Review of Satantango (1994) by Scott R — 21 Nov 2017

A once in a lifetime experience which every self-respecting cinephile should take. From this picture starts my scrupulous research of the work of the great director Bel Tarr. It is a monumental movie, like a depiction of life in miniature with absorbing character study.

Just watch how the camera lingers for a while each time a scene ends as if to let you contemplate a little, a brilliant technique. Striking visuals and memorable scenes abound in this film, like when the conductor enters the bar and starts telling about Irimias or the tango scene when drunken folk dances to the accordion tune.

The film is rich with indelible images and carefully constructed long shots.