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IFC Picks Up Lars von Trier's Controversial Film Antichrist

by Alex Billington
May 20, 2009

Did all the heated controversy surrounding the first reviews of Lars von Trier's Antichrist make any of you actually want to see the film? If so, then good news, as IFC has picked up the US distribution rights to Antichrist, and will be bringing it to theaters (hopefully?) sometime later this year. The only problem is that von Trier's crazy new film borders on the edge of being NC-17. Actually, it pretty much is straight up NC-17, so I don't exactly know how IFC is going to handle its release and/or if they're going to just put it out as an NC-17 film straight-up (kind of like Ang Lee's Lust Caution from a few years ago). Read on for more.

"Since it premiered at Cannes on Monday, we haven't been able to stop talking or thinking about Antichrist," IFC Entertainment president Jonathan Sehring said. I ran a positive review of the film, mainly because it's such a wild experience the likes of a Park Chan-wook film and I had a good time watching it and specifically cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle's gorgeous visuals. We'll be sure to let you know once IFC sets a release date for Antichrist and if it'll stay as NC-17 as it was here in Cannes. In other news, IFC also picked up Ken Loach's soccer comedy Looking for Eric, which played fairly well to critics here in Cannes.

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Fuelbot

It always kind of boggles my mind when critics say they were "offended" by a movie.
Epic

?what is in this movie that makes it that rating. I dont really know much about it.
martin

Zentropa, the company behind the movie, said to the danish media, that they are making a cut for the american marked. They are going to cut out some of the worst scenes.
moldybread

oh, let me guess...we're going to miss out on scenes from this movie because they offend someones religious sensitivities...what BS...if it offends you then DONT WATCH IT...leave it alone for the rest of us....
Jeff

I at least hope we get the chance to see the unedited cut of the film. Removing scenes for the American Market kinda cheapens everything for me
Kal

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/video/2009/may/20/cannes-film-festival-antichrist-lars-von-trier
Kal

Just to say the above post is a nice video interview with Charlotte Gainsbourg at Cannes talking about the controversies of the film!
Marcus

I dont know what all the hassle about being NC-17 is. Over here in the UK we have '18' film (exactly the equivilent) and they do fine! Infact, I think more people would choose to see an 18 than a 15!
Blake B

idk about this movie...... It just seems that, everyone wants to make something more "fucked up" than the last.. and it just gets to the point where it's sickening... How can people take such pleasure in seeing such disturbing disgusting things? When did society get to this point? I don't understand how people can be so curious as to why there's such high amounts of violent crimes [everything from rape to murder to child abuse,] when it's practically advertised... I know movies don't EVER EVER say, This is okay! Go out and do this! But.. There's a limit.. Ya' know? I am NOT the kind of person who would usually complain about anything like this.. Humanity is just kinda... Getting scary. Everything/everyone, seems to just be going back to primal instincts. I guess i've kind of contradicted myself a little.. But that's, again, because i am not the kind of person who would usually be against this kind of thing.. But.. I just keep seeing these movies coming out.. And it just gets worse and worse.. People are getting so desensitized by this stuff.. idk. I'm just trailing off to another tangent i suppose.. Anyways.. Watching the trailer I can't say i wasn't impressed. it looks fantastic.. But i think i'll steer clear.. If you feel the need to bash me feel free.. I'm not some religious nut.. I just worry about the world my kids will grow up in... Please.. I know it's weird, but if you read this. Try and see where i'm coming from.. Just kinda give a thought to what i'm saying here.. And.. Just. Be careful what you let sink in.. It's a tiny thing to ask of anyone.. Doesn't take much.. And it honestly makes you appreciate what you see in movies so much more.. yeah.. lol I'm done.... [ps. The thing that really triggered this is my own hypocrisy. I LOVE the Joker fro TDK, LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM! but when i was in theaters and everyone busted out laughing around me when he, A. Blew up the hospital (specifically when he played with the detonator) B. When he blew up the bomb in the guys stomach in the jail escape scene. It just really made me look around and think, "what is wrong with you people!? You're laughing at a sociopathic killer committing MURDER!!! This man is killing people! Fictional or not.. you're all disgusting for laughing.. then i noticed i was doing the same... Even though I KNEW how disgusting it was.. But most people don't even look into it that far.... Anywho... comments in reply would be cool.. Or email me what you think on this whole subject..]
Trey

why did my post get deleted??...I was first lol
Dr Robotnik

@1 - It's very easy for someone to get offended by anything. Like if I were a jewish movie critic and I saw a movie that made jabs at jews left and right I'd be offended, but it depends on who the person is. Not everyone is a 20-something year old who isn't offended by anything and is open to all ideas, there are people out there that are 30+ who get offended by the word snatch. Unfortunately thats the world we live in.
bozoconnors

@Trey - did you post something along the lines of... "FIRST!!1!!1LOOL" If so... that's why. Oh, and it could be a simple "First." But all we see is "FIRST!!1!!111LOOLOL I WIN INTARWEBZORZ!1"
bozoconnors

@Blake B - one question.... have you seen this movie?
William

@9 I see where you’re coming from man. Don't get me wrong, I don't shy away from "R' rated movies. (Some of my favorite films are "R" rated, including the Godfather, Pulp Fiction, and Donnie Darko, so I don't believe that a movie needs to be kept "clean" or "wholesome" to be great) That being said, there have been many films in the past I have seen relatively recently which to me have had shocking and disturbing content for no apparent reason. Hostel is one film that comes to mind. I almost felt as if I was watching a snuff film while I sat in the theater. Needless to say, it was not enjoyable for me personally. A lot of “comedies” being produced now also seem to gross-out more than amuse, which I find rather odd… Anyway, not to babble, but I just wanted to let you know I can see (at least I think) what you’re saying. Cheers
Julie

I wish had seen it already, so I could have written a more well argued reply, but I think that there are hundreds of movies to choose from and if someone thinks that the violence is to much - yes, then you should maybe stay clear of this movie. Most people know that trier is controversial, so when watching one of his film you have to be prepared for violence, unhappiness and dispair even though this film mabye takes it to the extreme. The danish reviews have been extraordinarily good with the film earning the highest grade from most reviewers and audience commentaries. The images and music is suposed to be very beatiful and judging by the comments watching it is a unique experience, which I imagine, every aspect of the movie helps create. He is famous for having suffered from depression and anxiety attacks and wrote the script in order to give his days purpose and work his way out of his depression, so I honestly don't think this movie is about creating violence for the fun of it. He had a vision based on thoughts and actual dreams, did not compromise it, and based on what i've read he has created an exeptional piece of art that is completely unique and well worth watching. Take it or leave it This is just my impression after reading the reviews i've been able to get my hands on.
jrbj

In the jinging, janging, janizary insanity of humanity Lars von Trier actually finds the answer we are looking for and reason for it. If anyone has a better explanation let him step forward. But be warned, you are stepping forward in a world where reason doesn't apply.