Melancholia - Movie Review

Melancholia starring Kirsten Dunst is reviewed by Christy Lemire (AP critic and host of Ebert Priesents at the Movies, check your local PBS listings), Matt Atchity (Editor-in-chief Rottentomatoes.com) and Alonso Duralde (TheWrap.com and Linoleum Knife podcast).
See what other critics are saying: www.rottentomat...
On the night of her wedding, Justine is struggling to be happy even though it should be the happiest day of her life. It was an extravagant wedding paid for by her sister and brother-in-law who are trying to keep the bride and all the guests in-line. Meanwhile, Melancholia, a blue planet, is hurtling towards the Earth. Claire, Justine's sister, is struggling to maintain composure with fear of the impending disaster.
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[@ninethreefivesix]

I've suffered from extreme depression my whole life and this movie captured it perfectly. I'm still mad Kristen didn't get the Oscar nom.

[@angeleagodwin3669]

It's because most people haven't felt depression and couldn't see a fantastic portrayal if it hit them in the face.

[@Shad0wack]

@@angeleagodwin3669 I get it, dwelling in your misery feels good and it loves company yadda yadda, the film is still 2+hours of pretentious (f)art

[@Turnpost2552]

@@Shad0wack ummm you totally missed the point. Look if your a hater of the movie that is fine, but atleast give proper reasoning for why you think the way you do? I like the movie, its very strange and (very pretensious at times lol f tht sht) but the depression feeling and acting is on fire. And the transition and character dev. is good to. Plot is interesting as well. Wish it was faster, the plot is a bit predictable I agree with the guy on the right in this video.

[@wayneanderton4953]

@@angeleagodwin3669 almost everybody has some degree of depression,,,

[@Hypno_BPM]

@@wayneanderton4953true and anxiety these days.

[@Battury]

I loved the opening overture. I like the fact that Von Trier didn't want us not knowing if the planets would collide, so he straight up shows us that they do. I love that the opening is not only a musical overture, but an emotional one, highlighting key emotional moments in the film.

[@ginofactap]

+Adrian Adams I precisely hated that we get to know right from the start if they collide, it took away the suspense from the ending, which is incredibly frightening on its own, but could've been ten times scarier.

[@Battury]

To paraphrase what he said in an interview, he said that because the movie isn't about not knowing if the planets will collide, he didn't want us to be distracted with the question. He wanted us to be able to focus on watching the character's reactions. He wanted there to be dramatic irony, and not suspense. And even still, I found myself succumbing to suspense at the end of the film anyway. Just watching the characters was enough for me, personally.

[@ginofactap]

Adrian Adams since i'm not a sucker for Mr. Lars, I still think it would've been much scarier without the knowing. you would still focus on their reactions, it's not like we're watching this movie waiting for big explosions and nothing else, you can tell from the very beginning this is a drama-driven film, not a popcorn time. I feel like he's treating us kinda like retards or something; 'let's put the big collision at the beginning so they can pay attention to my movie after' lol don't get me wrong, I understand his choice, I just think it wasn't the right one.

[@Battury]

While totally get your opinion, and I understand that I'm probably the minority, but he did go into the making of this film specifically to examine the idea that morose people seem to act much more calmly during times of crisis and catastrophe. And I think he just didn't want to pull away from that aspect of the film. Again though, totally get where you're coming from. The anxiety levels would be through the roof for me if I didn't know how the whole things ended, lol

[@SaraStar7373]

+Adrian Adams I sort of felt like it was also a way for the audience to really focus on the performances because when the man says to Claire it'll be fine and she sort of believes it, we are (or at least I was) totally struck with empathy and it really helped me get in the mood of the movie. I think if we weren't shown it or not, I'd be so focussed on whether it happens or not instead of the emotional consequences which Trier is showcasing.

[@andresbv18]

Matt has to stop saying self indulgent and pretentious for every scene that looks beautiful.

[@andresbv18]

I don't understand why Matt wants to see every movie as an american indie flick with no stylized visual. He can't ask Lars von Trier to make a movie about the end of the world and not have stunning visuals. I think they really do add to the story.

[@Akinto6]

@fiorentina5 There was never a shift in personalities, people who are depressed generally don't care about dying and are more likely to be strong in situations where people who do well in the normal world will break down.

