Melancholia

The Punisher of female actors Lars Von Trier is back with his latest offering. This time Kirsten Dunst is a severely depressed bride named Justine whom on her wedding night falls to pieces in front of her dysfunctional family, manically descending into the thickest darkness. Despite attempts from her family to change the situation Justine can’t be moved; but, somehow in the darkness she finds a zen like peace within herself as a newly orbiting planet named Melancholia sets on a deadly collision course with earth. All the while, Justine’s sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and her husband John (Kiefer Sutherland) seem to be spinning further and further out of their own orbits of sanity. Exploring darkness in style and the human condition, what’s it all about? Visually interesting, polished performances, and a measured pace that grinds the narrative into the viewer’s mind frame by frame. And, of note, by paying particular attention to the opening credits we’re offered a sneak peak at the entire storyline and still we’re compelled to watch the film to its finish. Admittedly this film will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for the cinephiles we’ve got a winner. Melancholia is rated R.