Tags
2010's, Alexander Skarsgård, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Charlotte Rampling, Drama, John Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland, Kirsten Dunst, Lars Von Trier, Melancholia, Science Fiction, Stellan Skarsgård, Udo Kier
Movie Title
Melancholia
Director
Lars Von Trier
Cast
- Kirsten Dunst as Justine
- Charlotte Gainsbourg as Claire
- Kiefer Sutherland as John
- Alexander Skarsgård as Michael
- Stellan Skarsgård as Jack
- Charlotte Rampling as Gaby
- John Hurt as Dexter
- Udo Kier as Wedding Planner
The Melancholia of the title refers to two things; a rogue planet that has been hiding behind the sun and is heading towards the Earth and the frequent bouts of depression that Justine, one of the main characters suffers from as the movie progresses. As with most of Von Trier’s films, this one will polarize viewers. People seem to either think of him as an artistic genius or violent sadist, there never seems to be a middle ground when it comes to people’s opinions on the controversial director. Although the film’s pace maybe too slow for some viewers tp watch, I personally enjoyed the film for many reasons that I will go into further detail in this review.
The plot revolves around young bride Justine on her wedding night and the events that follow on from it. At her lavish wedding to groom Michael and the ensuring reception organised by her sister , various incidents begin to take a detrimental effect on Justine. Her mother and father bicker during the speeches, her mother tells her “Enjoy it while it lasts” words that take on a bigger meaning and resonance as the film unravels. During these scenes, the up close camera work clearly captures the characters off guard, especially Justine whose face reveals hurt and pain as she tries to smile. It also helps create a sense of confusion and isolation within her character. Her relationship with her sister Claire is explored and reveals a distant feeling between the two of them. With all the feelings of melancholy beginning to engulf her, the rogue planet of the title begins to emerge ominously and seems destined to strike the Earth.
Split into two parts named after the sisters, the film explores the frail relationship between the two and how they react the impending planet. I thought that each half was remarkably different, the first half is more slow-moving whereas the second half gains momentum and becomes more dramatic as it goes on to reach its climax. If there is one thing that kept me engaged when watching the film it was the performances, especially from Dunst, who I believe gives one of the best performances in her career. She is a revelation as Justine, giving an emotionally raw and bruised portrayal of a woman close to breaking point. Even when she isn’t speaking her intensity is felt, as her eyes reveal the deep sadness and emotional bruises inside her. In other word she is the embodiment of melancholy. Also giving a great performance is Gainsbourg, who returns for her second venture in a Von Trier movie after her harrowing role in the highly controversial and much discussed Antichrist. Even though she scolds her sister for her despondency, she is equally troubled and becomes highly strung as the thought of Melancholia begins to get to her. Sutherland does well in his role as Claire’s amateur astronomer husband who tries to convince her that there is nothing to worry about but fails. Also the cameos of Charlotte Rampling and John Hurt add to the acting honours, as well as Von Trier regular Udo Kier as an impatient and extremely surly wedding planner.Stellan Skarsgård and his son Alexander Skarsgård appear as Justine’s boss and her new husband in the first part of the film.
Aside from the acting, the stunning visuals are amazing to behold. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an apocalypse look so strangely and hauntingly beautiful before. Especially, the aesthetically and visually outstanding opening sequence, filmed in extreme slow motion to the strains of an epic Wagner score. The movie itself is full of so many bold symbolism and imagery that you will find it hard to forget them long after the credits have began to roll, they are that haunting. Although the film seems to follow some of the conventions of the sci-fi and disaster movie genre, it is essentially a drama about the depths of loneliness within a person and how it can take a hold over you and your whole existence.
As I have mentioned earlier, this is a film that will definitely divide opinion sharply down the middle. But if you are looking for a visually enthralling and well-acted hybrid between disaster movie and intense drama, Melancholia is a film that I would vocally advise you to give a look and judge for yourself.
Alex Withrow said:
Really good review here. We’re of the same school of thought, that this was a strangely beautiful film about a strangely beautiful apocalypse. I’m a huge Von Trier fan, but I understand how his work can be polarizing. Either way, I Ioved Melancholia. Good review my friend!
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cigarettesandmovies said:
I see that you liked it then. I have to say I’ve never really thought of it as a disaster movie, despite the obvious narrative that’s being tackled. I agree with pretty much everything else you’ve said, especially how beautiful it looked…good stuff.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, glad you liked the review.
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AndyWatchesMovies said:
Time has been kind to my view of this film since the visuals are what I remember more than the plot. I still wanted more out of the film and I wish there had been 3 acts instead of just 2, but the visuals really make this something special.
