Review of Werckmeister Harmonies (2001) by Jennifer A — 19 Jan 2010
The now fifth Bela Tarr film I've seen has yet again left me amazed and now even mystified by everything that took place over the 145 minute running time. Other filmmakers have captured the spirit of what Tarr has done so well over the years, notably a hero filmmaker and inspiration for me, Gus Van Sant. But even Gus hasn't truly tapped into that sort of edge-of-your-seat real-time suspense that Tarr seems so effortlessly able to do.
With only 39 shots and a simple but fascinating story, Tarr doesn't have time for down times, doesn't allow you room to become bored because everything is on a steady pace forward. His photography is such a way that keeps you interested and always guessing what he'll do next, where he'll cut next.
There's not much left to say because everything you take in honestly feels indescribable. You try to put into words Tarr's directing style, and you're just left in awe and you can't quite find the right thing to say. But you feel it. You Feel it and that's what matters.
This review of Werckmeister Harmonies (2001) was written by Jennifer A on 19 Jan 2010.
Werckmeister Harmonies has generally received very positive reviews.
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