Melancholia

As with any Lars Von Trier film, "Melancholia" is one of the most hauntingly visceral and visually stunning films you will ever see. The opening scenes of "Melancholia" are absolutely gorgeous, with super slow motion images of Kirsten Dunst in a wedding dress, tangled in roots, struggling to break free and walk away. This is one of Von Trier's most accessible films which may have a fractional amount of interest in a mass audience as a result of casting Dunst in the lead role. His other films have been shocking, graphic, violent, and almost too much to handle for most viewers, as was the case with his last film, "Antichrist." Another one of his films, "Dogville" is another example of Von Trier's highly artistic films, a bare-boned production starring Nicole Kidman on an intentionally shoddy looking soundstage being the location of all shooting.

"Melancholia" centers around young bride Justine, played by Kirsten Dunst, who begins to question her marriage to her handsome husband (played by Alexander Skarsgaard) and struggles to remain happy on what should be the happiest day of her life. The incredibly lavish wedding reception is held on an English manor and with seemingly no concept of the time in which this film takes place or budget constraints. The reception is put on in sumptuous fashion by Justine's sister, Claire and husband played by Charlotte Gainsbourg and Keifer Sutherland respectively. The two sisters relationship becomes increasingly strained throughout the film, as Claire can't understand what is going on with her sister and why she's acting so depressed on her wedding night. At the same time, a large blue planet, "Melancholia" is threatening to collide with the earth and end all humanity as we know it.

The film is operatic and even over the top with its drama sometimes, but it serves as a metaphor for the devastating effects of depression and provide a bleak outlook of humanity and our time on earth. The film can oftentimes be confusing with some entirely unexplainable human behavior, but the film also serves as an amazing showcase of Kirsten Dunst's acting abilities. Thus far, Dunst's work has been less than impressive, from her break out role in "Bring It On," to "Marie Antoinette," to "Spiderman" to her more recent, "How to Make Friends and Alienate People," Dunst always seems to be on hand to phone in her performance and give nothing else. In this film however, this assessment couldn't be further from the truth. Dunst's meditative performance in this post-apocalyptic film gives it the most gravity.

Also, Charlotte Gainesbourg, who is no stranger to Lars Von Trier's directorial tutelage, also gives an amazing performance here as Justine's sister Claire, who can't come to grips with the idea that the end of the world is near. Kiefer Sutherland is also appreciated in this film, as well as Alexander Skarsgaard, playing Justine's loyal and supportive new husband.

Viewers might be put off by how slow and tedious the pace of the film travels at, but its the visuals and the metaphor that are what truly matters in this film. While certainly not for every moviegoer, "Melancholia" is a visual treat and while still devastatingly bleak with its messages on humanity, proves to be one of the most watchable Von Trier movies, with Dunst's acting skills taking center stage.

Rating- 3 1/2 stars out of 4