Mood Disorders in the Movie Melancholia A-Level Coursework

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Melancholia in Film

Melancholia

Depicting Melancholia in Film: Melancholia

The film Melancholia (2011), directed by Lars von Trier, is a science fiction film about the end of the world viewed through the eyes of a melancholic. The melancholic is Justine, who is played by Kirsten Dunst, and the end of the world is caused by the planet Melancholia crashing into earth. One of the more important relationships in the movie is between Justine and her sister Claire. Throughout most of the film, Justine is in the midst of a depressive episode while Claire acts as a caretaker; however, at the very end of the film the roles of invalid and caretaker are reversed as Claire begins to panic and Justine manages both Claire's and Claire's son's fear in the face of imminent death.

Although there is a prologue that casts a sense of foreboding on the initially happy and joyful wedding reception that took place during the first half of the film, any pretense at happiness is quickly discarded as Justine's inner demons begin to interact with her immediate family.

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Justine's depressive episode appears to be triggered by her mother's inability to wish her well during the wedding reception. Her father is emotionally detached from her daughter's life, which may have forced Justine to adopt her mother's cynical world view. Her sister is simultaneously controlling and caring, but her brother in-law lacks an ability to tolerate Justine's illness except in the presence of Claire.

The Film's Portrayal of Depression

At 1 hour and 10 minutes into the film, Claire is trying to talk Justine into getting into a cab so that she can come and be taken care at the resort hotel that Claire and her husband manage. When the cab arrives it is obvious that Justine can barely function. She immediately goes to bed where she seems to remain for days. Getting her to take a bath is a battle that fails and when presented with her favorite meal, is incapable of enjoying it. The director spends a lot of time with the bath scene in order….....

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