Review of Melancholia (2011) by Patrick V — 20 Oct 2013

Despite the abstract style, Melancholia has a fairly limited focus. It's thematic material reminds me of Take Shelter, with it's cynical eye pointed towards an emotionally broken human being who's capable of seeing the grim reality that most people would choose to ignore, but it doesn't have a likable character to guide an average viewer through the intended epiphany.

I personally enjoyed the almost subversive nature of the storytelling, but that's really the main problem: Lars Von Trier is preaching to the choir. The only audiences who will enjoy the way the story is told are people who have already come to the conclusion the film is trying to reach.

With that said, the performances are spell-binding, especially when placed against Von Trier's nightmarish style, and its striking presence entirely justifies giving it a watch.