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Cavershamragu said:
The film does begin exquisitely with its ‘prologue’ to the strains of the ‘Tristan and Isolde’ (appropriately, the overture). If the rest of the film can’t quite live up to that, it doesn’t take away from theoverall achievement. There are a few credibility problems – how could Dunst ever hold down her job given her condition? And Sutherland’s exit seems slightly out of the character and seems really just there to hammer home the point that the end is truly nigh.
I like the fact that Dunst remains fairly unsympathetic, or only plausibly sympathetic, given how demanding and egocentric she is presented as being, even to the end. It’s a beautiful film, brilliantly made, and the two-part structure, with the moonbathing bridging the two halves as Dunst comes out of her crisis, really well judged.
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ckckred said:
I’m interested in seeing this film. I’ve never been very familiar with Von Trier, been I’ve heard some great things about the film. I think it’s on Netflix, so I’ll watch it soon. Nice review.
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sati said:
Fantastic review. I think it’s the only Von Trier’s movie I liked because he didn’t use any of his usal tricks with crazy violance, ugliness and rape. Dunt was great here but for me her best work is in All Good Things.
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Kristen said:
Liked this far more than Tree of Life.
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cigarettesandmovies said:
totally agree with you.
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CMrok93 said:
This film worked fine for me, but there was a good amount of time where it just felt like von Trier was pacing himself too much with this story. Dunst was great though, and I hope she continues to take way more roles like this in the future (nude scenes aside). Good review.
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Mark Walker said:
Great review man. I absolutely loved this film. It was one of the best film’s of the year for me and shows a different approach from Von Trier. It would make a great companion piece with Malick’s Tree of Life.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, I have yet to watch the tree of life but I will try and give it a watch.
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Tyler said:
Great review. I loved this film to pieces. So much greatness in it. When the second half came along I was reminded distinctly of Antichrist, and I think that must’ve been when I just fell in love with it. Amazing movie.
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Chris said:
I agree von Trier’s work really polarizes viewers, yet he manages to get great performances out of his lead actresses every single time.
Melancholia is not my favorite Lars von Trier film, it does look beautiful visually, and the acting is superb, but I didn’t find the story as interesting as his previous films.
The director talked about the end of the world/depression juxtaposition here at 4.22 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mav_WGpOLdU
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Garrett said:
What an incredibly beautiful film! The imagery at the beginning really stayed with me. Great review!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, I was the same the imagery is just one of those things that is really hard to forget.
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Mike said:
Good review. As daft as Lars is, he really knows how to coax brilliant performances from actors not known for their skills. Dunst is just superb, but I also love Kiefer Sutherland’s playing and I believe he gets the look of doom utterly spot on when he realises the true path of Melancholia. Throw in that score, and the riveting montage that takes place before anything actually happens – it’s not easy viewing, but it’s well worth the effort spent on it.
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danielledickycontinental said:
Thanks for visiting my page! Really like this piece on Melancholia. I’m a huge Lars von Trier fan and always enjoy reading others’ views on his work.
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Caroline said:
I certainly agree, this is a beautiful and very haunting movie. I don’t like all of von Trier’s work but a lot of, still this is my favourite. I loved the mood and the atmosphere and thought Kirsten Dunst is wonderful in this. I haven’t seen the Antichrist. Did you like it?
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Natalie Stendall said:
I’m so disappointed that I missed this when it was out at the cinema. Since then I’ve heard mixed reviews – so I think you’re definitely right that it divides audiences down the middle. Thanks for the review – it’s definitely I movie I need to catch up on!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for your comment, hope you get to see it.
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Klaus said:
An amazingly beautiful movie and a surprisingly terrific performance from Dunst. I also really enjoyed Udo Kier’s small comedic role as the distraught wedding planner.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, yeah Kier was funny as the fussy wedding planner.
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charlypriest said:
Hi there, you definitaly have great knowledge about movies, actors, plot, you name it. And a lot of these movies I haven´t seen, so is good you stumbled upon my crazy blog this way I can come here and see what movie to pick for what I call “my Sunday movie lazy sesión”.
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vinnieh said:
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. I was glad I stumbled across your blog.
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Lloyd Marken said:
It’s interesting, I read somewhere when it was released that she knows the world is going to end before everybody else does hence her erratic behaviour at the wedding. When she’s laughing with her groom in the limo at the beginning that’s beforehand. I guess her mental condition is a better explanation. I’m a huge fan of the film, so many layers and very beautiful haunting images.
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vinnieh said:
I had never read that, but it could be one interpretation. This movie though can be read in so many different ways and with so many viewpoints.
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