Melancholia (2011)Directed by: Lars von Trier
Screenplay by: Lars von Trier
Genre: Drama | Sci-Fi
Running Time: 136 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Viewed: Amazon Instant Video
Enjoy it while it lasts.
[IMDb]
Comments: How does one even begin to describe Melancholia? As an apocalyptic drama? As a depressing science fiction piece about a planet hurtling toward Earth? Either way, it's a terrific film - one that doubles as both a character study about a woman with severe depression and how it affects the people around her, and one showing how those people face the possibility of the end of the world (well, it's not much of a question after watching the beautiful first ten minutes). I can't claim to be a Lars von Trier fanatic, as Antichrist was the only movie of his that I'd seen previously. While both have a similar feel, Melancholia is certainly a superior and more affecting film. The final thirty minutes or so are absolutely haunting. I felt this intense sense of dread looming over the entire story, and the last part only intensified that feeling.
I loved the array of actors cast for the film, and all of them delivered wonderful performances. From those I didn't expect much from (Kirsten Dunst and her funbags were great; I was also surprised at how much I enjoyed Kiefer Sutherland seeing as I always expect a Jack Bauer-like performance) to the always solid Charlotte Gainsbourg, John Hurt, and Charlotte Rampling, everyone played their part and played it well. I've read from many online reviews that Dunst really captured the feeling of true depression (something I've not had first-hand experience with), and how she handled and accepted her fate was perfectly executed. It's truly interesting to see how differently Dunst and Gainsbourg accept the arrival of Melancholia.
In terms of the scientific aspect of the film, I was reminded of Danny Boyle's Sunshine. I love that movie, but when I think of the scientific accuracy of what's going on, I can't help but chuckle. In terms of enjoying the film though, I couldn't give two fucks because it fits the story. The same thinking applies to Melancholia. I'm pretty sure that's not quite what would happen if a giant planet was so close to us. But that doesn't matter, because it fits the story so well. Just like Sunshine, Melancholia isn't a film about science, folks.
So yeah, I really enjoyed this film. It has a slow, plodding pace and certainly won't be everyone's cup of tea. But the grandiosity behind the everyday events in the film sucked me in so much that I was engrossed with everything that was occurring onscreen. Von Trier has created a haunting piece of work that stayed with me (while I enjoyed the film upon its completion, I've found myself thinking of it often the following day at work, where I'm writing this review now - shh!). And hey, even if you don't like it, there's Kirsten Dunst's chesticles to look forward to, which makes Melancholia certainly worth the watch.
I loved the array of actors cast for the film, and all of them delivered wonderful performances. From those I didn't expect much from (Kirsten Dunst and her funbags were great; I was also surprised at how much I enjoyed Kiefer Sutherland seeing as I always expect a Jack Bauer-like performance) to the always solid Charlotte Gainsbourg, John Hurt, and Charlotte Rampling, everyone played their part and played it well. I've read from many online reviews that Dunst really captured the feeling of true depression (something I've not had first-hand experience with), and how she handled and accepted her fate was perfectly executed. It's truly interesting to see how differently Dunst and Gainsbourg accept the arrival of Melancholia.
In terms of the scientific aspect of the film, I was reminded of Danny Boyle's Sunshine. I love that movie, but when I think of the scientific accuracy of what's going on, I can't help but chuckle. In terms of enjoying the film though, I couldn't give two fucks because it fits the story. The same thinking applies to Melancholia. I'm pretty sure that's not quite what would happen if a giant planet was so close to us. But that doesn't matter, because it fits the story so well. Just like Sunshine, Melancholia isn't a film about science, folks.
So yeah, I really enjoyed this film. It has a slow, plodding pace and certainly won't be everyone's cup of tea. But the grandiosity behind the everyday events in the film sucked me in so much that I was engrossed with everything that was occurring onscreen. Von Trier has created a haunting piece of work that stayed with me (while I enjoyed the film upon its completion, I've found myself thinking of it often the following day at work, where I'm writing this review now - shh!). And hey, even if you don't like it, there's Kirsten Dunst's chesticles to look forward to, which makes Melancholia certainly worth the watch.
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