Ordet
| Ordet | |
|---|---|
theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Carl Theodor Dreyer |
| Produced by | Carl Theodor Dreyer |
| Screenplay by | Carl Theodor Dreyer |
| Based on |
Ordet (1932 play) by Kaj Munk |
| Starring |
Henrik Malberg Emil Hass Christensen Cay Kristiansen Preben Lerdorff Rye |
| Music by | Poul Schierbeck |
| Cinematography | Henning Bendtsen |
| Edited by | Edith Schlüssel |
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Release date
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Running time
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126 minutes |
| Country | Denmark |
| Language | Danish |
Ordet (Danish pronunciation: [ˈoːˀʁəð], meaning "The Word" and originally released as The Word in English) is a 1955 Danish drama film, directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer. It is based on a play by Kaj Munk, a Danish Lutheran priest, first performed in 1932. The film won the Golden Lion at the 16th Venice International Film Festival, and was the only film by Dreyer to be both a critical and financial success.
The film is now regarded by many critics as a masterpiece, admired particularly for its cinematography.
The film centers around the Borgen family in rural Denmark. The devout widower Morten, patriarch of the family, prominent member of the community, and patron of the local parish church, has three sons. Mikkel, the eldest, has no faith, but is happily married to the pious Inger, who is pregnant with their third child. Johannes, who went insane studying Søren Kierkegaard, believes himself to be Jesus Christ and wanders the farm condemning the age's lack of faith, including that of his family and the modern-minded new pastor of the village. The youngest son, Anders, is lovesick for the daughter of the leader of a local Christian religious sect.
Anders confesses to Mikkel and Inger that he loves Anne Petersen, the daughter of Peter the Tailor. They agree to convince Morten to assent to the match. Later, Inger attempts to convince Morten to allow Anders to marry Anne. Morten angrily refuses, but changes his mind when he finds out Peter has refused Anders' proposal. Morten and Anders go to meet Peter, in order to negotiate the betrothal.
Morten tries to convince Peter to permit the marriage, but he continues to refuse unless Morten and Anders join his sect. As the discussion collapses into sectarian bickering, Morten receives a call announcing that Inger has gone into a difficult labor. Peter says that Inger's difficulties are punishment from God for Morten not joining his sect. Furious at Peter's comments, Morten attacks Peter and storms out with Anders, the two of them rushing home. While the doctor is forced to abort the baby, he is able to save Inger's life. After the doctor and pastor leave, Johannes angers his father by telling him that death is nearby and will take Inger, unless Morten has faith in him. Morten refuses to listen and, as prophesied, Inger dies suddenly.
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Wikipedia