Dogme 95: Understanding the Principles and Rules of the Film Manifesto

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 5 min read

When you think of filmmaking, you might envision big-budget productions, famous actors, and dazzling special effects. However, a fascinating movement known as Dogme 95 emerged in the 1990s, which sought to strip filmmaking down to its most basic elements. In this blog, we will explore the principles and rules of the Dogme 95 manifesto, delving into its background, the Vow of Chastity, notable films, and lasting impact on the world of cinema. So, let's dive into the world of Dogme 95 and discover what made this unique movement so influential in the film industry.

Background of Dogme 95

Before we can understand the principles and rules of the Dogme 95 manifesto, it's crucial to know where it all began. This movement challenged the conventional filmmaking norms of the time and aimed to create a more authentic and raw form of visual storytelling.

Founders

Dogme 95 was founded by two Danish filmmakers, Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg, in 1995. They sought to create a new wave of cinema that focused on simple storytelling and rejected the artificiality and stylistic excesses prevalent in mainstream movies. The movement gained traction, as more filmmakers around the world began to adopt the principles and rules of the Dogme 95 manifesto.

Motivation Behind the Movement

The founders of Dogme 95 were disillusioned with the state of contemporary cinema. They believed that technological advancements and superficial storytelling were diluting the essence of filmmaking. To combat this, they proposed a set of rules, known as the Vow of Chastity, that aimed to strip filmmaking down to its core, focusing on story, characters, and themes rather than visual flair and post-production techniques. By adhering to these rules, filmmakers could create honest and authentic films that resonated with audiences on a deeper level.

The Vow of Chastity

The Vow of Chastity lies at the heart of the Dogme 95 movement. This set of ten rules, or commandments, dictated how filmmakers should approach their craft when creating a Dogme 95 film. By following these guidelines, directors were forced to focus on the heart of their story without relying on fancy equipment or special effects.

Film Rules

Here are the ten rules that make up the Vow of Chastity:

Shooting must be done on location. No constructed sets or props are allowed.
The sound must never be produced apart from the images. All audio should be captured during filming, with no added sound effects or music.
The camera must be handheld. This rule emphasizes the raw, intimate feel of the film.
The film must be in color. This means no black and white or sepia filters can be used.
Optical work and filters are forbidden. This includes any post-production image manipulation.
The film must not contain superficial action. No murders, weapons, or other gratuitous violence should be present.
Temporal and geographical alienation are forbidden. The film must take place in the present and be set in the location where it's filmed.
Genre movies are not acceptable. Dogme 95 films should avoid adhering to specific genres or conventions.
The film format must be Academy 35mm. This rule dictated the type of film stock used for shooting.
The director must not be credited. This emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project and minimizes ego.

Impact on Filmmaking

The principles and rules of the Dogme 95 manifesto had a profound impact on the way films were made. By adhering to the Vow of Chastity, filmmakers were forced to think creatively and find innovative ways to tell their stories without relying on the crutches of modern filmmaking. This led to a new wave of raw, intimate, and thought-provoking films that challenged the conventions of mainstream cinema and inspired a generation of independent filmmakers.

Notable Dogme 95 Films

Though the Dogme 95 movement produced a limited number of films, several of them gained significant attention and critical acclaim. These films showcased the power of the manifesto's principles and rules in creating unique and thought-provoking cinematic experiences.

The Celebration

The Celebration (1998), directed by Thomas Vinterberg, was the first film to adhere to the Dogme 95 rules. This Danish film tells the story of a family gathering for their patriarch's 60th birthday, where hidden secrets are revealed. The handheld camera work and naturalistic lighting create a tense and intimate atmosphere, showcasing the power of the manifesto's principles in action.

Julien Donkey-Boy

American filmmaker Harmony Korine's Julien Donkey-Boy (1999) is another notable Dogme 95 film. The film follows the life of a young man with schizophrenia, played by Ewen Bremner, as he navigates his dysfunctional family. The film's raw, unpolished style, in accordance with the Dogme 95 rules, adds to the unsettling and emotionally charged atmosphere of the story.

The Idiots

The Idiots (1998), directed by one of the movement's founders, Lars von Trier, is a Danish film that explores the lives of a group of people who pretend to have mental disabilities as a form of rebellion against societal norms. The film's adherence to the Dogme 95 rules results in a provocative and challenging work that pushes the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.

Influence on Modern Cinema

While the Dogme 95 movement may have been short-lived, it left a lasting impact on modern cinema. The manifesto's principles and rules inspired filmmakers to strip away unnecessary elements and focus on the essence of storytelling. Let's take a look at some of the ways Dogme 95 has influenced contemporary filmmaking.

Mumblecore Movement

The mumblecore movement, which emerged in the early 2000s, can be seen as a spiritual successor to Dogme 95. Mumblecore films emphasize naturalistic performances, improvised dialogue, and low-budget production values. These films often focus on the personal relationships and experiences of their characters, reflecting the raw, intimate style of Dogme 95.

New Wave of Independent Filmmaking

Dogme 95 also paved the way for a new wave of independent filmmaking, in which directors embraced the freedom offered by digital technology. The manifesto's principles and rules encouraged filmmakers to reevaluate the traditional methods of film production, leading to the creation of innovative and experimental works. This new generation of filmmakers often prioritizes storytelling and character development over high-budget special effects or elaborate set designs, echoing the core values of the Dogme 95 movement.

Legacy and Criticism

As with any influential movement, Dogme 95 has its share of both admirers and detractors. While some view the movement as a breath of fresh air in the world of cinema, others criticize it as a gimmick or an overly restrictive set of rules. Let's explore the lasting impact and the controversies surrounding the Dogme 95 movement.

Lasting Impact

The legacy of Dogme 95 can still be felt today, as the movement has inspired filmmakers to prioritize story and character over flashy production values. This emphasis on simplicity and authenticity has resonated with many indie filmmakers, who appreciate the raw, unfiltered emotion that the Dogme 95 principles and rules helped to cultivate. Additionally, the movement demonstrated the power of collaboration and collective creativity, as the Dogme 95 directors worked together to challenge the conventions of mainstream cinema.

Controversies and Critiques

Despite its influence, Dogme 95 has faced its share of criticism. Some argue that the movement's strict rules were more of a hindrance than a help, limiting the creative potential of filmmakers. Others question the sincerity of the manifesto's founders, suggesting that the Dogme 95 movement was more of a publicity stunt than a genuine call for change in the film industry.

Regardless of these critiques, it's undeniable that the principles and rules of the Dogme 95 manifesto have left a lasting mark on the world of cinema. The movement has sparked important conversations about the role of technology, artifice, and authenticity in filmmaking, which continue to resonate with audiences and creators alike.

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