[@NattyBurz]

A certain someone seems to have forgotten that film is a visual art medium and not just a form of storytelling 🙄

[@theadamblock]

this movie made me uncomfortable, nervous, and depressed

[@cun7us]

Ironically that's how the character Claire felt in the second half of the movie.

[@evertonporter7887]

When Worlds Collide for today's generation 😣

[@pseudoaccount2327]

@@cun7us 😂

[@ghostnappa553]

Then the movie did it's job.

[@Nowhy]

@@cun7us hehehe.. Half way there is almost there.

[@65g4]

great performance Kirsten should have gotten an oscar nomination for this

[@warmmilk9890]

THE ENDING IS DAMN BEAUTIFUL

[@addabboo]

This is what movies should be. It made me think, a lot.

[@PureNRG2]

This film is an amazingly accurate emotional portrayal of the subtle and obvious aspects of depression . Only a director who suffers from depression himself could have imagined this masterpiece.

[@kellyp.5063]

Totally agree. And I also add that to really appreciate it, you have to have experienced depression yourself. Only then you recognize the symptoms. Nothing is exaggerated, nothing

[@Corn_Pone_Flicks]

It is, on the other hand, a really inaccurate portrayal of basically anything to do with astronomy, and does that whole annoying "the scientists just don't know what they're talking about, but random internet bloggers know the truth" cliche I'd love to see vanish forever.

[@soclose2her]

Also, in a lot of reviews I’ve heard people saying that people with depression would handle something like the end of the world because they are feel like the world is ending regularly. I don’t all the way agree. I actually think that a person with depression would handle it with grace because finally, there is an end. Relief is what I would feel. Which is why it seems like Justine’s character gets lighter by the end-she’s eating more, bathing, she knows that there not much longer before she’ll be at peace.

[@suesmith3744]

Yes .

[@Necrow_Productions]

It's ironic how this review ended... As it's desperately trying to be under "TEN MINUTES"... Also, these people do NOT understand depression OR Anxiety!

[@jwmulvay1]

I loved this movie. After the likes of the 'Green Lantern' and 'X-Men 1st Class,' it was a friggin godsend.

[@alithejumbo]

I was depressed for around 10 years. Although I'm no more now but I cried my lungs out when I watched it! Kristen is amazing!

[@k.herzog814]

what changed things?

[@alithejumbo]

@@k.herzog814 It just hits in the deep. You probably won't understand if you haven't been suffering from depression.

[@Hypno_BPM]

@@alithejumbothink they were asking what changed for you to no longer be depressed

[@SambalamandEm]

I agree totally with every one of Matt's sentiments. I also felt like I related to Justine in many ways. So much so that it was a little jarring for me to watch. It made me question a lot of things in my own life and made me wonder why I pretend so much. I watched it on Thursday and I honestly can't stop thinking about it. If I watch a movie and I think about it for days afterwards, that to me is a movie I deem good and worth watching.

[@beeztrapp1612]

This movie has stuck with me since I saw it in the theater when it premiered. Stunning, intriguing, and haunting.

[@levischorpioen]

Makes sense then. His films don't follow a standard narrative most of the time and are often divided into chapters (the traditional three-act thing doesn't exist in his world), so you'll have to get used to that when watching a Von Trier film. I'd suggest you watch Antichrist, it's the most "mainstream" film he's done, but still with the Von Trier elements (arthouse-like style, mixing symbolism with gruesome images and beautiful cinematography, unconventional characters, etc.)

[@STVG71]

I don't know about their take on the last scene but as someone suffering from depression, I'm OK with with it because I really just don't care.

[@Oli3TB76]

Depression ain't no joke, thats for sure

[@wratched]

Pretension is very easy to define. If something is simplistic and cliched but believes it is not, then it is pretentious.

[@bustacapinlutha]

I can't wait for the next Lars Von Trier movie. His movies are some of the few that I really get and can identify with. I don't know how he does it. Genius.

[@christinegilbert5082]

Same

[@DrSpike666]

M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold mentioned this film on the commentary for the song 'Planets'. A planet's going to smash into the earth and destroy every achievement the only known intelligent race in the galaxy has ever made. Pretty cool idea for a movie/song.

[@Godthissucksss]

One of my favourite songs from them

[@DHGlee2013]

This movie actually helped me with my depression lmao.

[@kellyp.5063]

? In which sense? Never to skip your medication?

