Sunday, November 13, 2011

Melancholia

Movie: Melancholia
Genre: drama
Synopsis: There are two story lines here.  The first one is centers on Justine (Kirsten Dunst).  The movie opens on Justine’s wedding day.  The problem is that Justine suffers from almost an paralyzing depression.  Those around her fail to grasp the depth of her problem. The wedding reception takes place at plush estate of Justine’s sister, Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg).  Justine’s divorced parents, played by John Hurt and Charlotte Rampling, are about as dysfunctional as they can get – and totally useless as parents.  Claire struggles to help Justine through her depression/melancholy.

The second story revolves around the planet Melancholia.  It has appeared in the solar system – where it came from we are never told.  There is much debate about whether Melancholia is going to collide with – and destroy the earth or if it will simply do a “flyby” and provide the earth with a beautiful display to watch. 

My two cents:  This was a very unique movie. The opening sequences are beautiful and surreal – and tough to describe.  The first half of the movie is difficult to follow – but it kept my interest.  The 2nd half of the movie seemed a bit more coherent as I was able to see the direction it was going in.  This movie has really stuck in my head.  I keep going over it in my mind.  I am really looking forward to seeing it again when it comes out on DVD.  I expect to understand it a lot better the 2nd or 3rd time around.

Bottom line: If you are a Kirsten Dunst fan, you should enjoy this – she gives a superb performance.  However, it you like your movies to be neat and tidy and straightforward, this might not be the movie for you.

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