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Melancholia

  • 20112011
  • RR
  • 2h 15m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
180K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,917
179
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Kirsten Dunst in Melancholia (2011)
Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Michael (Alexander Skarsgård) are celebrating their marriage at a sumptuous party in the home of her sister (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and brother-in-law (Kiefer Sutherland). Meanwhile, the planet, Melancholia, is heading towards Earth...
Play trailer2:14
6 Videos
99+ Photos
  • Drama
  • Sci-Fi

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

IMDb RATING
7.1/10
180K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,917
179
  • Director
    • Lars von Trier
  • Writer
    • Lars von Trier
  • Stars
    • Kirsten Dunst
    • Charlotte Gainsbourg
    • Kiefer Sutherland
Top credits
  • Director
    • Lars von Trier
  • Writer
    • Lars von Trier
  • Stars
    • Kirsten Dunst
    • Charlotte Gainsbourg
    • Kiefer Sutherland
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 725User reviews
    • 425Critic reviews
    • 80Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 35 wins & 95 nominations

    Videos6

    U.S. Version
    Trailer 2:14
    U.S. Version
    International Trailer #2
    Trailer 1:13
    International Trailer #2
    Melancholia: International Trailer #1
    Trailer 1:59
    Melancholia: International Trailer #1
    Melancholia
    Clip 1:35
    Melancholia
    "The Earth Is Evil"
    Clip 0:49
    "The Earth Is Evil"
    Kirsten Dunst
    Interview 2:53
    Kirsten Dunst

    Photos118

    Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Alexander Skarsgård in Melancholia (2011)
    Kirsten Dunst in Melancholia (2011)
    Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg in Melancholia (2011)
    Kiefer Sutherland in Melancholia (2011)
    Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Cameron Spurr in Melancholia (2011)
    Kirsten Dunst, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Alexander Skarsgård in Melancholia (2011)
    Kirsten Dunst in Melancholia (2011)
    Kirsten Dunst, Kiefer Sutherland, and Alexander Skarsgård in Melancholia (2011)
    Lars von Trier in Melancholia (2011)
    Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Cameron Spurr in Melancholia (2011)
    Kirsten Dunst in Melancholia (2011)
    Lars von Trier in Melancholia (2011)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Kirsten Dunst
    Kirsten Dunst
    • Justineas Justine
    Charlotte Gainsbourg
    Charlotte Gainsbourg
    • Claireas Claire
    Kiefer Sutherland
    Kiefer Sutherland
    • Johnas John
    Alexander Skarsgård
    Alexander Skarsgård
    • Michaelas Michael
    Brady Corbet
    Brady Corbet
    • Timas Tim
    Cameron Spurr
    • Leoas Leo
    Charlotte Rampling
    Charlotte Rampling
    • Gabyas Gaby
    Jesper Christensen
    Jesper Christensen
    • Little Fatheras Little Father
    John Hurt
    John Hurt
    • Dexteras Dexter
    Stellan Skarsgård
    Stellan Skarsgård
    • Jackas Jack
    Udo Kier
    Udo Kier
    • Wedding Planneras Wedding Planner
    James Cagnard
    • Michael's Fatheras Michael's Father
    Deborah Fronko
    • Michael's Motheras Michael's Mother
    Charlotta Miller
    • Betty 1as Betty 1
    Claire Miller
    • Betty 2as Betty 2
    Gary Whitaker
    • Limo Driveras Limo Driver
    Katrine A. Sahlstrøm
    • Girl with Guitaras Girl with Guitar
    • (as Katrine Acheche Sahlstrøm)
    Christian Geisnæs
    • Wedding Photographeras Wedding Photographer
    • Director
      • Lars von Trier
    • Writer
      • Lars von Trier
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    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. —napierslogs
    • depression
    • end of the world
    • sister sister relationship
    • golf course
    • destruction of planet
    • 118 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • Enjoy it while it lasts
    • Genres
      • Drama
      • Sci-Fi
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • Rated R for some graphic nudity,sexual content and language
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The image of Justine (Kirsten Dunst) floating down the stream with her bouquet was inspired by John Everett Millais' 1852 painting "Ophelia."
    • Goofs
      There is no reason for Melancholia to cause electricity problems on earth. However, its gravitational pull would have caused earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to tidal forces. These would have been globally destructive long before any actual collision.
    • Quotes

      Justine: I smile, and I smile, and I smile.

