Melancholia 2011

    Two sisters find their already strained relationship challenged as a mysterious new blue planet named Melancholia threatens to collide with Earth?  Justine is an emotionally troubled newlywed, she is given a lavish wedding party by her sister Claire and her brother-in-law John.  A stretch limo taking the bride and groom to the party can't navigate the narrow road.  Claire and her new husband need to walk John's home and they are two hours late.  There are a lot of conflicts because of this lateness and the guests previous history with each other. 
    In the beginning it is difficult to figure out what is going on but it becomes clear later on.  Performances by Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg are excellent and they are not shy about showing their emotions on their faces.  This movie is very different from other films and it has a strong sense of terror.  There are a lot of overwhelming emotions and also depression.  There is also a lot of arguing, yelling and tension.  There is infrequent use of language and characters occasionally drink alcohol at the wedding. 4* (I really liked this movie)

130 min, Drama directed by Lars von Trier with Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Alexander Skarsgard, John Hurt, Charlotte Rampling, Stellan Skarsgard, Jesper Christensen, Cameron Spurr, Brady Corbet, Udo Kier, James Cagnard, Deborah Fronko, Charlotta and Claire Miller.

Note:  Imdb 7.2 out of 10 with 160,921 views, 80% with 200 critics 67% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 3 1/2*, The Guardian 3* out of 5* Peter Bradshaw, RollingStone 3 1/2* Peter Travers, empireonline.com 5* Kim Newman, Common Sense Media Jeffrey M. Anderson, age 17+, 1* positive 1* role models, 2* violence, 5* sex, 4* language, 2* drinking drugs & smoking.

Special Note:  The camera style is shaky and there are quick movements to the sides.  The color tones have a lot of sepia and the music is very dramatic.  These conditions caused me to have motion sickness and I had to go outside of the theater for a short period to recover.  I felt very warm and nauseous, popcorn and perfume became very strong smelling.  I could not figure out what was wrong for a while??  The ticket seller told me that others have left because of this same reaction.  I found that watching from the back and alone was much better.  It was cooler and I could close my eyes when necessary.  I have never had this experience before while watching a film??