Melancholia

On its premiere at Cannes Film Festival in 2011, Melancholia and its director Lars von Trier were marred by controversy. However, today the film stands as an enduring masterpiece, lauded for its unique exploration of depression. Gorgeous visual references including Alain Resnais’ Last Year at Marienbad and John Millais’ Ophelia highlight the film’s sense of unease and mourning.

The film stars Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog, Marie Antoinette), and Alexander Skarsgård(Infinity Pool, Succession), whose sumptuous wedding party is interrupted by mounting familial tensions, and relationships fraying. As Justine’s sister in law, Claire, (Charlotte Gainsbourg (Antichrist) tries to maintain the party’s celebratory spirit, Justine struggles with her own dark demons. Meanwhile, a planet called Melancholia is heading directly towards Earth…

Winner of the European Film Award for Best Film and the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress (Kirsten Dunst), Melancholia is an opulent film about the end of the world.

**MELANCHOLIA screens as part of Swinburne University’s Movie Moguls program. **