Lars von Trier’s reputation precedes him; he’s been called a trickster, a troll, a provocateur, and a punk.

His cinema sparks debate and controversy all over the world, boldly reaching into the darkest recesses of the human soul.

The Danish director is fascinated by Americana, despite having never travelled to the United States due to an overwhelming fear of flying. He investigates American society in an unofficial trilogy of films comprised of Dogville (2003), Manderlay (2005) and The House That Jack Built (2019). In these uncompromising tales of revenge, slavery and serial murder, we find a unique take on the volatility of group dynamics, the discontents of civilization, and all manner of human brutality.

Von Trier believes that the ‘Golden Age’ of democracy is behind us; in the current Trumpian era of bombastic political posturing, we will attempt to elevate the discourse with a psychoanalytic reading of Lars’s ‘America Trilogy’.

Advance viewing is optional, select scenes and montages will be shown on the day.

9.30am – open

10.00am – first session

12.00pm – lunch

12.45pm – second session

2.45pm – tea break

3.00pm – third session

5.00pm – finish

Tea and coffee will be provided during both breaks. Please note: there is no cafe on site, however, you are welcome to bring your own lunch, which can be consumed in the classroom, or the Museum garden if the weather is fine.

PROJECTIONS is psychoanalysis for film interpretation. PROJECTIONS empowers film spectators to express subjective associations they consider to be meaningful. Expertise in psychoanalytic theory is not necessary – the only prerequisite is the desire to enter and inhabit the imaginary world of film, which is itself a psychoanalytic act. MARY WILD, a Freudian cinephile from Montreal, is the creator of PROJECTIONS.

PROJECTIONS: Lars von Trier’s Depression Trilogy will be running on 11 May

exploring Anti-Christ, Melancholia and Nymphomaniac.