In a tough year for movies, originality seems to be sorely lacking. Even many of this year's best films play it safe, resorting to conventional storytelling. This is certainly not the case in Lars Von Trier's (Breaking the Waves) ambitious new film Dancer in the Dark.

Employing the Dogma '95 rules (handheld photography etc.), this interesting film tells the story of a young Czech woman (Iceland musician Bjork) named Selma who moves to America circa 1964, and finds that life is not much easier. When beaten down by the riggors of life or unable to deal with confrontational situations, she slips into an imaginative state, in which she and everyone around her express themselves through inventive musical numbers. It should be noted, however, that Dancer in the Dark shouldn't really be considered a traditional musical, because there's is a lot more to this picture.

There has been much debate about Dancer in the Dark. Many are put off by the shaky, handheld camera style (reminiscent of Blair Witch Project or N.Y.P.D. Blue) and the musical numbers (something equally effective in Woody Allen's underrated Everyone Says I Love You). These people are missing the point of what is a truly unique movie experience.

The cinematography technique in this picture adds a kind of intimacy to the project that sweeping crane shots and standard photography would detract from. For me, the musical numbers really worked and never felt intrusive. They are fueled, of course, by the distinctive and powerful vocals of Bjork who emerges as a fantastic actress. Not only does this woman give a stunningly heartbreaking performance, She also manages to convey much of her persona through her voice.

Also adding weight to this special film are stellar supporting turns from Catherine Deneuve, Siobhan Fallon, Joel Grey, Udo Kier, David Morse, Peter Stormore, and Stellan Skarsgard. It is Bjork, however, that carries the picture in a truly remarkable performance. She also adds a spectacular soundtrack that lends a whole new dimension to Dancer in the Dark.

Dancer in the Dark is a film in which bad things happen to a good person, much the same way it occurs in life. And although this is a thoroughly depressing picture, and one in which the ending becomes telegraphed about halfway through, there is no denying it's unrelenting power and originality. Trier is a very gifted film maker, and has no interest in showing us something we've seen time and time again. In this day and age of obvious fast-food cinema, that's quite refreshing.