Went and saw Melancholia last night. I’ve never been the biggest fan of Lars von Trier, even when he isn’t saying shockingly offensive things, but Melancholia has been getting enough good buzz that it seemed time for me to give him another chance. And it’s not bad. I enjoyed all of the performances and there are several moments that are sublime – Dunst in her sadness, brief expressions that flicker across Gainsbourg’s face, the opening to Wagner’s Tristan & Isolde, the ending. Even if other moments (or most of the wedding) are downright painful to watch.

Melancholia is OK. It didn’t really change my mind either way about van Trier’s filmmaking. However, it is visually striking and there are a few spectacular moments that make theater viewing definitely worth it. Mostly, I loved the opening and the ending and am sort of ambivalent about a lot of the rest.

I find Melancholia interesting though because while it’s a film well worth seeing in the theater, I’m not really sure it’s something I would recommend on DVD. Between gorgeous visual moments and a score that resonates in your gut, it’s a film that’s bigger than the living room experience. The ending is visceral and I can’t imagine it achieving the same effect on a small screen with home speakers.

The last five minutes alone made the $10 worth it for me (although the first ten or so didn’t hurt things either). The last shot, the sound, and then silent black. I mean literally. The entire audience just sat there, not saying a word, until finally music began to play over the credits. And then we all began to whisper to each other “What did you think?” or whatever else it is we ask others when we haven’t quite figured out our own answers yet.

So Melancholia. You don’t have to see it. I probably won’t watch it again. But if you’re going to, try and catch it in the theater. I’m glad I gave it a chance and I think it’s worth the ticket price.

Gotta love the “Ophelia” inspiration