Breaking the Waves represented quite a large shift in style for world famous filmmaker, Lars Von Trier, and was (not coincidentally) written and filmed when Von Trier was in the process of converting to Catholicism. Set in an isolated community in the Scottish Highlands, Breaking the Waves tells the story of a young woman with a strong connection to God – even stronger than she can imagine.
Emily Watson Stars as Bess McNeill in Breaking the Waves
Bess McNeill (played by Emily Watson), a young and innocent Scottish girl, has just married Jan Nyman (Stellan Skarsgård), a Scandinavian oilrig worker. Unfortunately, it isn’t long after they have exchanged vows that Jan has to return to work, far away from Bess. But Bess loves Jan too much to part with him for such a long time, so she goes to church, as is her wont, and prays to God for him to return very soon.
Bess is a special kind of girl – she goes through periods of ultimate calm and violent outbursts of emotion; when she talks to God, he answers back in her own voice; she can’t bear to be alone, not even for a moment. And she’s in luck, because not long after she visits her church, Bess’ prayers are answered and Jan returns home. The trouble is that he has returned due to a serious injury on the rigs – Jan isn’t the same man he used to be. He starts to ask things of Bess that she could never expect.
Watson and Skarsgård Deliver Amazing Performances in Breaking the Waves
Lars Von Trier certainly made no mistakes in the casting of his film – both Emily Watson and Stellan Skarsgård deliver incredible performances. So incredible that Watson received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Bess, whom she plays with such a genuine innocence and willingness to love. Skarsgård is equally convincing as a tough oilman who has to cope with the extreme frustration of losing virtually all of his physical capability. After a while in such a state, he nears the brink of sanity, losing his emotional capability as well.
Watson and Skarsgård are joined by Katrin Cartlidge, who plays Dodo McNeill, Bess’ widowed sister-n-law. Dodo is able to identify with Jan as a fellow outsider dragged into this tight-knit and judgemental community by marriage, but at the same time has a very strong connection with Bess. She acts as her nurse when she is having a spell, and as her sister when she is not. Cartlidge does an excellent job as a woman who puts on a tough appearance in order to survive, but is extremely vulnerable and sad on the inside.
Deus Ex Machina Ending Leaves the Audience to Interpret
The ending of Breaking the Waves is probably the most striking thing about the film, and it’s surreal, deus ex machina style accentuates the religious feel of the entire story. Whether it affirms or denies the existence of God, however, is debatable, as is the question of whether or not it is a happy ending. Regardless, Breaking the Waves is a beautiful film that will leave you with much to talk about.
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