to its form) is in the authors soul and beyond time.
8. Genre pictures are allowed.
9. Choose any film format you want. Digital (or any other) sensors
are also welcome.
10. The picture can be either credited or non-credited to its
author(s). It does not matter.
Brief conclusions
Dogma
95 is as bourgeois (or revolutionary) as any other modern art declaration.
It proved only one thing: if you want to be heard,
make a loud and flat statement.
The advocates of Dogma swore to act at the cost of any good taste
and any aesthetic considerations. But they overlooked the fact
that their declarations are nothing else but yet another aesthetic
conception. One of many others.
Of course, Dogma is an interesting trend with great potential.
Still, many other trends are also important. Do not get caught
in Dogmas trap. Make your own reasonable choice.
Do not allow any far-fetched rules to limit your creativity!
Listen to your heart.
Think and give way to emotions! Only then
you can get a chance!
May the Luck be with you!
Moscow,
December 13-16, 2004
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Links
1. .
2. . It is quite easy to parody
the Dogma's texts. This attempt was made by Miltos
Manetas in the
occasion of the 50th Venice Biennial. If you wish, you may
try to write your own Dogma. I believe, it will be fun.
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must obtain a written permission from me to use any materials of
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