Melancholia is an end of the world movie unlike many others. There is no call for government intervention or mass frenzy. There is no arc or underground haven in which the nine-figures-and-above-club can find solace until the whole thing blows over. Since in Melancholia, after the whole thing blows over, human life is over. It is the end of the world, after all.
Instead of a mass frenzy or a looting free-for-all, we explore the last days of earth in a quiet mansion in the countryside, miles from civilization. The estate houses an 18-hole golf course and looks visually enchanting, but despite the appearance of grandeur, an eerie minor key sets the mood for disaster.
Justine’s (Kirsten Dunst) wedding is the first casualty. Justine is a train wreck of a bride who ducks in and out of her own wedding reception to take a drive, take a bath, and have an affair with another man.
Justine’s sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) later proves to be similarly unbalanced. She unravels into a walking panic attack when she realizes the planet Melancholia is fast approaching on its collision course with earth.
But there is nothing she can do.
Yet, the film is not so much about how death affects us. Because death as we know it only happens to one or to some, but never to all. And for something to affect us, there has to be an ‘us’ remaining after ‘it’ happens.
Melancholia marks Danish director Lars von Trier’s 13th feature film. It is, at times, a slow ride but an inventive one, despite the sluggish eight-minute photographic prelude – what some may call artistic innovation – and the dizzying shaky camera – again, one woman’s headache is another man’s genius.
Expect a philosophical journey of gloom and acceptance, but certainly no hope for tomorrow.
Watch the Trailer.
Director: Lars von Trier
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
Stars: Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland
Very nice! Now I guess I just have to see the whole thing myself.
Kind of reminds me of a Stanley Kubrick treatment. And oh, the acting was spectacular I must say. Kristen Dunst was gorgeous even if she was a little crazy… or really weird. People should watch it.
My first time watching a Lars movie. Heard a lot about the guy. Apart from the shaky camera, I thought he did a great job. I really like the movie
I agree with you that the movie had so much substance, a lot of substance – substance investigated at the level of the rich, the family, the village. For me this is where a director excels. Not some hullabaloo about dreams with its concomitant Hollywood CGIs !!!!