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

The guy who hated the beginning, wow you're wrong. Have y ou ever seen anything like it- No. It was worthy.

[@soclose2her]

I’m in the minority but I agree with Matt. I think the wedding scene ended up being an hour of the 2:15 minute movie and it was about 20-30 minutes too long. I got that Justine was sliding into a deeper depression, but so many other things were included that were (to me) distracting to the plot. Like why did she keep saying that she wanted to talk to her father (and it seemed real urgent), and after several opportunities to chat she just set him up in a room for the night. Was the purpose of her and her mother taking a bath at the same time just to show that neither of them care about what’s happening? If so, I already gathered that 1000 times over by then. Now the second half, that was where I grew to love the movie.

[@danielrovetta1163]

I also thought it’s gonna be pretentious bs, and I so moved and made me so thoughtful, it’s truly amazing piece of art.

[@peztopher7297]

It's 'ee-zole-da', not 'I sold'!

[@kdermaut]

You're giving me a headache with your blabber, guys!

[@missx5472]

Very strange, slow movie. But I kinda liked it. Kristen was great (as well as her sister).

[@latenightlogic]

Inside my all time top 10 films

[@xyzoneon]

People need to admit when they don't get or don't like something instead of calling everything "pretentious".

[@krazykylelapointe2710]

“Just take your fucking meds and get over it” Yeah that’s how depression works lmao

[@suesmith3744]

THIS 😢

[@peztopher7297]

And about depression meds: the best description I've heard is, "When your depressed you want to die, on depression meds you feel dead."

[@thehound1359]

Just saw this for the first time. Dunst was unbelievable.

[@MsKiko2100]

She was depressed because she could see the future.

[@jodykrieger6327]

I finally watched this film. I get what it's about,but it moved way too slow. Would have been better as a short 45-minute film.

[@amandal5545]

Awesome review and round table discussion. I learned so much about the film that other long(er) reviews did not mention.

[@suesmith3744]

Love it or hate it ( I personally love it ) watch it once and you’ll never forget it . The two female leads are brilliant , ably assisted by Kiefer Sutherland who I never expected to see in a Von Trier movie . If you suffer from severe depression I think you’ll ‘ get it ‘ .

[@killbridekill]

all throughout the movie, i kept thinking of Bells for Her by Tori Amos. Images from the movie could be fashioned into a really cool music video

[@TheDunestrider]

Y'all need to learn to stop talking on top of each other. Three people talking at once?!?

[@christinegilbert5082]

Artistic masterpiece!

[@theadamblock]

This review also reminded me that the same music repeated way too often. Became monotonous.

[@lewisfaraday469]

Adam Block the repetition is deliberate, it brings the viewer back to the beginning

[@theadamblock]

@@lewisfaraday469 totally and I’m all for musical motifs but it was driving me nuts, which I assume was intended.

[@mattmcgoo]

I would've liked this movie if it was 45min shorter

[@Johnnewb]

The first five minutes or so are painful to get through. After that, it is great. Be warned...the movie is over two hours long, but feels like three.

[@Seanh2k11]

the opening scene is excellent... what are you talking about?

[@stevef4010]

Seanh2k11 agree..the first 10 min was good....everything after that was a bore.

[@jduff59]

+Johnnewb well worth the time invested watching, but for the casual movie watcher, I wouldn't recommend it. Not to sound like a snob, but this is more for the "artistic film lover.

[@rivinish]

First five minutes is what people's perception of apocalypse might be - glorious, beautiful, like a renaissance painting or a Wagner piece. Von Trier's version of apocalypse is at the end - scary, relentless, pathetic.

[@thePANDEMlC]

First five minutes are some of the best parts, you get beautiful illustrations that all click later and give you this dreamlike art to kinda tie all the themes and feelings you might otherwise miss because they're handled without much explanation.

[@MatthewRayDavila69]

I actually feel like kirsten dunst in this movie right now. I'm sorry, I had to unburden myself somehow

[@Gravitationalist]

I agree with Matt. The opening sequence is so boring. The movie falls apart in the second half. I give it a 5.

[@not.supermario]

This is the one Lars Von Trier film I can watch and get uncomfortable in a normal way. God, watching Antichrist and Nymphomaniac, I couldn't sit through it because it was really sickening. Melancholia felt a lot more real, I can't explain it.

