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Melancholia (2011) - 9/10
Its very difficult to write about a complex work moments after youve seen. Melancholia isnt as abstract as most of Lars von Triers filmography but its no less deep. The film uses verisimilitude to accent its dive into depression. First the back drop of a wedding and then larger with a planet growing closer to crashing into the eart.
Both highlight how depression feels in way ive not felt on screen. The wedding is what should be a time filled with boundless joy but Dunsts character has none. She tries, but its a lie and we can see that. As world comes to end we see the depression from an anxiety perspective. Both feel very genuine. Both are perfect representations of the condition. No one is realing from the death of a loved one. There isnt an event that causes the suffering they simply are are suffering.
All of this has a wonderful backdrop that serves to show us visually how wrong theyre feeling by having the world be beautiful. Many of the shots are beautiful. Everything is gorgeous and pristine. The characters, who are miserable, are surrounded by an idealic scenario.
The cast is really great and Dunst gives a performance that has a weightiness to it that screams authenticity. And id have to turn in my man card if i didnt say how great her tits look in the moon light. Stunningly beautiful. Her acting is better but it cant go unsaid.
Lars von Tier has a challenging catalog but this is definitely his most commercial work and i think its a film thats near the top of his pile and thats a combination thats pretty rare.
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