Labels: Thrill Jockey
Review by: Captain Fidanza
The Werckmeister Harmonies is (I think) the most complete expression of the world of Hungarian director/maniac Bela Tarr. The film tells the tale of a stuffed whale brought to a small Eastern European town by a mysterious showman and the widespread societal unrest which subsequently develops. It’s weird, strange and completely absorbing for the duration of it’s 145 minutes and if you can get the Special Edition, there’s a fascinating documentary in which such cinematic luminaries as Penelope Keith and Karl Howman give you their opinions on it.
This here release from Thrill Jockey (number 360 no less) is easily as dense and mysterious as Tarr’s film and contains as many if not more narrative left-turns.
Absolutely recommended absolutely.