Rent Werckmeister Harmonies (2000)

Black Tarr Comedy. - Werckmeister Harmonies review by Steve

Bleak, desperate and bizarre tale of the events surrounding the visit to a remote town of a rather dismal circus whose main attraction is a dead whale. Sort of a very black comedy; possibly an allegory on human misery. It's hard to say. But this beautiful looking film takes us to places only Bella Tarr knows.

Haunting - Werckmeister Harmonies review by griggs

Béla Tarr's Werckmeister Harmonies is a haunting exploration of societal chaos and human despair that feels disturbingly relevant in light of the current right-wing demonstrations and riots targeting ethnic minorities and asylum seekers in England.

The film, set in a bleak Hungarian town, depicts the unravelling of social order as fear and violence take hold, mirroring the divisive and inflammatory rhetoric prevalent today. The stark black-and-white cinematography and slow pacing create an atmosphere of oppressive inevitability, heightening the film's impact as it reflects the fragility of our societal structures.

Watching Werckmeister Harmonies now, against the backdrop of the riots, makes the film's depiction of mob mentality and xenophobia even more chilling. The protagonist, János Valuska, symbolizes a desperate attempt to restore harmony, resonating deeply as a poignant reminder of the consequences of division and hatred. Tarr's masterpiece not only challenges us to confront the darkness within our societies but also underscores the urgent need to seek out harmonies to save us from ourselves.

Arty - Werckmeister Harmonies review by JD

This is a black and white Hungarian subtitled film. It is the sort of film that would win awards at an Art House festival. Really not my thing, far too abstract and dull.