[@whitedragoness23]

I can’t say that antichrist was sickening and a bit concerning at some parts and just felt like it was just about anxiety and the torture a woman’s mind goes through when she is mentally unwell yet her husband/doctor ignores it

[@basquat76]

Funny they mention drive. Von Trier and Refn who made Drive are actually close friends. Both Danish and Refns dad is actually assistant director for Von Trier. They´re from the same self indulgent school of thought

[@HaiLuoYinBL]

@Akinto6 Thank you for your explanation of what it's like to be depressed, but that doesn't change my feelings of the movie at all. I have a very good understanding of depression and I know Von Trier is very depressed which seems to be why he made this movie, but that really doesn't make me appreciate the performances anymore than I previously did. I think it was made for a particular type of person or someone who was already a fan of his and I am neither.

[@sensur1]

I really cant stand people who says "That movie is bad" just because they didnt like it or understood it. Cant people learn to say "I didnt like the movie" instead of "The movie is bad because i didnt like it" - wlkgFØLANGEER

[@brightmal]

I'm already clinically depressed, so I think I'll give this a miss.

[@brightmal]

OK, I might give it a look.

[@Merrida100]

Exactly!! I felt the same way about Antichrist and Nymphomaniac. If you have depression, your take away from his movies are very different. They bring a sense of calm and like "ahhh, someone GETS me, they get it, and yes, this is what it's like, every single day!" So yes, excellent point!

[@SaraStar7373]

+Mark Love I had a crying session half way through the film, almost tears of relief in a way because I was like 'exactly!' I was so hooked on the performances and because I felt that emotional relation to Justine I think I really enjoyed it.

[@cun7us]

I'm glad you guys differed in opinion on this, but have to say I wholeheartedly agree with the guy on the right and had exactly the same thoughts when I saw it. Interestingly, the guy on the left voice annoys me, so I'm wondering if his opinion on the movie to which I disagree is related to his personality?

[@michele8083]

Same why didn't they play father and son? Instead of her husband and boss. Everyone knows they are related, their whole family is famous. I thought the wedding was boring. It went on forever.

[@freelikeyve]

“Just take your fuckin bath and get over it”😂😂

[@TONYEBOLANEWS]

The is about putting you in a frame of mind that you will accept what will happen !

[@nicodimus2222]

@xyzoneon This film has a very simple message that it beats you over the head with. Nobody is "not getting it." Not liking it based on how pretentious it truly is is a valid perspective.

[@xyzoneon]

@ILockItDown I'm not sure what I said of this movie that you're talking about. Either way, nobody said you have to like it or watch it, just like I don't have to with Fast and Furious franchise or another Adam Sandler movie.

[@nhurtbeans]

So while we're on the topic of pretentious art films involving an extraterrestrial planet in close proximity to the Earth, would you chose Melancholia over Another Earth?

[@tejasternisa879]

I Really Liked That Movie.

[@Gregq96]

Tristan and Isolde was used so much because Wagner's writing features a mechanic that never allows the music to settle. Its dissonance continues in perpetuity.

[@RobertMWelsh]

It’s good of you to point that out. Wagner’s timeless music is so captivating, expressive with a continuous longing that contributed greatly to the emotional impact of this film

[@MilesC1993]

In fairness, none of them said that making something "beautiful and different" is pretentious. Matt simply noted that he thought the opening sequence was pretentious.

[@justynjonn]

How come no one talks about the sister and parents speaking with British accents, yet Justine does not. What is the backstory?

[@thehound1359]

They had an English father and American mother and were raised separately.

[@tcullz760]

these critics are sooooo annoying (ear's bleeding)

[@Fnelrbnef]

The movie blew me away. One of the best I've ever seen!

[@allyadelphine]

It was one of those arty movies that don't make a point and nothing really gets explained but look pretty

[@curiositypiqued6573]

The one with the beard and no glasses is bsing... And they talk over each other too much

[@dalecooles]

The finest sci-fi film since Stanley Kubrick directed Space Odessy: 2001.

[@Gvcp117]

jesus could you not speak all at the same time please

[@celinehatting3080]

Oh my God I got so damn sick of that damn music playing over and over and over and over and over like I GET IT

[@LPantelakos]

@canelillard Don't worry it's not a spoiler. They didn't give anything away you don't know in the first ten minutes.

