Melancholia (2011)

Danish director Lars von Trier is someone who divides audiences and critics and I know a couple of people who really don’t want to watch his movies. Personally I had only seen Dogville, starring Nicole Kidman, which I thought was very unique and which I quite liked (8/10). Melancholia is his new film, which isn’t a movie everyone will like either. If you are feeling down, then this won’t be the movie to cheer you up.

Melancholia is the name of a planet that was hidden behind the sun and is now on its way to earth. The beautiful opening shots in this movie, which are shot in slow motion show what will happen at the end. It’s a powerful opening which has a lot of impact on your experience and the feelings you will have towards its characters.

The movie consists of two parts. The first is the wedding of Justine (Kirsten Dunst) who, as we find out has been struggling with depression. It’s very clear that this has had a lot of impact on the family as well and that they might be part of the problem too. A marriage should be one of the happiest days in your life, but Justine is struggling her way through it.
Her sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) is the focus of the second part and the way she deals with stress of Melancholia heading towards our planet. Her husband John (Kiefer Sutherland) is a scientist and knows exactly what will happen and tries to comfort her.

Melancholia is a beautiful film, which deals with depression and mortality. It wouldn’t surprise me if this movie would be compared to Tree of Life as it will also make you think about your own existence. I like this movie a whole lot more though. The story had me involved and time flew by. A big reason for me were Dunst and Gainsbourg, who convince you with their performances. Their characters are both women who struggle with specific issues and deal with them differently. Although very dark, the movie looks beautiful and the music (which I normally don’t pay as much attention too) is haunting, but makes this movie feel bigger than it is.

Would I recommend Melancholia? Based on the score I should say yes, but be aware that it’s something which not everyone will like. If you need happy endings and cheery situations then it’s not the movie for you, but if you want a movie that makes you think about life then it’s worth checking out.

Score: 9

Trailer:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzD0U841LRM]

32 thoughts on “Melancholia (2011)

    • I’m not sure if that’s the case. It’s clear that the depression is having adverse effects on her ability to live a normal life and Von Trier has managed to depict this in an excellent way I think.

  1. I want to see this…I haven’t seen any of his other films…but I don’t want to be wicked depressed after watching it. Decisions, Decisions. If you liked it I just might though.

  2. I am not a Lars von Trier fan, but this one has had my attention from the beginning. I am inching towards the possibility of checking it out. Not sure yet.

    How was Kiefer Sutherland’s performance?

    • Kiefer Sutherland was great in it. Of course after 24 I always have a specific expectation of him, but he convinced as this scientist who was annoyed by the way things were going in the family.

  3. Absolutely hated Antichrist but this looks intriguing enough. Been hearing some good things so I will probably give it a rental when it comes out on DVD.

  4. I’m probably the biggest Lars Von Trier fan you will ever meet, and shamefully I am yet to see this. I recommend his other films, particularly BREAKING THE WAVES which is easily one of the best films of the 90s. Seriously, don’t get me started on Von Trier, I could talk all night.

  5. See I haven’t really been that bothered about this release, yet now I see a 9 out of 10 here, and knowing that Nostra and I often feel the same about film, I need to see this film!!

  6. Hi, Nostra and company:

    Am I the only one who thinks the trailer for Melancholia more resembles an overblown ad for a high end cologne or perfume than a film concerning imminent doom amongst the idle rich?

    Yes, the cast looks great in and amongst the sneers and whispers, but I think I’ll pass. Or wait for it to come to HBO.

    • I just rewatched the trailer, but didn’t get that feeling. I guess you could use some parts of it to cut it into an ad though 🙂

      It surely isn’t a movie for everyone…

  7. I was so desperate to see this, but it wasn’t showing very long at my nearest city so I’ve missed it now which I’m really annoyed about! Really hoping it’ll be shown at a little indie cinema in town, otherwise I’ll have to wait until it’s released on blu ray. Loved your review, makes me want to watch it even more!

  8. I’m glad that you liked it. I thought it was simply amazing. Just the psychological side to the apocalypse was so realistic that I’m a little more scared of the world ending. I think on every review I have commented on about this movie I always go on about the end. That end was amazing, though!

    • I wouldn’t be afraid of the world ending, this movie made me think on how much you should enjoy each they, because once life ceases to exist for your whether through something like in the movie or a normal death, it doesn’t really matter related to how you should live it.

  9. To me, felt like two films in one. I liked the first hour. The rest was too predictable, and the conflicts at the wedding sort of faded away after a while. I found it distracting that C Gainsbourg and K Dunst were talking in American and British accents, yet were sisters, and annoyed me they don’t look like sisters either.

    I’d give Melancholia a 6 or 7 out of 10. Maybe I just didn’t get the metaphors, who knows. The music and opening sure were impressive, though.

    • I didn’t pick up on the different accents, but I never really do. I had a real connection to the characters and the concept of it, but understand it’s not a movie for everyone.

  10. I agree with your rating (9/10). Main actors were exellent, cinematography also. only the SF parts of the movie could have been better. all in all a beautiful movie about depression.

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