Code of Christian Morality in Lars von Trier's film “Dogville”

Abstract

Christian allusions hold a valuable place in the work of Danish director Lars von Trier, occuring in one way or another in most of his films. It may seem that Dogville (2003) also follows Christian traditions, and its ethics directly relates to the Christian morality. Still, an in-depth analysis makes clear that Christian allusions in this picture do not necessarily imply the code of Christian morality behind.
Christian morality is based on the belief in the Triune God, Creator of the universe. Its key concepts are sin as breaking of God's commandments and conversion as a Christian’s path of life. It is important that, in terms of Christian ethics, salvation may come only through repentance, which, in its turn, means faith in God.
Therefore it is obviously inappropriate to suggest Christian ethics in the space of Dogville, since faith is not at issue in this film.
Grace's father, who insists that one should be punished for his/her sins in order to be able to repent, would seem related to God the Father, while Grace, with her profession of forgiveness, to Jesus. An in-depth analysis makes obvious that the dispute between these two characters is not religious but ideological. None of them is driven by philanthropy, but solely by the desire to carry his/her point. Moreover, Grace's sacrifice is not in fact the fulfillment of her father's will but a rebellion against it.
The study shows that Lars von Trier, who draws on biblical images and patterns and imbues his film with Christian allusions, still remains beyond religious ethics and Christian morality, so the conflict in Dogville is ideological and not a religious one.