What an intensly strange, depressing, yet oddly moving movie this is. I think it is worth watching if only for the opening and closing scenes that are mesmerizing. If you don't know this film it is about a planet called Melancholia that ultimately destroys the earth. Visually it is stunning and in my view (the film is very controversial!) the middle part fairly accurately depicts how doomed humans might act facing an impending disaster from which there is no escape whatsoever. It is not at all a typical Hollywood disaster movie in any way; in fact it's an antidote to those sorts of films. If nothing else it makes you think in uncomfortable ways.
I mention this film as a warning to amateur astronomers: I suggest you might want to avoid watching this on a clear night. I couldn't bring myself to photograph the supernova on my target list. In fact I didn't want to go near my telescope last night. Fortunately the symptoms are fading a bit today. Be warned!!
I agree. Rotten tomatoes gave it 77 percent. Strange but beautiful film. As one said "exasperate as many people as it moves." Really does examine the human condition as it were. Stellar cast as well. Kirsten Dunst would not be my fav actor but she pulls out the stops here I think. Should come with warning: will cause malaise and anxiety for three days ; dont watch prior to birthday parties.
Those start and ending scenes are incredibly beautiful, and set the scene for a disturbing movie, which is nothing unusual from a Lars von Trier film.
It is worth watching also for the individual acting performances, they aptly portray the vibe of the film.
Melancholia didn't do that for me, sorry to say. And, I watched it during a thunderstorm we had here today. It nearly put me to sleep, it was so slow. I recently saw a movie called Love (2010) about a guy stranded on the ISS, I found that more melancholic and rather trippy.
BTW: Love (2010) Sci-Fi will be released in January 2013.
I found it to be one of the worst things I have ever had the displeasure to watch, it actually made me angry at how bad it was to the point my wife told me to stop watching it if it was going to get me that worked up.
I guess it's a Von Trier thing, I knew what I was going in for when I started it. Not even Dunst with her gear off could save it, which was utterly unnecessary in the first place.
Awful movie.
Ok, pretty clear...people either love it or hate it. Personally I'll take that! Art can be pretty terrible when it pleases everyone. The greatest works have always received intense reactions, eg, Stravinsky Rite of Spring" nearly caused a riot at the premiere. I'm not saying this is a great work; only the test of time can do that, but I give kudos to a film maker willing to take a risk and try something different. This does qualify.
On the other hand I watched "The Tree of Life" yesterday hearing from some critics that it was in the same league. Not for me. This one I did find quite boring and disjointed. Go figure.
Not my favourite film by a long shot but very clever study of human emotions under the worst scenario possible. Technically a complete impossibilty they way they showed it happening but some great imagery all the same. Made me think of other possibilities for an 'ending' of the world ( Dec 21 anyone ?? ) but the implausibilty of it sort of destroyed the situation. Last scene as they sat 'inside' the safe little 'tent' was kind of unsettling .... but what else could you do ?
