Melancholia (2011)

Director: Lars von Trier

Writer: Lars von Trier

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlotte Rampling, John Hurt, Alexander Skarsgard, Stellan Skarsgard,

Story A drama told in two parts, part one follows Justine (Dunst) and her wedding to Michael (A.Skarsgard). The wedding that was arranged by Justine’s sister Claire (Gainsbourg) and her husband John (Sutherland). This part follows all the ups and downs of a wedding day.

Part two is where things get exciting following Claire, John and their son dealing with the discovery of a new planet Melancholia which is head towards Earth. Will the planet go past like it did to Mercury and Venus? Add in a depressed Justine can the family make it through and potential cataclysmic event?

Justine and Michael

Verdict I had been waiting a long time for this film and with the opening sequences that keeps the impatient part of me wanting more. Even after that I started to get disappointed with the wedding part because I was only really interested in the other planet part of the film. The second half makes up for the first with all four characters being important to the eventual outcome. The music add a lot to what is going on giving a lot tension and suspense to each scene. The drama thriller really does keep you guess and the director delivers yet another quality film well worth a watch for all.

Story Mark 9/10 The two parts work well showing more about the relationship between the sisters.

Star Performances Kirsten Dunst – great range of emotions and the award won a Cannes backs it up.




John




Favourite Character John – he comes off strong but turns out to be the weakest.

Least Favourite Character Michael he just seemed boring.



Best Part The build up to the end is brilliant

Worst Part  The wedding part just seems too long

My Rating 87%