Von Trier’s next project confirmed

Following on from his grisly festival favourite AntiChrist (due to open theatrically in Australia November 26), rabblerousing Danish director Lars von Trier’s next project – announced by Variety last week – will be a disaster movie titled Melancholia. Or, more specifically, a “psychological drama-cum-disaster movie,” which sounds much more in line with von Trier’s oeuvre. Currently nothing is known plot-wise bar two essential details: a) the title takes its name from ‘Planet Melancholia,’ an enormous planet that supposedly lingers precariously close to earth, and b) it won’t be an alien invasion flick.

In a statement about the film von Trier gave a bizarre and succinct description of what to expect – “no more happy endings!” – which, coming from the director of extremes downers such as Breaking the Waves, Dancer in the Dark, Dogville and Manderlay, surely meant he was taking the piss. Melancholia’s budget has been allocated around US$7 million, fairly generous for certain kinds of psychological dramas but pittance for a disaster flick. Who knows what that crazy Dane will deliver. The cynic in me suggests it will be like much of his work: glum, mean spirited and pointlessly provocative.