The strangely conceived, metaphorical “Melancholia” combines wedding day jitters with a crucial time when the supposed end-of-the-world is imminent. As depicted by noted Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier (“Antichrist,” “Dogville” & “Dancer in the Dark”), this “thinking person’s” film is a mind-numbing experience of atmospheric gloom, the bride’s bi-polar moodiness and an impending cataclysmic Doomsday. A new planet called Melancholia is on a collision course with our celestial body. A cast of first-rate actors includes Kirsten Dunst’s characterization of the forlorn, downcast newlywed, Justine. Alexander Skarsgard’s (TV’s “True Blood”) Michael is the bridegroom at the elegant mansion of Justine’s anguished sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and her proud, astronomer-brother-in-law John (well played by Kiefer Sutherland). He’s marrying into a dysfunctional family presided over by the sisters’ separated, eccentric parents (a harmless John Hurt and embittered Charlotte Rampling). Justine’s temperament varies, and as she’s in a depressive state of mind, it could be, but not necessarily is, related to atmospheric elements of the solar system and the falling planet.
writer-director von Trier presents a cinematic experience with striking photographic images. The screenplay probes people’s minds which can be in a deteriorating state and how that compares to a seemingly life-threatening, cosmic catastrophe. For all intents and purposes, “Melancholia” is a film to ponder over. (A presentation of the 2011 NYFF at Lincoln Center)