What is Dogme 95 and Does It Still Matter?
Raising above all other film manifestos, the lasting effects of this infamous dogme can still be seen today. Dogme 95 was a manifesto brought forth by Lars Von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg. This Danish film movement based on a manifesto also known as the “Vows of Chastity” caused quite a stir in the filmmaking community.
If directors wanted to create a film under the Dogme 95 manifesto, it needed to adhere to these 10 specific rules:
Shooting must be done on location. Props and sets must not be brought in (if a particular prop is necessary for the story, a location must be chosen where this prop is to be found).
The sound must never be produced apart from the images or vice versa. (Music must not be used unless it occurs where the scene is being shot.)
The camera must be hand-held. Any movement or immobility attainable in the hand is permitted.
The film must be in color. Special lighting is not acceptable. (If there is too little light for exposure the scene must be cut or a single lamp be attached to the camera.)
Optical work and filters are forbidden.
The film must not contain superficial action. (Murders, weapons, etc. must not occur.)
Temporal and geographical alienation are forbidden. (Film takes place here and now)
Genre movies are not acceptable.
The film format must be Academy 35 mm.
The director must not be credited.
The 1990s were a strange time for film. Most blockbuster films coming out then were jam-packed with A-list talent, action-adventure storylines, massive sets, awe-inspiring scores, and overpriced CGI and special effects to bloat the overall budget. This made it nearly impossible for an independent filmmaker to break into and get recognition. Dogme 95 worked to cleanse filmmaking of this dry rot and give filmmakers more freedom through constraint. Limiting the scope of how they could make a film to only shooting on location, natural lighting, and only using handheld cameras created a breath of fresh air revitalizing the medium. It was almost as if it was a slight return to the auteur filmmakers of the 1970s.
The question today is whether or not this is still beneficial and relevant to young filmmakers. Not only is it more affordable to adhere to these rules (sans rule 9), but working under limitations and boundaries can often influence the art and take it to places the artist could never imagine. Giving yourself some rules when you are honing your craft will teach you when to break them later on. Dogme 95 ultimately taught us that all you need is a camera and a group of interested people to create a compelling story or idea. Best of luck and try and make a short film with these rules. You might surprise yourself!
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Some notable films to check out that preach the Dogme95 manifesto are Breaking the Waves (1996), The Idiots (1998), The King is Alive (2002), Open Hearts (2002).
Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links, meaning: at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only feature products that we believe in and use ourselves. Your support means the world to us and allows us to host this website. Thank you!