Ordet (1955)
Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer

Film Review

The Danish born filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer is credited with directing two of the greatest films in cinema history, and both are concerned with religion, or more specifically, the power of faith. The first is La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc (1928), an extraordinarily moving depiction of the trial and execution of Joan of Arc, regarded by many as the greatest of all silent films. The second is Ordet, which Dreyer made later in his career, based on a stage play by the Danish pastor Kaj Munk (who was executed by the Nazis for refusing to honour Hitler above Christ). Unmistakably a masterpiece, Ordet is not just a beautifully composed piece of cinema, it is also a work that consumes its spectator, in a way that only the greatest pieces of art can, offering an experience which cannot leave him or her unchanged.  Whatever your religious beliefs, this is a film that will reach your innermost soul and cause you to think profoundly about the nature and value of human existence.  It is quite possibly the most intensely spiritual piece of cinema ever made.

Dreyer's cinema is noted for its rigorous simplicity - austere sets, limited number of shots and minimalist cinematography. Yet this simplicity of style belies the sophistication and impact which Dreyer manages to conjure through his artistic genius and seemingly limitless humanity.  There is scarcely a scene in Ordet which fails to trigger an immediate and deep emotional response in the spectator, although much of the credit for this should go to his impeccably chosen cast of actors.  From the angelic homebuilder Inger to the seemingly deranged Johannes, from the love-struck Anders to the severe yet loving father Morten, each character in the film is masterfully drawn and played with startling conviction. Even the most committed atheist cannot fail to be moved by the final, exquisitely handled sequence which, whilst hard to take seriously from a dramatic point of view, serves as an effective allegory for the power of faith in overcoming the seemingly impossible.  Ordet is a truly remarkable film; one that everyone should see at least once - not just because it is a great piece of cinematic art (which undoubtedly it is), but for what it has to say about the very essentials of human experience - life, death, love and faith.

Film Synopsis

In a remote Danish village of the late 1920s, the patriarch Morten Borgen lives on his substantial farm with his three sons - Mikkel, Johannes and Anders.  After training to be a pastor, Johannes came to believe he is the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, but the rest of his family think only that he is mad.  The youngest son, Anders, is in love with Anne, the daughter of a tailor, Peter Petersen, who belongs to a rival religious movement.  Although reluctant to the union, Morten tries to settle his differences with Petersen, but the latter remains adamant: he will only allow Anne to marry Anders if Morten joins his religious order, something which the old farmer will never concede.  That same night, Mikkel's young wife Inger goes into labour.  Although the new-born child is lost, it looks at first as though Inger may be saved.  No sooner has the doctor departed than the young woman dies.  The grief is worsened when Johannes proclaims that all that was needed to save Inger was for someone to believe in him so that he could resurrect the dead woman.  Rejected, Johannes flees the homestead and isn't seen again - until the day of the funeral…