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Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Michael (Alexander Skarsgård) are celebrating their marriage at a sumptuous party in the home of her sister (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and brother-in-law (Kiefer Sutherland). Meanwhile, the planet, Melancholia, is heading towards Earth… Melancholia is a psychological disaster movie from director Lars von Trier. – (C) Official Site
| Date | Apr 17, 2012 |
| Categories | Movies. |
| Tags | Drama, Indie, Post-apocalyptic, Sci-fi. |
| Total views | 682 |
| Daily views | 0 |
About
Written By: Joe Dante
Lars von Trier is a director you either love or hate. Most people shy away from his work because of his camera techniques. This can be a turn off to some viewers, but it can be rewarding if you interact with the frame and world von Trier creates.
Melancholia is Lars von Trier’s magnum opus of the end of the world. The apocalyptic images set to Wagner during the prologue, invite the viewer into the frame. Part one commences with Justine’s (Kirsten Dunst) wedding.
The whole first part has a sepia tone revealing a mess of emotions. Something is haunting Justine, but little is revealed as she interacts with family and friends. The camera waits for reactions as it glides through the dinner party.
The planet, Melancholia, passes earth as Justine tries to live through her depression. Her sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) tries to console her, but is mad at the same time when the wedding turns to shambles.
Justine may have an illness of the mind, heart, or soul. Her psyche is seriously in turmoil after the wedding. Justine’s soul may be in jeopardy as the planet passes earth. When Melancholia goes by earth, Justine feels comfortable in her depression as the earth is about to be destroyed.
The colors of the film are extraordinary; due in part to von Trier’s use of effective digital film cameras. The second half has a green and light blue tint to the frame. The colors are melancholic. When Justine is first seen in the second half, the sepia tone from the first part accompanies her.
Everyone around Justine is light blue or grey when they are around her. When Justine and Claire are outside it is very bright and blinding. The balance of color is
exquisite as the moon and planet Melancholia cast different light patterns.
As light and darkness are being balanced, so is the debate over the end of the world between Justine and Claire. The changing color palette invites the viewer into the frame, making the camera work more comforting. This may turn off viewers, but the changing angles complement the varied colors.
Melancholia is a poetic take on the end of the world set to the joyous tune of Wagner. It is an experience one will not forget because of the style von Trier presents his images.
Hollywood Apples is picking Melancholia and highly recommends it. The unique style that von Trier applies to this film is something that many will find special.
