We’ve seen all the action-packed apocalypse movies, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012, or War of Worlds. They are full of fights, battles and people struggling to stay alive. Melancholia, a film by Lars von Trier, gives a whole new look to the end of the world.
Melancholia is about two sisters with a very strained relationship. Justine, played by Kirsten Dunst, has just gotten married but struggles to even get through the ceremony because of her intense depression. Claire, her sister, tries her best to hold Justine together and keep her as normal as possible. Meanwhile, the planet Melancholia is getting closer to Earth and preparing to crash into it. The film all takes place at Claire and her husband’s mansion. Viewers watch as the family prepares for Earth to be destroyed.
Melancholia leaves viewers a little confused, mostly because it is like nothing ever done before. Even though the film is about a struggle to stay alive, it is done in such a beautiful way and the scenes are gorgeous. It is definitely the most romantic of all apocalypse movies. Even though much is left unsaid and story lines are left unfinished, it’s hard not to like this movie because it is so unique. For no other reason, watching the actress, who once gave us her best angsty teenager in Bring It On, battle depression in the most idealistic way, it’s impossible to leave the theater without a new found respect for Dunst.
Melancholia is currently playing at The Athena on Court Street.