Lars von Trier has spent his career striving to be unconventional, and to push limits. Lately this has made him probably the most controversial director in the world. His recent film Antichrist, an exercise of grotesque masochism, divided audiences and offended many with its graphic scenes of genital mutilation. This year during a Cannes press conference, von Trier came off as somewhat of a Nazi sympathizer (he later apologized and said he would no longer talk to the press).

What can easily become buried in all of this madness is the fact the Dane is an extremely talented filmmaker. With Melancholia, this talent shines through. Here, von Trier is not trying to offend anyone, stir up controversy, or send viewers into a deep depression. Here he is executing his vision beautifully. Read more…