Dancer in the Dark Poster

Dancer in the Dark 2000

★ 7.81,972 votes140 min📅 2000-09-01

"In a world of shadows, she found the light of life."

Lars von Trier's Dancer in the Dark (2000) is a hauntingly poetic drama that blends stark realism with bursts of musical euphoria.

Director: Lars von Trier

Cast

Björk
Björk
Selma Jezkova
Catherine Deneuve
Catherine Deneuve
Kathy
David Morse
David Morse
Bill Houston
Peter Stormare
Peter Stormare
Jeff
Joel Grey
Joel Grey
Oldrich Novy
Cara Seymour
Cara Seymour
Linda Houston
Vladica Kostic
Gene Jezkova
Jean-Marc Barr
Jean-Marc Barr
Norman
Vincent Paterson
Vincent Paterson
Samuel
Siobhan Fallon Hogan
Siobhan Fallon Hogan
Brenda

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dancer in the Dark (2000) about?

Dancer in the Dark tells the story of Selma, a Czech immigrant in America who works in a factory while secretly losing her sight. Desperate to save her son from the same fate, she turns to musical fantasies to cope with her harsh reality, leading to a chain of events that tests her resilience and humanity.

Who directed Dancer in the Dark?

The film was directed by Lars von Trier, the acclaimed Danish filmmaker known for his provocative and visually distinctive style in films like Breaking the Waves and Melancholia.

Who stars in Dancer in the Dark?

The film features Björk in the lead role of Selma, supported by Catherine Deneuve, David Morse, Peter Stormare, and Cara Seymour, among others.

Is Dancer in the Dark (2000) worth watching?

Absolutely, if you appreciate bold, emotionally charged cinema. While its intense themes and unconventional structure might not be for everyone, von Trier's direction and Björk's powerhouse performance make it a memorable and thought-provoking experience.

How long is Dancer in the Dark?

Dancer in the Dark has a runtime of 140 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Dancer in the Dark (2000) — A Poetic Tragedy of Sight, Sound, and Sacrifice

Lars von Trier's Dancer in the Dark (2000) is a hauntingly poetic drama that blends stark realism with bursts of musical euphoria. Set against the backdrop of industrial America, the film follows Selma, a Czech immigrant slowly losing her sight, as she fights to save her son from the same hereditary blindness. With a relentless blend of grit and grace, von Trier crafts a visually striking contrast between the mundane and the musical, using Selma's inner rhythm to transform her harsh reality into fleeting moments of joy. The atmosphere is a mix of melancholy and defiance, where every shadow holds tension and every song feels like a fragile escape.

Starring Icelandic icon Björk in a career-defining role, alongside French legend Catherine Deneuve and a stellar supporting cast including David Morse and Peter Stormare, Dancer in the Dark (2000) is a visceral exploration of hope, sacrifice, and the cost of survival. The film's emotional depth is matched by its striking cinematography, where stark industrial landscapes meet surreal musical interludes. A deeply moving experience that lingers long after the final scene, it's a testament to von Trier's bold storytelling and Björk's unforgettable performance.