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| Movie Review: Melancholia Alternate Title: When Worlds Collide
Story: How do you think you
would behave if you knew the end of the world was near? (And I do not
mean in a Mayan calendar sort of way). Like many other Lars
Von Trier films - this one takes work, patience and introspection. It seems that a rogue gas giant planet, called
'Melancholia' has been plowing through the solar system, missing both
Mercury and Mars. It's next projected target is Earth. Scientists project
that Earth will also be lucky and not be hit. But from the incredibly
beautiful apocalyptic eight minute long opening montage we know this
is not the case. As most Lars Von Trier fans know, he is not your
run of the mill writer, director. His nihilistic view of humanity continues
throughout this film as it has throughout his body of work. The film is divided into two chapters. Justine
and Claire, sisters, dominate the film. Justine is bi-polar (but we
only seem to get the depressive side of her mood swings). Claire leads
a far more normal privileged life. Or is she normal? Both women get
to act and react throughout. As in most Von Trier films - women are
analyzed, pulled apart, punished and essentially suffer throughout the
film. Long story short, if you have the will, the patience
and have seen other Von Trier films, you will appreciate this latest
work. I guarantee that after you leave the theater you will be thinking
about this film for days. There are long passages that make you wish
the world would end sooner - but you are rewarded for hanging in until
the end. Watch the trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzD0U841LRM Acting: Kirsten Dunst as Justine won the Palme d"Or
as Best Actress. Do I agree? Probably not. Charlotte Gainsbourg
as Claire, was her usual self-sacrificing self., Alexander Skarsgard
as woebegone husband Michael, was bland compared to his portrayal in
True Blood. Kiefer Sutherland as John could have been
played by anyone. Stellan Skarsgard as Jack, was delightfully
reprehensible. Charlotte Rampling as the sister's mother,
Gaby, was weirdly funny. Predilection: I tend to like Lars Von Trier films.
I also like to see Palme d'Or winners.
Trivia: Lars von Trier helped form a collective known
as Dogme 95 with a group of other filmmakers. The collective agreed
to make films following certain rules, such as using only hand held
cameras and shooting only on location. Read my review of Dancer in the Dark here:http://www.judithwolfe.com/lobosmoviereviews/reviews/dancerinthedark.html Critters: The many critters in this film do not fare
well.
Soundtrack: The end of the world beckons Wagner,
right?
Visual Art: The film is visually stunning.
Drift Factor: I did not drift in the middle but I
longed for it to fast forward.
Oscar Worthy: Probably not - but Palme d'Or worthy.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure.
Length: Two hours and 15 minutes. LOBO HOWLS: 8 |