My original thought after reading that Kirsten Dunst has been cast as the female lead in Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier's (Breaking the Waves) latest in his ongoing exercise in patience, rhythm and pace, was that von Trier had finally decided to go commercial. Was I ever wrong.
Being raised, spoiled and eventually exhausted with disappointing big budget American film making I've devoured for decades (comic-book-to-movie film making is the new Shakespeare) my introduction to Trier's world of minimalism was with Dancer in the Dark which featured Icelandic singer, Bjork, in her first leading role as a tortured mother with failing eyesight who is dragged into, what can only be described as, a walk through Dante's Inferno. It was not an easy watch nor is any of von Trier's work. Not because it's bad. Because it's harrowing. His characters are affected by life and they are burdened, put-upon and worn.
Trier's direction is precise and sprawling as his actors are put through their paces. Sometimes sparse dialogue. Chalk outlines as sets. Bare-bones budgets. It allows von Trier complete control of all elements, almost leaving the viewer up to their own ideas of what a set is supposed to look like. Especially when it does not exist. This allows the viewer to focus mainly on the actor and their actions.
Although this is defined as a disaster movie, it does not unfurl with the stereotypical disaster flick hysteria. Instead, it opens with a couple late to their wedding. Everyone already knows disaster is looming with the impending arrival of Melancholia, the recently discovered planet hiding behind the sun that wrests free from its own orbit, hurtling directly towards Earth but it seems the characters are in a dazed denial.
Dunst follows in a long line of actresses who signed on to be directed by von Trier's militant, bootcamp style of directing. Low budget. No frills, yet brilliant. Nicole Kidman, Emily Watson (Oscar nominated for Breaking the Waves), Bjork won Best Actress at the Canne Film Festival for her protrayal of the tortured mother with failing eyesight, then promtly announced that the filmmaking experience so traumatized her, she would never do it again. Sadly.
The film acts as an experiment in unyielding technique, juggling very precise acting technique with moody atmospheric photographing/lighting.
Dunst's character, 'Justine', suffers bouts of depression and for seemingly good reason. Her boss at an ad agency practically bullies her into coming up with a slogan for a new ad campaign. At her wedding! Her mother is a piece of work. Her father, divorced from 'Justine's' mother, is flighty and leaves the constantly stalled wedding even after Justine begs him to stay the night at the lavishly, palatial estate of her sister, Claire (wondering played by Charlotte Gainsbourg) and brother-in-law, John (Kiefer Sutherland) complete with its own 18 hole golf course.
Cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro deserves great credit for his amazing eye, providing such depth within exterior scenes and then capturing every bit of the uncomfortable wedding reception which is lightly sprinkled with von Trier favorite, Udo Kier, providing wonderful comic relief.
The film is a feast for the eyes and worth of every accolade it has slowly began garnering since the beginning of award season around the world. (We'll see if the U.S. is as in love with the film as Europeans seem to be.) Even after von Trier's ill-fated, ill-timed Nazi comment which sprang forth from his morbid sense of humor and was taken quite seriously by Cannes Film Festival big wigs, the film can not be denied. It is an undoubted von Trier masterpiece.
From the beginning to its satisfying denouenment, von Trier delivers as only he can. No pricey special effects. No skyscrapers tumbling into the streets. No screaming crowds running across breaking pavement. It ends the way it began: quietly satisfying with a dramatic chaser.
The elder, legendary actors in the form of John Hurt and Charlotte Rampling provide support in 'Melancholia', assisting the much younger, yet, capable cast who, in turn, respond by giving some of the greatest performances of their careers.
Cast & Credits
Justine...................................... Kirsten Dunst
Claire........................................ Charlotte Gainsbourg
Michael.................................... Alexander Skarsgard
John.......................................... Kiefer Sutherland
Tim........................................... Brady Corbet
Gaby......................................... Charlotte Rampling
Dexter...................................... John Hurt
Jack.......................................... Stellan Skarsgard
Wedding Planner.................... Udo Kier
No comments:
Post a Comment