The film I love: "Melancholia" by Lars von Trier
Depression depicted on the screen - "Melancholia" by Lars von Trier
There are many reasons for loving this movie. And each is equally important, each in a different case.
The first time, when I watched "Melancholia" was in the state of my own depression and I couldn't find anything beautiful in it back then. There is a rule, which says that when you don't like or cannot accept a particular feature in others, that means you have it in yourself. At least, that is my very own explanation. I didn't like the attitude if the main character or taking care of the main character by their family. It looked so annoying and definitely not helpful. But when I saw it once again and then again... and again, I have found it to be the most beautiful movie I have ever seen. Music, camerawork, montage, colour, the content. Everything. I think, however, that the plot is the main point of falling for this film.
Lars van Trier created a work, which beautifully shows the issues of depression. I am actually very glad that he showed it in such way. When depressed, one doesn't really feel the need to talk about it, preferring keep it to her/himself. But then, what is going on in the head... oh man. Justine, the main character, is getting married. Her wedding was organised by her sister and her husband in their mansion. Though, it is a big time for Justine, for her family, and guests that arrived specially for the celebration, it is still so hard for her to enjoy it. When depressed, there is no chance to enjoy. Anything. At this moment, there is only you and your thoughts, your own projections of images, ways of perception. And they are hard to change, even if everyone around is trying and care about you and your comfort.
In "Melancholia", Trier did some amazing metaphorical work. In parallel, to what is happening in Justine's head, the end of the world , the apocalyptic vision is coming true. I know there are endless interpretations of the meaning, but for me, it has always been the metaphor of the situation of Justine, and the visualisation of her suffering. In the sky she and other characters can see the approaching planet called 'Melancholia',which recently joined the Solar System. The collision with this strange planet would put an end to the existence of the planet Earth. Eventually, Justine finds the magical 'safe place' to prevent her relatives and herself from the dark fate. And probably saving herself from the peak of suffering, as we see her how true smiling at the end of the film. We can see breathtaking pictures, depicting the idea and the classical, matching music in the background. The colours of the movie emphasise the dark times that are approaching, also reflect the mood of Justine.
The movie is, perhaps, the great parable. The parable that tells how the personal, all-consuming, sorrow can change, or nearly change us, and people around us, as well. How still being in a situation, like depression, have the ability to think rationally or to be completely present. Or maybe perfectly hiding it?
Nevertheless, it is mine interpretation of "Melancholia", the movie that means a great deal to me. "Dogville" another amazing movie by Tries, also evoked in me many questions and still some of them seem to be insolvable. I guess that is the point of great artworks. They leave a spectator with myriad questions, which can be answered in many ways. If you haven't seen works of him, I really recommend you to catch up soon. ;)
soundtrack for "Melancholia"
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