Cerebral Cinema: Melancholia Review 2011

12th OF December 2011

For those unfamiliar with Lars von Trier’s work, it’s important to note that he is as much an artist as a film director; using the cinematic screen as a canvas with which to expose emotion and convey a deep exploration of human character. In his latest film,Melancholia, the emotion is as suggested—melancholy—and his portrayal is breathtaking.

Following an ethereal montage, the film begins with the wedding of Justine (Dunst), who seems conflicted by her choice, struggling to please those close to her, including her new husband. The wedding brings to the surface several revelations about long-held family divisions, which play out as an exposition of the dark pull that unhappiness seems to have over the women of the family. Amidst this heightened emotional chaos, Justine notices a star that seems out of place. The star, we later learn, is in fact the planet of Melancholia, which is headed on a path straight to earth.

Melancholia is a beautiful film that delicately touches on the all-consuming nature of melancholy—revealing both its beauty and its sadness. The film effectively warns us that there is a comfort and a peace that this emotion brings, but succumb to it too long and you may just lose your mind.

The cinematography is stunning and the music takes you as much on the journey as the characters themselves. Performances from an incredible cast, including the brave performance by Dunst herself, are to be savoured.

Succumb to its mesmerising force and you will enjoy a truly magical cinematic experience. Melancholia is the type of film that affects you for hours, even days following—simply stunning. This is certainly a film that is more accessible — in a positive sense — than the more starkly confrontational films for which von Trier has garnered attention in the past.

Directed by: Lars von Trier
Starring: Kirstin Dunst, Keifer Sutherland, Charlotte Rampling
Reviewer Rating: 4/5

By Keeva Stratton

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