Lars von Trier

Date of Birth: April 30, 1956

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Lars von Trier is a Danish film director and screenwriter known for his provocative and often controversial films. He was born Lars Trier on April 30, 1956, in Kongens Lyngby, Denmark. Von Trier added the “von” to his name while studying at the National Film School of Denmark, as a form of artistic rebellion and homage to aristocratic European filmmakers. Von Trier’s career began in the early 1980s with the release of his first feature film, “The Element of Crime,” which established his reputation for unique visual style and narrative complexity. His work is characterized by its exploration of existential themes, psychological depth, and innovative use of the medium. He gained international acclaim with films like “Breaking the Waves” (1996), “Dancer in the Dark” (2000), and “Melancholia” (2011). Von Trier is also known for co-founding the Dogme 95 movement with fellow Danish director Thomas Vinterberg. The movement aimed to simplify filmmaking by focusing on story and performance rather than special effects and technology. Throughout his career, von Trier has received numerous awards and nominations, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for “Dancer in the Dark.” Despite his success, he has often courted controversy, particularly with his comments and the challenging nature of his films.

5 Interesting Facts about Lars von Trier

1. Lars von Trier co-founded the Dogme 95 movement, which emphasized traditional storytelling and minimized the use of special effects.

2. He has been diagnosed with several mental health conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression, which have influenced his filmmaking.

3. Von Trier’s film “Dancer in the Dark” starred Icelandic singer Björk, who also composed the soundtrack and won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.

4. He was banned from the Cannes Film Festival for several years after making controversial comments during a press conference in 2011.

5. Despite his controversies, von Trier has won numerous prestigious awards, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes and multiple European Film Awards.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lars von Trier

1. “A film should be like a stone in your shoe.”

2. “I’m very much afraid of dying because I don’t think I’m going to heaven.”

3. “Perhaps it’s true that I’m very hard on myself, but that’s better than exhibiting mediocre work.”

4. “If one devalues rationality, the world tends to fall apart.”

5. “I think I write the films I make because I can’t deal with reality.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Lars von Trier’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $275 million.

Children

Lars von Trier has four children: he has two children, Agnes and Benjamin, with his first wife, Cæcilia Holbek Trier, and two more with his current partner, Bente Frøge.