Melancholia, Lars von Trier's movie

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the film Melancholia by Lars von Trier, focusing on its portrayal of a planet approaching Earth and the associated scientific inaccuracies, as well as the artistic elements of the film. Participants share their reactions to the film's themes, character behavior, and visual presentation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the film's depiction of the approaching planet's gravitational effects on Earth is inconsistent with real physics, suggesting that the movie prioritizes artistic expression over scientific accuracy.
  • Another participant expresses dissatisfaction with the film, citing inconsistencies in the portrayal of the planet's impact timeline and the unrealistic behavior of the characters.
  • Some participants agree that the film focuses more on artistic elements rather than scientific ones, acknowledging the good acting and visuals while also recognizing the scientific inaccuracies as typical of Hollywood productions.
  • A participant appreciates the film as a depiction of depression, suggesting that the scientific inaccuracies could detract from its potential as a disaster film featuring depressed characters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the artistic focus of the film and its scientific inaccuracies, but there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of the character portrayals and the overall impact of these inaccuracies on the viewing experience.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of concern regarding the scientific aspects of the film, with some emphasizing the importance of accuracy in orbital dynamics while others prioritize the artistic interpretation.

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In the Sci-Fi movie Melancholia, strange movie as it were I couldn't help but be drawn by the slowly moving planet as it gets closer to Earth. Unfortunately the new planets gravity should have shown many effects to weather/oceans much more in strength than what the Moon could have sooner. But as always the physics of the movie do not coincide with reality. What do you think for those that have watched this Sci-Fi flick or read the book?
 
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Hi infinite:

I did not like this movie. The premise was OK, but I thought that two things were poorly done.
1. The view of the approaching planet seemed completely inconsistent with what was said about the time to impact.
2. Although I do not remember the details, I do remember my reaction to the behavior of the people. It seemed to me to be over the top strange and unrealistic.

Regards,
Buzz
 
It was done with more of an artistic focus than a scientific one. The acting and visuals were good. I agree with you on the scientific inaccuracies, but that's hollwood for you. The behavior of the characters in the this movie reminded me a little of the 1998 film Last Night.
 
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Rubidium_71 said:
It was done with more of an artistic focus than a scientific one. The acting and visuals were good. I agree with you on the scientific inaccuracies, but that's hollwood for you. The behavior of the characters in the this movie reminded me a little of the 1998 film Last Night.

Agree.. very artistically done and directed. Reminds me of the surrealistic movie 'Upside Down'.
 
Best depiction of depression in film I've ever seen. The inaccuracies bothered me a bit, as I felt it would add to the viewing experience if it could be also taken at face value - as a disaster film that just happens to have depressed people in it. But then again, it did a pretty good job overall, it's just that I'm anal retentive about my orbital dynamics.

Rubidium_71 said:
the 1998 film Last Night.
What a lovely, lovely movie that one.
 

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