Anger, happiness, fear, pity, desperation and sadness are among the several different emotions I experienced watching the latest Lars Von Trier film, Melancholia. To say its a film about the end of the world is an understatement, but a perfect summation.The opening could be it’s own short film and is eerily calming despite the tragically beautiful imagery. The colors of the film are bright, yet muted tones which mirror the feelings felt by Justine (Kirsten Dunst, All Good Things, Spider-Man) and Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg, Antichrist). They are both depressed in their own way, but Claire is functional and has her family to keep her going. Justine struggles with her depression and leans on Claire for support.The most fascinating part of the film is how Justine, who seemingly has everything, throws it away for no apparent reason. It’s quite refreshing to see depression in action rather than just a person lazy in bed refusing to get up. The film does not attempt to explain her actions, but rather reveal her state of mind; one of despair and helplessness. Alexander Skarsgård (Straw Dogs, HBO’s True Blood) continues to broaden his range, this time playing Justine’s doe-eyed new husband, Michael. His facial expressions reveal the devastation of his inability to please Justine, and reminded me of the character he plays on HBO’s True Blood, Eric, who loses his memory. I look forward to the many films in which he will continue to be absolutely brilliant.
Claire is the put-together big sister (with a British accent?) with a husband and young son. She is both strong and weak, sometimes in the same situation. Claire’s husband, John (Kiefer Sutherland, FOX’s 24), is more of a companion and does not understand Claire’s tolerance of Justine. My only complaint would be that their son, Leo (Cameron Spurr), never seems to be upset by any situation, either because he’s an incredibly calm child or because it would be too distracting for the story.
Stellan Skarsgård (Good Will Hunting and the father of Alexander Skarsgård) makes a brief but very impressionable appearance as Justine’s employer. At some points it’s easy to see his side but in the next he goes too far. His gift lies in his ability to snap into rage instantly while still retaining empathy.
The film explores the relationship between the two sisters by analyzing their point-of-view separately. They are brutally mean to each other, yet in the next moment, very compassionate. This can be very misunderstood by outsiders, but for those of us who have this type of relationship, it’s very moving and comforting to see portrayed with such care.
For a topic that is all-encompassing, the film is very intimate. This is a film that should be seen in the theater as the music and visuals will lose effectiveness when viewed on even a large screen TV. Anyone appreciative of good drama will not be disappointed. This is one of my favorite films of the year and I look forward to spreading my love of it with the masses.
Rating: Leaves you with something that you just can’t shake. 9/10
Now available for rent/purchase on iTunes, the film is in Limited Release by Magnolia Pictures in theaters on 11/11/11.
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