STUDIES AND RESEARCH

Jesus In Fishnet Stockings

The author reviews Lars von Trier’s film Breaking the Waves trying to dissect the main character Bess, interpreting her acts as masochism, her dialogue with God as delusion, and her misfortune as a typical Job-like destiny. Besides theological, psychoanalytical and feminist observations, the author is interested in the dramaturgical organisation of the film, so that the mysterious ending of the film (with bells) reveals a contradiction to the previous interpretation. Namely, such ending hints that Bess has formed an alliance with God. The only question is whether such directorial manoeuvre has sufficient foundation in the story in order to give meaning to Bess’ suffering.

Željka Matijašević