Movie Discussion: Ordet (1955) by Carl Theodor Dreyer

A farmer’s family is torn apart by faith, sanctity, and love — youngest son Anders shares his father's religion and falls in love with a fundamentalist's daughter, but eldest son Mikkel proclaims himself agnostic, while middle child Johannes has a breakdown and proclaims that he is Jesus Christ himself. When Mikkel's wife, Inger, goes into a difficult childbirth, everyone's beliefs are put to the test. Putting the lie to the term “organized religion,” Ordet ("The Word") is a challenge to simple facts and dogmatic orthodoxy. Layering multiple stories of faith and rebellion, Dreyer’s adaptation of Kaj Munk’s play quietly builds towards a transcendent, shattering climax.

"Uniquely slow, hypnotic cinema that examines the nature of believing. The ending ranks among the medium’s most beautiful and mysterious." (Sight and Sound)

"A discomforting meditation on the nature of real faith." (Jonathan Owen)

"For the ordinary filmgoer, and I include myself, Ordet is a difficult film to enter. But once you're inside, it is impossible to escape." (Roger Ebert)

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Let's discuss Order (1955) (or "The Word") by the acclaimed Danish filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer. The movie was recently voted the 48th greatest movie of all time in Sight & Sound's international survey of film critics and experts. The movie also ranked the 30th greatest of all time in the related poll of filmmakers. We previously discussed Dreyer's landmark film The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928).

Please watch the movie in advance (⚠ the movie is 127 minutes long ⚠) and bring your thoughts, reactions, and queries to share with us at the meeting.

You can stream it here (check player settings for English subtitles and to adjust quality) or rent it on various platforms online (for best quality.)

A trailer.

Check out other film discussions in the group every Friday and occasionally other days.