Lars von Trier's contradictory manner is strangely compelling; he has made some fine films over his long career. Not being what you would call a "commercial" film maker, the masses have unfortunately missed some of his crowning highlights. Though, with the digital age and the growing accessibility of the international film markets his works are now becoming available. On the flip side, his experimental techniques & subversive subject matters have turned many people off. Like with most with un-formulaic film makers, he often struggles to make his material relevant to general masses. His perverse nature is an obstacle for most. Having opened mainstream cinema's door to explicit sexuality with 1998's "The Idiots", it's not always easy to prepare yourself to watch one of his films. You just don't know what you're going to get. The shock and awe of his films are often accompanied by controversial press junkets, where his internal monologue is seemingly absent. Most recently, while promoting today's film, he claimed to be a "Nazi "and that he "sympathises with Hitler". Although he was using this untactful comparison to make a valid point, it shows the extreme ways in which his brain works.
His latest feature 'Melancholia' falls somewhere in-between the two extremes one can expect from Von Trier. Set in two parts, the film tells an apocalyptic tale told through the lives of two sisters. We learn almost immediately that the world will end at the end of the film. Once that cheerful news is out the way, we begin. Part one brings us to the wedding of Justine (Kristen Dunst). Justine is well into the tailspin of depression as she attempts to put on a mask of sanity for her Guests. The expensive reception paid for by her wealthy brother in law, John (Keifer Sutherland), is the backdrop for star filled guest list: Stellan Skarsgard (Good Will Hunting) , John Hurt (The Elephant Man) and Udo Keir (Dancer in the Dark), who all play into Justine's decline & a reception that is destined for failure. Part Two brings us forward in time and is positioned from the view of Justine's Sister, Claire. Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), along with John offer to take care of Justine who by now is catatonic with depression. Simultaneously, we begin to experience the end of the earth, to be handed out by awesome power of 'Melancholia': a rouge planet.
Whilst Melancholia is sublime in its imagery, its depression riddled plot and tiresome dialogue overpowers what otherwise could have been a truly compelling film. I have spoken with numerous people about it over the past months, and they were all somewhat polarised. There is certainly a film maker's intellect at work here, which accounts for the vast difference in satisfaction between the general public and the film critics. The procession of critical comparison to Terrance Mallick's 'Tree of Life' was inevitable; to me however, Tree of Life was far more compelling due to its uncompromising experimental delivery. Melancholia, clearly attempting to challenge the formula, falls short opting to dumb down the innovation and steer the audience safely to its conclusion.
Guaranteed to end up with noone in the audience knowing what the hell is happening.
Guaranteed to end up with mary not knowing what the hell is happening. Go watch an Adam Sandler film.
Waste of time
LARS VON TIERS !! for genuine cinephile only ! <3
Just like LVT to make the end of the world look like the 2nd worst thing ever. Love it.
So whats the worst thing ever?
i smell oscar!?
Another Lars Von Trier masterpiece
awful.. horrible.. wste of time.. awful... can't tell you enough how awfully boring this film is. just awful..
Lars has lost it. This was a pile of self-indulgent, humourless dull poo. Great opening tho, as with Antichrist. He should do silent films
I can't wait to see this at the Film Festival! Stellan AND Alexander Skarsgard in one movie!
Waiting, waiting...
Wow, what a blast. I was left literally shaking after the end. brilliance
Most powerful film I've seen in years ... brilliant.
powerful brilliant stunning film - true cinema
Visually sumptuous, with layers of metaphor and symbolism, very moody and the images linger. 4.5 Star
Why the hell is the coming out so late?!
Where has this movie been for so long?
does not look exciting at all.
Looks incredible, I'd watch anything by von Trier, even if he is a Nazi (that's a joke, he's not a Nazi)
I'm so confused, but I'm so in.
Wierd
wtf? i don't get it
Made me cry, take a tissue.
There has to be something in that story
incredible film - true cinema - lingers for ages afterwards, looking forward to seeing it again. film of the year
Saw it at the Film Fest - can't wait to see it again. Lars has outdone himself.
Really good film!
had high expectations but it was really boring and i honestly didn't get it.. quit different from the trailer.
It was really disappointing seeing people texting and Facebooking through this at the film festival! Brilliant film! Will see again.
Cannot easily recall a more beautiful or lush opening sequence and the perfect Wagner score. Brilliant overall !!
Kirsten doesn't do it for me
total self indulgent garbage.Avoid at all costs.Tries to be mystical,quirky and epic but fails at all 3 dramatically.
Boring drival.I want my 2.15 hours of wasted life back
Someone fell asleep just behind me...they we lucky,i had ti sit through it ...yawn
not sure if i like it or not...have seen many better movies
oh dear i wasted a few hours of my life today i can never get back.Very disappointing movie,i expected more from Lars
don't go folks,total garbage !
ah?is that it? what a farce
crap de de crap crap
Stunning. Thought provoking. Top notch acting. What the big screen deserves.
Fantastic, Best movie I've seen for a long while. Thought provoking. A sneak preview of death!
Best film in ages - still talking about it, looking at the night sky, smiling at how the story unfolds... brilliant.
Self-indulgent, boring, tedious drivel. And the cinema had the sound far too loud! Worst film experience for years!!
Worst movie ever.
Best movie ever.
Not even a film you can love to hate. Tedious and hollow.
Some intrigue in tne execution but like hitting yourself on the head with a hammer