Movie Review: Melancholia

Melancholia Means Deep Sadness or Gloom

Melancholia first came across my radar because of the hoopla surrounding Kirsten Dunst appearing nude in the film.

I believe that was a ploy to get people interested in this under the radar film, but the plot is what interested me the most.

The first time I watched Melancholia I found the beginning slow motion sequence to be absolutely ridiculous, but as the movie went on I was in a trance as parts of the sequence began to make sense.

I love this movie and I love the classical soundtrack. It’s a beautiful work of art with an underlying message about depression.

You’ve Gotta See It More Than Once

It’s a movie that will make you think and feel many things. Having said that, not everyone who watches this film will see it that way. Not just because we all have different taste, but because this film is not typical or ordinary by Hollywood scifi movie standards.

The second time I watched it I was fully able to appreciate it without prejudice.

Melancholia is the name of a planet that has been hiding behind the sun and is now on a collision course to destroy earth. Planet melancholia plays a small yet volatile role in this film.

Usually in films centered on the end of the world, the focus is on how the world is panicking or a planning to save themselves and the planet from doom.

The End Is Near

In this film the focus is on a dysfunctional family and their literal view of Melancholia as it heads towards earth.

I didn’t like Kirsten Dunst and Alexander Skarsgård as a couple in this film, but their relationship is only valid during the first half of the movie, so I was thankful when they parted.

I was also thankful because their relationship seemed to be forced upon them in the first place.  I also didn’t totally understand why Kirsten Dunst’s character has an American accent and her mother, father, and sister have English accents.

But, I know that these things I’ve mentioned are part of the soul of the film and not having everything spelled out is part of what adds to the chaos when watching this film.

It’s also irrelevant when you consider the fact that earth and all earthlings will be destroyed; so happy, sad, good, or bad…it doesn’t matter.

I love a movie with an unhappy ending.

Rating: 5 Out of 5 stars!

2021 Note: I have learned that the writer and director, Lars von Trier, is an admitted Nazi. So, for that reason you may not want to watch this film. It pisses me off to find out a piece of shit created something I enjoy so much, but I’m sure it’s not the first time. I’m glad I didn’t buy it!