Following the acclaimed Dogville, Danish director Lars Von Trier tackles slavery in Manderlay - the second instalment of his USA: Land Of Opportunities trilogy. Most critics agreed that while the film isn't without merit, "it struggles to recapture its predecessor's startling novelty." And, as political activist Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard didn't quite match up to Nicole Kidman, or put as many bums on seats.

Way Out West

Cameras visit the set in The Road To Manderlay, a 45 minute documentary that gives an intriguing insight into the method behind Von Trier's apparent madness. He begins by saying that the story addresses, "things in American politics that I can't stand", but his approach to the subject of slavery did rile a few of his cast members. Before shooting everyone was invited to an exhibition of controversial photographs by Jacob Holdt, which black actress Suzette Llewellyn says she found "dehumanising". Danny Glover acknowledges the bad feeling among his colleagues, but adds that, "It meant they also understood the very dangerous territory that they're now beginning to embark on."

So begins the process of actually shooting the film, which Von Trier found to be a "horrible" experience. All the action takes place on a single set, but the technicalities of the staging it are very intricate. There are bird's-eye-view cameras rigged in the ceiling, and the floor is one giant green screen. For the actors it's even more disorientating, because as Bryce reveals, "There's no rehearsal and you're not allowed to ask any questions." Willem Dafoe believes that Von Trier is actually rooting for the actors to fall on their faces, just so he can help them back up again. "It's a very shrewd way", he says, "of taking control of the actors."

Memories of Manderlay

It seems that Von Trier isn't entirely happy with the end result. In an unusually self-effacing commentary with cinematographer Anthony Dodd Mantle, he points out scenes where the need for "explanation" took over from the natural narrative drive. He also feels uncomfortable with Dodd's use of the word "theatrical" to describe the colour palette, although he admits that the colours of props and costumes had to be "brighter, cleaner" and "more colourful" than they would be on location because of the stark background. Oh, and in case you were wondering why Kidman didn't reprise the role of Grace, he explains that it was due to a scheduling conflict. So, then, nothing to do with her having felt bullied on set by the director... (See the Dogville DVD review.)

As anyone familiar with Von Trier's previous work might expect, this DVD offers a unique and attention-grabbing take on the craft of filmmaking. Be warned though: if you're not familiar with his work, the road to Manderlay may take you too far off the beaten track.

EXTRA FEATURES

Manderlay is released on DVD on Monday 3rd July