Antichrist opens in the UK; Lars Von Trier interview

Lars Von Trier speaks to the Guardian about his new film, ANTICHRIST. He talks a lot about his depression and why he needs to think he's the best director in the world in order to make a film.


Antichrist was given an 18 certificate by the BBFC and remains completely uncut, despite scenes containing explicit penetrative sex and masturbation, extreme torture and genital mutilation. The BBFC have conceded that “there is no doubt that some viewers will find the images disturbing and offensive,” with the Sunday Times judging that Antichrist “deserves to be banned.”



Antichrist has divided UK press, receiving both boos and applause at this year’s world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, provoking debate across the nation: UK journalists have warned that “nothing can prepare you for Antichrist. Nothing,” (John Carr, Sky Movies). Early UK preview screenings have seen people run for the exit during the final scenes, physically retching.



Antichrist has faced censorship in other areas. The film poster, featuring Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg in a graphic sex scene, has been met with uproar and Artificial Eye, the film company releasing Antichrist, has been barraged with complaints by offended cinema-goers. The poster image has been BANNED for use on the London underground and BANNED for use in the Metro newspaper. Social networking site, Facebook, has even BANNED the sex scene featured in the trailer. Antichrist flyers, also featuring the image, have even been sabotaged by outraged members of the public, ripped from display stands and destroyed, with cinema owners struggling to replenish stocks.



Antichrist is the latest film from provocative Danish director Lars von Trier, starring Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe. A psychological horror film, many film distributors doubted that Antichrist could be released in the UK uncut, but the British cinema-going audience will now have their chance to watch the ‘must see film of the summer’ from this Friday.



Director Lars von Trier says: “I can offer no excuse for ANTICHRIST. Other than my absolute belief in the film – the most important film of my entire career.”