Dunst's depression an advantage for her role in "Melancholia"

Danish director Lars Von Trier said that American actress Kristen Dunst, star of Melancholia, had a spell of depression that became an "advantage" in her portrayal of her character in the latest film.

Von Trier's controversial film Melancholia tells about two sisters who deal with the knowledge of another planet crashing into earth and destroying it.

"I think she's one hell of an actress. She is much more nuanced that I thought and she has the advantage of having had a depression of her own. All sensible people have," Von Trier talked about Dunst.

Dunst is joined by 24 star Kiefer Sutherland and Charlotte Gainsbourg, who plays Kirsten's sister.

Melancholia is running for Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

SOURCES: Press Association; Image