From our e-mail --

A Technically Simple But

Hauntingly Provocative "Film"

Having directed a few films and seeing the handwriting on the wall, I thought I'd better bolster my technical understanding by catching up with what's Dogville going on in high-definition video.

That's how I found your site.

One of the first things that impressed me was your emphasis on the message -- substance over form.

In this day of special effect and pyrotechnic marathons, this has almost been forgotten.

I immediately thought of Dogville starring Nicole Kidman and other award-winning actors. It was was shot with a Sony HDW-F900 high-definition video camera and transferred to film.

No "locations, per se, were involved; in fact, the sets weren't real, only "representational."

Although it was shot in a TV studio in Sweden, it could have easily been shot in a mostly bare aircraft hanger. There are regular jump cuts in the scenes.

It's a film that tends to "stay with" you over days, if not weeks.

This film will probably will haunt you -- primarily because of the acting and story.

It has touched off hours of debate, especially among Christian reviewers who see vexing biblical messages.

Once again I was brought back to the message taped up over my desk that you seem to understand: "It's the story, stupid!"

Although this film has none of the regular "R" rating elements, the nature of the content is not suitable for-- nor would it be appreciated by -- immature audiences. -RW

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