It's a subject adored by the Victorians; A romantic heroine tragically submerged amongst lillies and fronds. Kirsten Dunst makes a perfect pre-raphaelite heroine in Melancholia, Lars von Trier's latest cinematic offering.
Exploring the state of profound depression, Melancholia is eerie, strange and slow-moving. Split into two parts, the film explores the stories of two sisters and their separate reactions to the end of the world. A rogue planet, hidden behind the sun gradually descends throughout and eventually collides with Earth.
Complex and thought-provoking, the film is not easily digested. But there are moments of startling visual excitement and sinister beauty.
Kirsten Dunst's high fashion, nostalgic bridal gown speaks volumes about her character, Justine. A successful, yet 'sad' young woman, the dress reflects her mental state. It's modern, trying hard to be a wedding dress, but somehow it's more complicated than that.
There is a nod to the 1980s with the slightly ironic puffed sleeves (they are later shed from the dress during the reception) And the bodice is so sexy.
Justine is partly the blushing bride, mainly a sad young woman and sometimes a petulant child. The dress helps to convey her contradictive state of happiness and devastation. And it has provided the perfect opportunity for an evocative publicity shot.
-Sarah Diana
*****
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