Melancholia (Magnolia Pictures)
Rated R for some graphic nudity,sexual content and language.
Starring Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexander Skarsgård, Brady Corbet, Cameron Spurr, Charlotte Rampling, Jesper Christensen, John Hurt, Stellan Skarsgård, Udo Kier, Kiefer Sutherland.
Written and directed by Lars Von Trier.
GRADE: B
REVIEW:
I have to admit that I was not impressed with his Lars Von Trier's Antichrist (2008) abomination (my only previous Von Triers experience), which is perhaps the most obscene film I've ever seen (I challenge anyone to explain how genital mutilation passes as "art"). Suffice to say that when I saw Lars' name attached to Melancholia, I was understandably cautious.
The story of Melancholia is told in two parts and is centered on sisters Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) as they face the cataclysmic end of the world. Justine's story is first, as she celebrates her wedding with Michael (Alexander Skarsgård) among attendees of her wedding dinner and party. Justine's relationships unravel fast at the party, as she offends her boss (Stellan Skarsgård), entertains negative marriage views from her mother (Charlotte Rampling), pacifies her drunken dad (John Hurt), disregards her brother-in-law (Kiefer Sutherland), and rejects her new groom Micahel.
Justine tries to be happy for the sake of the wedding, but an impending dread overtakes her, and the party ends as her new hubby drives away in sadness.
Part 2 focuses on Claire and her husband John (Sutherland) as they deal with the reality of a hidden planet named Melancholia that happens to be on a collision course with Earth. Justine is also present; morose and lethargic. Claire is in a panic about the approaching doom, while John placates his wife into believing that the planet will pass by, contrary to what some scientists say. As Melancholia approaches, Justine tries to convince Claire of the inevitable; that life will end and there's nothing left. Claire resists and denies, even to the end.
Melancholia is at times beautiful and splendid in its artistic presentation, albeit disjointed and random. Watching the film was less of an experience in traditional cinema, and more like looking at an impressionist painting or listening to a Debussy concerto.
Melancholia is not for everyone, and appears to be Von Trier's take on the hopeless nature of life. If you like your films on the artsy side and less on the structured narrative side, you might enjoy Melancholia, even if all you're left with is a contemplation of....nothing, the abyss, and the loss of all hope.
Cheers!
