Vredens Dag is a 1943 Danish drama film directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer. This film, known as one of the masterpieces of world cinema, tells a deep and moving story about faith, witchcraft, love and death.
The story of the movie Day of Rage
The story of the film takes place in Denmark in the 17th century. Marne (played by Alice Kring) is a pious and benevolent woman who lives in a village with her husband Mikkel (played by Thorkild Roos) and their son Aners (played by Jürgen Rolland).
One day, a woman named Anne (played by Lisbeth Movin), who is accused of witchcraft, takes refuge in Marne’s house. Mikael, the village priest, who is a bigoted and violent man, wants to burn Anne in the fire. Marne, impressed by Anne’s innocence and victimhood, tries to save her.
But Marne’s efforts are fruitless and Anne is finally hanged by the villagers. Anne’s death severely shakes Marne’s faith and she has deep doubts about God and divine justice.
Key characters of the movie Day of Rage
Besides Marne and Mikael, there are other characters in the story, each of which plays a role in highlighting Marne’s mental crisis:
Anne: A woman who is accused of witchcraft and becomes a victim of bigotry and violence.
Anres: Marne and Mikael’s son who witnesses the events and mental crisis of his mother.
Mrs. Grace: A rich and influential woman who supports Mikael.
Servant: A woman who is close to Marne and Anne and supports them.
Philosophical controversies of the film Day of Rage
Day of Rage explores concepts such as faith, witchcraft, sin, redemption, justice and the role of religion in society through its deep and thought-provoking dialogues.
“Day of Rage” is the second film in this list by Carl Theodor Dreyer, the giant of Danish cinema. Although one can easily add his movie “Ordet” to this list. Dreyer’s name shines among the legends of cinema history. If you think that Scandinavian cinema is only known by the great Swedish Ingmar Bergman, you should definitely watch a movie by Carl Theodor Dreyer. Dreyer worked before Bergman and during the era of silent cinema.
Pioneer of innovation in cinema
Dreyer was one of the pioneers of using the experiences of cinematographers around the world and mixing different filmmaking methods. He played a key role in the development of cinema grammar.
Dryer’s usual worries
From Dreyer’s early films, one can see his constant concerns, which are reflected in his various works. Themes such as doubting faith, sticking to values, divine tests, self-knowledge and identification are delicately depicted in each of his films.
Day of Wrath: Confrontation of Faith and Darkness
In the movie “Day of Anger”, all these themes are placed next to concepts such as innocence and innocence, reminding the movie “Misery of Joan of Arc”. On the other hand, it seems that traces of gothic horror cinema are also visible in this film. Dreyer had previously presented one of the best works of this genre to the world with the movie “Vampyr” in the 1930s. His experiences in this genre will help him to use the facilities of this cinema in his other films.
Expressionist atmosphere and exaggerated games
The film’s black-and-white cinematography and high-contrast lighting play create an expressionistic atmosphere reminiscent of German cinema at the height of this style. Dreyer is an absolute master in creating such images. The games are also accompanied by a little exaggeration in line with the form of the work so that the themes of the film are properly conveyed to the audience.
Hope in the heart of darkness
Dreyer is ruthless in depicting the ugliness, but at the same time he appreciates the light and hope and displays it with grace and human grace.
A film for a special audience
“Day of Rage” was made during the occupation of Denmark by Nazi Germany, and traces of this can be seen in the story of the film. Dreyer had displayed all the themes of this film years ago in “The Misery of Joan of Arc”, but this time in the face of the danger that threatens the people of his country, he sees less hope for light and all that falls on the screen is flickering. It is a light that tries not to go out.
