Review of Werckmeister Harmonies (2001) by Walter M — 17 Aug 2009
"Werckmeister Harmonies" is an impressively dark allegory about the dangers of mob rule and the conflict between science and superstition set on a deceptively simple stage with the deliberate pacing symbolizing the slow pace of progress.
At least Janos(Lars Rudolph) has a basic understanding of astronomy which he tries to pass along to his fellow bar patrons by showing them how the solar system functions which used to be heresy.(By the way, it's probably not a good idea to spin somebody who has had a few beers.
) He is excited at a special exhibit of a giant whale coming to town which he says proves god's interest in all things living. Everybody else in the town is angry and/or fearful and a crowd is starting to mass in the market square.
(For those of us that live close to an ocean and have been to the New York Aquarium, this may not seem like such a big deal. But for somebody who has never been that far away from their small landlocked village.
..) His Aunt Tunde(Hanna Schygulla) wants his Uncle Gyorgy(Peter Fitz) to come out of retirement, so he can install law and order.(Janos addresses all the older men of the village as uncle, so who knows if it means anything.
) If he does not, she promises to move back in with him.(Oh no! Not that! Anything but that!).
This review of Werckmeister Harmonies (2001) was written by Walter M on 17 Aug 2009.
Werckmeister Harmonies has generally received very positive reviews.
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