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Ordet (Criterion Collection)

 

  Written and Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer

Denmark 1955 / Drama / Religious / 125 min / Black & White / Monaural / 1.33: 1 Original Aspect Ratio / NTSC /  In Danish with Optional English Subtitles
Henrik Malberg, Emil Hass Christensen , Cay Kristiansen, Preben Leerdorff-Rye, Edith Trane, Henry Skjaer

Also known as The Word, Ordet was the only film that legendary Danish filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer made in the 1950s. The author of the play on which the film was based (and which was previously filmed in 1943) was Kaj Munk, a Danish pastor murdered by the Nazis for daring to announce his fidelity to Christ over Hitler. Dreyer's protagonist is considered a lunatic by his "weekend Christian" neighbors because of his religious zealotry. After spending too much time poring over the philosophical works of Soren Kierkegaard, he does indeed go insane, but not before he and his three sons undergo profound spiritual experiences.

 
       

Bonus Features:

Extra footage of an interview with actress Birgette Federspiel, conducted by Torben Skodt Jensen for Carl Th. Dreyer - My Metier, but not included in the final cut
Stills Gallery