---
title: "Dancer in the Dark"
year: 2000
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/dancer-in-the-dark-2000"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 16
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 140
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "R"
---

# Dancer in the Dark (2000) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/dancer-in-the-dark-2000

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Dancer in the Dark is a film first released in 2000. Catalogued under Drama, Crime. Produced and broadcast by Zentropa Entertainments, DR, SVT Drama. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A mother's musical imagination lights her bleak world."

### Why Watch
- Innovative use of musical sequences within a dramatic narrative
- Haunting soundtrack featuring Björk
- Compelling portrayal of a mother's sacrifice

### Caveats & Content Note
- Lengthy runtime of over two hours may feel slow
- Bleak subject matter can be emotionally heavy
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s somber themes and graphic depiction of hardship make it unsuitable for younger viewers.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dramatic, musical, melancholy, intimate

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/dancer-in-the-dark-2000#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Lars von Trier
- **Networks / Studios**: Zentropa Entertainments, DR, SVT Drama

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Björk** as *Selma Jezkova*
- **Catherine Deneuve** as *Kathy*
- **David Morse** as *Bill Houston*
- **Peter Stormare** as *Jeff*
- **Joel Grey** as *Oldrich Novy*
- **Cara Seymour** as *Linda Houston*
- **Vladica Kostic** as *Gene Jezkova*
- **Jean-Marc Barr** as *Norman*
- **Vincent Paterson** as *Samuel*
- **Siobhan Fallon Hogan** as *Brenda*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the main character's struggle?
Selma, a Czech immigrant, faces impending blindness and her son's inherited genetic disorder, needing costly surgery.

### Q: How does the film incorporate music?
Selma copes by imagining musical numbers, turning everyday sounds into rhythmic sequences.

### Q: Who contributed to the soundtrack?
The soundtrack, titled Selmasongs, was primarily written by Björk with contributions from Mark Bell and lyrics by the director and Sjón.

### Q: What is the film’s runtime?
The movie runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

### Q: How has the film been received?
On the Czech site Kinobox, it holds a rating of 76%.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Dancer in the Dark — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/16)
- [Tanec v temnotách 76% [Dancer in the Dark] (2000) | Kinobox…](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/28102-tanec-v-temnotach)
- [Dancer in the Dark - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancer_in_the_Dark)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*