2011
135 minutes
rated R
by Scott Mendelson
The opening and closing reels of Lars von Trier's latest opus are so engaging, imaginative and potent that it seems almost a shame to relate that the middle 100 minutes don't amount to all that much. Like 2001: A Space Odyssey (a better film, although still not among my favorite Kubrick pictures) the film makes its point pretty pointedly during its jaw-dropping opening and closing moments, but strains viewer patience during the body of the film itself. It is splendidly acted and has a certain emotional weight that will stay with you past the credits. Whether it's worth your time to see what works about this passionate tone poem is arguable. But one cannot deny that it is still, warts and all, a singular work of art.
