Melancholia poster designed by Tomer Hanuka for Mondo. [via]

This Is How the End Begins | New York Times

A must-read: Manhola Dargis breaks down the eight minute overture of Lars von Trier’s polarizing masterpiece, Melancholia, and highlights the themes introduced in the prelude’s 16 shots, which she calls “a palimpsest of literary, artistic and cinematic allusions.”

I was pushed to my limit in Melancholia, but I was willing to go there. For the last shot, with me, Kirsten, and the little boy all together, Lars said, “I want to have a bit of an experiment with you. Every morning I’d like to shoot this scene. Again. You can listen to whatever you want, do whatever you need. I don’t know what I’m looking for, but it’s the end of the world and I want to see an expression of something.” It was terrifying, because at a point, it wasn’t acting anymore. The suffering and the cruelty of the moment was horrible.

Charlotte Gainsbourg describes filming the final scene of Melancholia. Watch the scene here.

Movie Marathon.

You should really watch this interview with Kirsten Dunst and Peter Travers. 

Among the tidbits you learn:

• Kirsten loves the Twilight series. Peter does not.
• Peter is a bit obsessed with vampires. 
• Kirsten and Michael Stipe are neighbors. The take used in the new REM video is where Stipe is singing a capella to her. 
• Kirsten gossips about people sitting next to her.
• Peter wants Lars von Trier to direct a sequel to Bring It On. 
• Peter judges Kirsten for watching Crow 3.
• Kirsten LOVES The Bachelor. 
• After begging for nearly 9 minutes, Peter eventually convinces Kirsten to do a cheer from the original movie.
• Peter does not know how to clap.

This film: Absolutely beautiful. I am entranced.