Melancholia

Much like Pedro Almodovar, a Lars Von Trier film is a major cinematic event. In some cases it is more because of what goes on behind the scenes than what's on the screen.

Also like Almodovar, I'm a bit late in coming to the Von Trier train. His films are really polarising and you get many varied opinions. But you cannot deny that he is an artist. We get so bombarded with films that are made for entertainment that we forget that film is also an art form. Von Trier films are really well made works of art. Especially with this film where each frame is so carefully composed that is is like watching moving art. This is mostly true of the open sequence which nicely gives you a preview of what's going to happen in the film. The film is divided into two parts with the first section about Kirsten Dunst's character Justine and the second about Charlotte Gainbourg's character Claire. The Juntine story I found more interesting than Claire's. Justine's story is almost like a romantic comedy but not in a very obviously funny sense. There are no laugh out loud moments but the situation lends itself to some amusing moments. The Justine story is a bit more serious and a little bit uninteresting. I found it dragged too much and almost got boring. I think because you know what then ending is going to be and you really want to see it happen that you get too anxious.

Kirsten Dunst is an excellent actress and certainly proves that right here. She is so brilliant and wonderful at playing the many emotions here character has to go through. This is a very challenging story and she rises to the occasion. Charlotte Gainsbourg got off quite easy with this film compared to the last time she worked with Von Trier. She is not the most cheery of actresses but still does a very good job. Kiefer Sutherland is excellent playing Charlotte's husband. He is funny in a deadpan way in the first half of the film. Also funny is Stellen Skarsgard with his funny sub plot in the first half of the film. Charlotte Rampling gives some great funny moments too.

An excellent reason to go to the movies to see something not only visually beautiful but challenging in an intellectual way. A good reminder that not all films are made for entertainment value.