Review of Werckmeister Harmonies (2001) by Anna B — 09 Dec 2010

Compares unfavourably to Satantango in my eyes, although it is a remarkable film. Tarr's insistence on long takes often causes clumsiness in staging, especially in the clumsy and theatrical opening, and the penultimate hospital scene, which is rather silly to watch (lots of actors running to marks and performing repetetive movements while the camera is on them), and makes little sense (the sudden remorse just because they saw some old naked guy really annoyed me, especially considering they'd just been beating up hospital patients).

It does have many beautiful moments though, as I'm sure others have already specified. The final scene is one of the most beautiful and affecting shots I've ever seen, and the marching scene is remarkable.

I do think, though, that Bela's reach exceeded his grasp.