I'm not sure I like the way mental illness was portrayed in the movie Melancholia. I saw it in Atlanta this weekend. I won't mention the cinematography other than to note that the director knows how to make a pretty picture, though the bouncing, twirling camera angles are a little dated like "flow of consciousness" in literature - Joyce and Faulkner proved it could be done, but there's no reason for anyone to do it again. The major premise of the movie, however, was a major fail.
As an advocate for people suffering with disabilities, primarily in the context of Social Security disability claims, I deal with clients' depression in almost every one of my cases. People who've been out of work for a long time and who are in constant pain almost always suffer from at a situational depression and are at risk of developing major depressive disorder.
In Melancholia, the main character in Part I, Justine, appeared to suffer from bipolar disorder. The movie romaticized or valorized or something-ized her illness, making it appear that the disease gave her aspecial insight into the appropriate way to conduct oneself in the face of the impending end of all life.
If you or a loved one suffer from a serious mental illness, you know that there is nothing redeeming about it. It is not a blessing in any way whatsoever.
If you suffer from a mental illness, please make sure you are getting treatment.
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