Melancholia (2011)

Two sisters find their already strained relationship challenged as a mysterious new planet threatens to collide with Earth.

Director:

Lars von Trier

Writer:

Lars von Trier

Stars:

Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland

35 wins & 95 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kirsten Dunst	...	Justine
Charlotte Gainsbourg	...	Claire
Alexander Skarsgård	...	Michael
Brady Corbet	...	Tim
Cameron Spurr	...	Leo
Charlotte Rampling	...	Gaby
Jesper Christensen	...	Little Father
John Hurt	...	Dexter
Stellan Skarsgård	...	Jack
Udo Kier	...	Wedding Planner
Kiefer Sutherland	...	John
James Cagnard	...	Michael's Father
Deborah Fronko	...	Michael's Mother
Charlotta Miller	...	Betty 1
Claire Miller	...	Betty 2

Storyline

On the night of her wedding, Justine (Kirsten Dunst) 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 (Charlotte Gainsbourg), Justine's sister, is struggling to maintain composure with fear of the impending disaster.

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Plot Keywords:

depression | sister sister relationship | golf course | end of the world | suicide | 

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Taglines:

It will change everything.

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some graphic nudity,sexual content and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

One of two dramatic movies released in 2011 where the appearance of a new planet in Earth's vicinity is of major importance to the characters and plot. The other one is Another Earth (2011).

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Goofs

The planet Melancholia disrupts all electricity in and around the house, including the electrical systems in the cars in the driveway. However, Claire is able to jump in an electric golf cart and drive away with no problem.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Michael: Sir. Eh...
[looking backward]
Michael: Yeah, you're good. You can back up a little more, if you want. I think you need the... I think you need that extra...
Justine: [laughing] I don't think he can hear you.
Michael: Sir. Sir, can you hear me up there?
[fiddling with controls]
Michael: Do you copy, sailor? He's in a different county, I think that's...
Justine: [laughing]

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Connections

Referenced in Everything Wrong with...: Everything Wrong With National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation in Sappy Minutes Or Less (2019)

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Soundtracks

La Bamba
(TRADITIONAL)
(P) ZENTROPA MUIS ApS

User Reviews

A voyage

Yesterday I had the chance to see Melancholia. I was a bit anxious given the mixed reception here (either euphoric or very negative).

It seems the media are talking more about the disaster-press-conference-from-hell Lars gave in Cannes. Which is a shame.

Like always, Lars von Trier does not want to appeal to the general public, but in stead wants to present the viewer something unique and honest.

It was influenced by his own "melancholia", of which he suffered when working on this project.

I, for one saw solid acting and great directing from a person who carefully observes and understands human interaction. For me it works.

This movie is by no means perfect but it was thought provoking, and heart touching and that's exactly what a decent movie should try to achieve.

Thank you for reading my opinion.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

Denmark Sweden France Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 May 2011 (Denmark)

Also Known As:

Melancholia

Filming Locations:

Sweden

Box Office

Budget:

$7,400,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$257,174, 13 November 2011

Gross USA:

$3,030,848

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$17,039,814

Company Credits

Production Co:

Zentropa Entertainments, Memfis Film, Zentropa International Sweden

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min 130 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1