Movies

Sex and death. Guilt and psychosis. Witchcraft and mutilation. Beauty and obscenity. Lars von Trier's "Antichrist" exists in an orbit all its own, where conventional judgments don't apply. It is a challenge, not an entertainment. To watch the Danish provocateur's new film is to experience unrelenting pain, shading into revulsion, while being inspired by his virtuoso command of the medium and sharp intelligence.

THE MERRY GENTLEMAN 3 1/2 stars (Genius Entertainment, '08) $19.95. 96 mins. A suicidal hit man and an alcoholic detective compete for the affection of a woman escaping an abusive relationship. With Michael Keaton, William Dick, Kelly MacDonald. R (profanity and some violence)