Review of Werckmeister Harmonies (2001) by Arin D — 30 Aug 2009

OK so it's slow - if you can't accept that then you will hate this film. The long takes are pretty hypnotic though, and even the most mundane activities - like two people walking around town silently - are interesting to look at.

If you sit through these early sequences you will be rewarded with some amazingly complex scenes with angry mobs rioting and the camera dancing alongside to witness the destruction. The film as a whole makes you think a lot about the nature of people and their stupid, destructive ways. Does Bella Tarr seem overly pessimistic with his depiction of the violent mob? Well, based on how people behave when their sports team wins a championship, this movie doesn't miss the mark by much.