[@bluelipbeaver]

I know that I could pull Justine out of her depression. It would not be easy. But I get it. I understand where she is. Most don't.

[@whitedragoness23]

I believe that’s one of the points that some people have depression so bad they can’t be helped. It’s super rare for extreme depression

[@DavidEVogel]

What I dont understand: During her wedding Kristan, falls into a dangerous mental state. None of her relatives or friends take her to a mental health facility. What gives?

[@shutupandmarmalade]

4:11 that's sign language for pretentious

[@Agnotio]

@HarveyGrass No, you're not crazy. Christy has more intelligence and charm in her little finger than Ana has in her whole body.

[@levischorpioen]

Ah, so you just didn't like it. That doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.

[@tailwip97]

only saw it cos of alex

[@humancondition28]

Not sure if the Tristan und Isolde soundtrack works.

[@xyzoneon]

Sorry, will disregard all reviews. I can't wait to see this. One of my fav directors. Dogville and Antichrist were great.

[@xyzoneon]

Might be easy to define, but it's not easy to prove beyond opinion.

[@codycrawford7842]

I just watched all 3 of the Depression trilogy, they were all good but from worst to best: Melancholia, Antichrist, Nymphomaniac (Director's Cut)

[@Dahgrostabphri]

So what I am getting is that it's a movie for people who don't know anything about movies and music. not saying anything about the reviewers, but things that Matt disliked like the endless Wagner, Christy and Alonso admitted they liked it but didn't know it was Wagner. There was another account of this too. Not sure, I'll problably watch it, but I am not excited about this film (never really was)

[@1luarluar1]

the blonde sister is the planet and Earth is the other sister...the blonde sister wanted to express to everyone what does it means being depressed....I think the movie is an attempt to express depression with galactic tools...

[@helleland]

I hate it when movies ignore the fact that we've known Newtonian physics for centuries, even if it's not primarily a sci fi movie. A planet that has been hiding behind the sun?! come on...

[@TheUnchainedMind]

Beautiful film.

[@jabyalex7868]

Her husband isn't not there he just doesn't understand depression isn't just that simple where you have to always be there as you could sorta tell she was pushing him away a biy

[@sophiemarissa]

I want to see this so badly.

[@getlikemc]

@WalksBehindTheRose that was a highly intelligient response

[@kawaiiblossom3117]

3:40 totally not me 👀. 4:03 I’m very impatient 4:50 same I was like not one of these stupid movies again. 5:16 I kept checking the movie time wondering how long it had been their was lot of unnecessary scenes & I hated so many ppl at the wedding . 5:24 I was just thinking that. It reminded me of me & my sister relationship

[@spacechampi0n]

Which one is the evil twin, Matt or Alonzo? Or are they both evil??

[@bringiton5282]

It's the second time I hear Matt being taken out of the movie he's watching because he's focusing on issues he shoudnl't be focusing on. Alexander and Stellan are related but their acting abilities and their characters made theiir performances and part of the sotry believable.

[@giveadoggyabone1]

I don't get how you don't see she inherited depression from her mother and also how you missed she is clairvoyant that's why she is so depressed she knows how many beans are in the jar, she knew civilization was over. For me, it's one of the best movies I've ever seen , but should have edited out the animal abuse nobody needs to see that.

[@ocky88]

Does the woman get to speak at all? The two guys just shout louder whenever she tries to chime in and they NEVER stopped speaking for her--only for each other.

[@ocky88]

Oh, she got to offer ONE thought at the end about the last scene.

[@theretrosavage]

Typical movie snobs... especially the dude on the left

[@Scardy]

Right, because that's what someone with chronic depression needs... a movie about chronic depression.

[@Ajax-0137]

8/10 for me

[@lamaya43]

"like watching the video for Black Hole Sun" that's exactly what I was thinking

[@BSGA22]

@academicroach I wasn't. I was poking fun at how hollywood feels everything needs to be in 3d these days for no better reason then to just charge more money.

[@Akinto6]

@HimmuraTube Are you saying that Alonso Duralde and Matt Atchity aren't straight, what does sexuality have anything to do with moviepreference?

[@Xbox12469]

Some interesting English subtitles trying to give hidden information.

[@hamrite]

@kwanlifu I appriciate your comment and will go see the film...in France this movie with a black guy taking care of a paralyzed man is breaking records "intouchable" has fostered the same comment: movie of the year.