    • Connections
      Edited from Journey in Classic Era (2021)
    • Soundtracks
      Excerpts from Tristan und Isolde
      Music: Richard Wagner

      Orchestra: The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (as The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra)

      Conductor: Richard Hein

      Recorder: Jan Holzner

      Solo cello: Henrik Dam Thomsen

      Arrangements by Kristian Eidnes Andersen

    User reviews725

    Review
    Top review
    7/10
    Melancholia
    Melancholia is a 2011 film written and directed by the controversial Lars Von Trier and follows two sisters as the end of the world draws near. The film is actually more about the current lives of the two sisters than it is the end of the world; yet the impending doom does heavily influence a series of events. Presently, the film has received mostly positive reviews and was praised for the imagery used throughout the film.

    To truly appreciate all that Melancholia has to offer the film must be analyzed by taking a look at its two separate acts. The feel of the first act is much different than the feel and plot of the second act. The first act is titled "Justine", as it focuses on the character Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and her severe depression on her wedding day. The first act doesn't have much to do with the fact that all life on Earth is going to be wiped out. In fact, it doesn't really focus on the impending planet collision at all; it is simply about Justine as a character and all those around her at the time of the wedding. It is clear the Justine suffers from some type of mental illness but it is not made clear exactly what is wrong with her. She does very odd things throughout her entire wedding day including cheating on her husband. She spends a majority of the time away from her party, hiding out either on the golf course located outside or with her nephew, which seems to be the only things she derives joy from. Justine can be a very annoying character to watch as she seems to want to do nothing but ruin her own party, yet the camera shots of her off on her own either on the golf course or in the backyard are some of the best in the film.

    The second act of the film titled "Claire" focuses mainly on Justine's sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), and the impending impact of the planets. The first act can be slightly more interesting because as a viewer it is not really explained why Justine is doing all of the things she does, a lot of mystery surrounds her character. The second act picks up slightly after the events of the first, but follows Claire this time. She is worried about the collision yet her husband assures her it will miss Earth and they will be able to gaze upon it with their telescope. Throughout the second act Claire must deal with her Justine's depression as well as her own husband and child, all while constantly worrying about the collision. The second half of the film is much more intense than the first, and the editing reflects that, especially towards the climax. The use of shaky shots gives the viewer a sense of uneasiness and uncertainty as to how it will end.

    Perhaps Melancholia's greatest achievement is its cinematography and beautiful sequence of unique shots, most notably in the opening sequence. The first opening sequence takes place entirely in slow- motion, showing many of the main characters, and is one of the highlights of the entire film. The camera work and settings used in this film are really something to talk about. The setting of a mansion is both isolating and elegant, and these two things are reflected within the carefully planned camera work.

    My biggest gripe with the film would definitely be its pacing. It will be really engaging one minute and then slow down to a dead halt the next. However, when the film does have its shining moments, they are extremely memorable.
    helpful•76
    28
    • orchard6
    • Oct 17, 2013

    FAQ1

    • What is the music used for the opening of the film?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 26, 2011 (Denmark)
    • Countries of origin
      • Denmark
      • Sweden
      • France
      • Germany
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Melancolía
    • Filming locations
      • Tjolöholm Castle, Fjärås, Sweden
    • Production companies
      • Zentropa Entertainments
      • Memfis Film
      • Zentropa International Sweden
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $7,400,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $3,030,848
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $257,174
      • Nov 13, 2011
    • Gross worldwide
      • $17,039,814
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 15 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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