DVD: Melancholia (15)

 

Ben Walsh
Thursday 19 January 2012 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

"She dwells with Beauty – Beauty that must die" ("Ode to Melancholy"). John Keats was no slouch with words; Lars von Trier, on the other hand, is terrible and his latest ode to despondency is derailed by its clunky dialogue. But he inspires an unstintingly committed leading lady in Kirsten Dunst, compelling as Justine, the self-destructive bride who seems pleased that a giant planet is going to crash into Earth. Witnessing her poisonous parents (the impressive John Hurt and Charlotte Rampling) during the wedding speeches and you can see why. Melancholia is riddled with longueurs, the plot is absurd – but it's often visually arresting and the end is oddly moving.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in