Breaking the Waves

Breaking the Waves

directed by Lars von Trier

"Bess McNeill. Name a single thing that the outsiders have brought to our community."
"Umm....their music?"

This is an amazing film, in my personal Top Ten. Although Helena Bonham-Carter was originally signed for the role, I can't imagine anyone other than Emily Watson as child-like pure hearted Bess McNeill. She was simply astounding, and won the Oscar for her first film.

Stellan is Jan, an outsider and oil rig worker who falls in love with and marries Bess. Her family is concerned because a) they don't trust outsiders and b) Jan doesn't know Bess's background. Bess is so lovable that he doesn't care, but as her sister-in-law Dodo warns him "You don't understand, she's not right in the head. You could talk her into anything!"

When he has a serious accident on the oil rig, Bess believes it's her fault. Jan is no longer right in the head, and does indeed "talk her into things."

It's heartwarming, sexy, sad and disturbing. Have plenty of kleenex on hand.





"You want to do it right now, in this bathroom?"	"Yes! Why not? It's lovely."


Jan does a sexy strip for his virginal bride.


	"Thank you Jan." "For what, Bessie?" "For loving me."


This is the only other example of nipple stimulation (besides Moll Flanders) that I've seen in mainstream cinema. I just find that very odd. It bothers me.	This scene also bothered me. In a good way.

"I have to go back to work, Bess. You know that."

	"Dear God, please bring Jan back to me." God: "You're a selfish, stupid girl, Bess McNeill." We see there's more to Bess than meets the eye.



"He's paralyzed from the neck down, Bess."	"But he will live!"


Bess gives a handjob to some stranger on the bus, as per Jan's request..

Bess tries to seduce the doctor, but fails.



"It's stupid that women can't speak in church."	"Shut your mouth, Bess McNeill. No woman speaks here."

"Leave! You are no longer welcome in the house of God."	Bess is shunned by the community. Children taunt and throw rocks at her.

	Her own parents lock her out.

	It gets worse, but I don't want to spoil it. ;-)