Controversial, intelligent and daring, Dogville features a career-best performance from Nicole Kidman. She's a woman on the run in 30s America, who seeks refuge in the remote Rocky Mountain town of the title. You won't see any stunning Colorado scenery, though. Lars von Trier's experimental picture is set on a near-bare stage, with buildings drawn in chalk outlines on the floor and actors miming their everyday actions (opening doors, cooking, gardening etc). Unusual, but intriguing...

The off-kilter approach ensures the story is central. There are no distractions from the fall of Grace (Kidman), who becomes a virtual slave to the townspeople in a bid to be accepted. But when her past threatens their future, the small-minded citizens soon show their true colours.

That these might be red, white and blue has enraged some critics, who have attacked the movie's apparent anti-Americanism. But while von Trier (who made the similarly criticised Dancer In The Dark) delivers a damning indictment of greed, power and moral hypocrisy, it may be more accurate to accuse him of hating humanity, rather than the United States. The country's immigrant population and extremes of poverty and prosperity simply provide an easily-identified-with, universal setting.

"THE ACTING IS EXCELLENT"

And the closing credits sequence - Depression-era pictures of the poor accompanied by David Bowie's Young Americans - even suggests his feelings may be of pity rather than loathing.

This may all sound rather serious and heavygoing. At three hours it certainly stretches the patience, and any movie inspired by German playwright Berthold Brecht isn't likely to have mass audience appeal.

But for all the ideas being examined, it works as a compelling drama too, and the acting is excellent. Paul Bettany is brilliant as the cod-philosopher attracted to Kidman's sensual saintliness, while she shows a depth and vulnerability previously only hinted at - lending nuance and likeability to what could easily have appeared a caricature.

In this - as much as its stark scenario and cruel conclusion - Dogville is a shock to the system.