Melancholia (DVD)

Melancholia was greeted exceedingly well by viewers and critics alike, and for good reason too. It's a good entry point for newcomers to Lars Von Trier and seasoned fans alike.

The opening is a representation of Lars Von Trier's jarring and surrealist version of the end of the world – as two worlds literally collide – perfectly matched by Wagner's stirring soundtrack. The ultra slow-motion montage appears more like a set of paintings than moving images and it's a sight to behold, beautiful and haunting in equal measure.

Von Trier's latest foray exudes the same pessimistic tone prevalent in his previous films such as Idiots (1998), Dancer In the Dark (2000) and most recently Antichrist (2009). Despite Melancholia's overwhelming sense of narcissistic nihilihm, it is oddly matched with an unprecedented sense of beauty and grace. Melancholia may only require one viewing, but it will stay with you long after.

It is quite literally a film of two parts. Rather than rely upon a traditional three act structure Lars separates the film into two chapters through the use of title cards, each signalling a separate perspective on the narrative – Justine's (Kirsten Dunst) and Clair's (Charlotte Gainsburg).

The first half explores Justine's (Kirsten Dunst) wedding. Her growing depression and feeling of melancholia threaten to get the better of her and ruin the event. All the while her mother and father antagonise over the event with their rather extreme personalities. Amongst the tension and arguments, Justine manages to sleep with a stranger, leading to disastrous consequences.

As a backdrop to this, an incoming planet called Melancholia (which has apparently been hiding on the other side of the sun to us) threatens to collide with planet Earth. While scientists seem certain that it will pass by in a moment of beauty, Justine is convinced that it will collide.

The second half follows Clair (Justine's sister), living a secluded life in the country with her husband John (Kiefer Sutherland) and her son Leo (Cameron Spurr). Clair invites Justine to come and stay with her, but Justine appears to threaten their little bubble of security, reminding the family of the impending doom.

It's great to see filmmakers stepping outside the boundaries once in a while, rather than settling for the textbook three act structure more commonly associated with film. However, with Melancholia the structure is both beneficial and detrimental to the narrative. With a run time of 129 minutes, the second half loses focus and becomes laborious in its pacing. The characters wait in isolation as the planet slowly approaches and the more anxious they become, so do we as we patiently wait for the final conclusion.

Melancholia is exceptionally directed. There are moments where the direction, performances and music come together seamlessly, resulting in a tangible and ultimately moving piece of cinema. Kirsten Dunst is fantastic. Her portrayal is both tragic and exceptional, and the more her character spirals into the depths of depression the more convincing she becomes.

Overall Verdict: Melancholia is a fantastic piece of cinema that is both experimental and ambiguous in its approach. Despite its pacing issues leading to a fairly disengaging second half, it's a rare film that everyone should at least attempt to watch once.

Special Features:
Audio Commentary with Director Lars Vin Trier
About Melancholia featurette
Melancholia Visual Effects featurette
The Universe featurette
The Visual Style featurette
Interviews with Lars Von Trier, Kirsten Dunst & Charlotte Gainsbourg

Reviewer: Samuel Barnett