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Melancholia
- Review Date: November 11, 2011
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Emotionally brutal end-of-the-world drama.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this drama about the end of the world from controversial Danish director Lars von Trier is emotionally overwhelming and very depressing, with a strong sense of mortal terror. Most of the movie's conflicts consist of arguing and yelling, but the impending destruction of the entire world is very intense. The other big issue is sexuality, with the main character (played by Kirsten Dunst) appearing fully naked in more than one scene and having sex with a younger man (not her husband) on her wedding day. Language includes infrequent use of "f--k" and "s--t," and characters occasionally drink alcohol, mostly at a wedding.
What's the story?
After a prologue showing some strange atmospheric phenomena, the first part of MELANCHOLIA introduces viewers to Justine (Kirsten Dunst) on the day of her marriage to kindhearted Michael (Alexander Skarsgard). Over the course of the evening, Justine grows increasingly moody and upset and starts alienating everyone around her. The second part of the movie takes place some time later; Justine's depression has worsened, and she's come to live with her sister, Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg). A rogue planet, Melancholia, is seemingly on a collision course with Earth, though Claire's husband (Kiefer Sutherland) asserts that it will be a near miss. As events turn darker and grimmer, Justine finds herself drawn to Claire's young son, perhaps looking for one final human connection.
Is it any good?
Controversial Danish director Lars von Trier has long probed the darkest of places, most notably those surrounding women's social and sexual power, but now he takes on nothing less than the end of the world itself. Ironically, in this direst of moments, von Trier's latest heroine also seems to find her greatest moment of triumph: reaching out to another human being in greater need than herself.
As a drama, Melancholia often goes over the top, most notably in its super slow-mo prologue. It also includes little moments of welcome, albeit misplaced, humor. As science fiction, it's obscure and inert; the threatening planet is little more than a vague theory and a convenient plot device. But as a work of art that evokes a strong emotional response, the movie succeeds wildly. It's impossible not to be moved in a profound way by the small events that take place within the larger one.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the movie addresses the idea of the end of the world. How does the movie evoke terror and dread? How does it compare to other movies' take on the topic?
What makes the main character so depressed? How does she deal with her problem? What are some other ways she could deal with it?
Why does Justine use sex and nudity to deal with her depression?
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AGE
Beautifully shot, excellent acting, art film
This is definitely an art film that you have to have patience for. Kirsten Dunst's acting is superb. She'll be up for an Academy Award with this film, and she already won Best Actress in Cannes. It is a film with many interpretations, not just the obvious plot line. It is not a film for kids. And many adults will not enjoy this type of film. There is unnecessary nudity, but this is a Von Trier film - you'll have nudity; but it's nothing like Antichrist, from what I hear.
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AGE
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel melancholic
This is one of those movies that really made an impression on me after watching. Yes, it's an art film, and if you enjoy a good art film this should not be missed. Without giving much away, it tells the story of a wealthy family who must deal with the fact that a rogue planet is on a collision course with earth. Don't expect an apocalyptic CGI spectacle. This ain't that kind of film. There is brief nudity, but not in a sexual way, and a suicide that occurs off screen. The specter of imminent doom may be a bit much for young viewers, but they'll probably be bored by the film's leisurely pace and won't stick around to watch the film's climax.
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AGE
How to describe this movie?
This movie is not very appropriate for kids and hard for kids to understand let alone adults. You have to have quite an artistic mind to understand this movie. It's difficult to watch and yes it is quite depressing but if you like movies that tackle the harder topics then this movie is for you.
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AGE
Whats a teen doing watching this?
Saw this on opening weekend.Beautifully made and perfect end of the world sequences.Not your average Lars film.@terra100 I've seen all Von Trier's films and they're great pieces of art Don't watch Antichrist you will feel sick many satanic themes and if they're any religious people on this site,Antichrist will probably make you throw up.Seriously,don't,it's sick,
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| Studio: | Magnolia Pictures |
| Director: | Lars von Trier |
| Cast: | Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Kirsten Dunst |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 136 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 11, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | March 13, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | some graphic nudity, sexual content and language |
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