Saturday was supposed to be the end of the world. A quick look outside my window confirms that we’re still here. In movie terms though the world has ended numerous times, mostly starting in North America, and involving anything from natural disasters to alien invasions (Independence Day, 2012, The Day after Tomorrow).
Lars von Trier’s latest film, showcased at Cannes, tells the story of two sisters (Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg) whose relationship is challenged as a nearby planet threatens to collide into earth. Melancholia is both written and directed by the controversial von Trier.
You can have a look at the trailer here.
Von Trier (Dogville, Anti-Christ, Dancer in the Dark) developed the story whilst undergoing therapy for depression. The therapist mentioned that depressed people act more calmly in response to heavy pressure. In his take of the apocalypse, the world will end (as he’s publicly stated), so he explores the relationship between the two sisters, one of whom (Dunst) suffers from depression, and how they respond to their imminent death.
Reception at Cannes was mixed. However, Dunst received the Best Actress award at the event’s closing ceremony.
Melancholia is expected to be released locally in September 2011.
What would you do if the world was about to end?
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