Last we heard, Lars Von Trier’s psychological disaster film, “Melancholia” was slated to start shooting in June, but after a brief rumor that Penelope Cruz was eyeing the lead role, the project is still without a leading lady (it seems she was up for the role, but took “Pirates of The Caribbean 4” instead).
French broadcaster Arte (via CinemaTeaser) are reporting that Charlotte Gainsbourg is set to re-team with Von Trier for the disaster film that apparently, “ends badly (gee, a LVT film with an unhappy ending? You don’t say). Gainsbourg and the production are apparently in discussions which bodes well.
Given Von Trier’s reputation for being ruthless with his lead actresses, we’re guessing his methods must’ve changed for Gainsbourg to be willing to work with the director again. The project is now eyeing a July and August shoot in Sweden.
We’re definitely intrigued by this film which will apparently have sci-fi elements and utilize a small amount of special effects. Naturally, the film was written by Von Trier himself, and as he suffers from depression, this will undoubtedly further explore the corners of his condition (though “Antichrist” already did that to a certain degree as well). Gainsbourg, who won Best Actress at Cannes last year for “Antichrist,” is now familiar with Von Trier’s methods and eccentricities, so it will be interesting to see how their creative relationship develops.