Melancholia

MELANCHOLIA (15)

D: Lars Von Trier

Zentropa/Canal+ (Meta Louise Foldager & Louise Vesth)

Denmark/Sweden 2011

136mins

Drama

W: Lars Von Trier

DP: Manuel Alberto Claro

Ed: Molly Malene Stensgaard

Kirsten Dunst (Justine), Charlotte Gainsbourg (Claire), Alexander Skarsgård (Michael), Kiefer Sutherland (John), John Hurt (Dexter), Stellan Skarsgård (Jack), Charlotte Rampling (Gaby)

The second film of Lars Von Trier's "depression trilogy", following 2009's Antichrist, which was an incredibly challenging viewing experience.

On her wedding day, a young woman experiences apocalyptic visions and develops friction between her new husband and her sister as the portentous omens which haunt her appear to be coming true.

There are those who will appreciate Lars Von Trier's filmmaking style, utilising picturesque cinematography to present a visual poem rather than a story developing through dialogue. Of course, on the other hand, there's just as many who will find this boring, pretentious twaddle. I've picked which side I sit in.

Another Earth (qv), released the same year, has a similar theme but is delivered in a much more accessible way.

4/10