Lars von Trier to Make a Sci-Fi Disaster Film Called PLANET MELANCHOLIA

Love him or hate him, Lars von Trier is one of the most interesting directors working today.  The director caused some minor controversy this year with “Antichrist”, but at least he takes chances.  Now we have news that von Trier is planning to take on the “sci-fi disaster film” genre with his next film called, “Planet Melancholia”.  I never thought that I would one day see a Lars von Trier end of the world disaster film, but I’m definitely curious.  You can get all of the details when you click on the jump.

THR reports that von Trier will be collaborating with his usual crew to make this $7.4 million English-language film which is currently being described as a “psychological disaster film”.  The psychological aspect isn’t surprising given that it’s von Trier that we’re talking about, but I’m still trying to wrap my mind around what a sci-fi disaster film by the auteur will even look like

As of right now, not much is known about the film.  Von Trier’s business partner, Peter Aalbaek Jensen, promises that the film will be a mix of spectacular, cinematic imagery with Dogme-style handheld camerawork.  He also describes the film as “romantic, in a Lord Byron sort of way.”.  Meanwhile, von Trier’s only comment about the film is “No more happy endings!”, which makes sense if you know the director’s work.

“Planet Melancholia” will begin shooting in Germany and Sweden next summer and is currently aiming for a Cannes 2011 release.