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Reviews
Werckmeister harmóniák (2000)
Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Hearts of Men?
"The Shadow knows."
Let me first point out that this modern B&W film is not for everybody. The slowly developing plot is conveyed through a series of lengthy takes. People are often seen standing motionless or performing mundane tasks, such as reading and eating bland meals. Most action scenes are nothing more than various perspectives of people walking, marching or running in silence. And, it is not until halfway through the film before the story actually becomes compelling. Events reach a frightening climax when a mob of angry citizens ransacks a hospital. However, the viewer must come to his/her own understanding of how or why the tragedy occurred.
As for my interpretation, the film represents the Soviet takeover of Hungary during the post WWII era. It insinuates that the Soviets deliberately provoked social unrest so as to provide a justifiable context for a military takeover. Those who naively cooperated with the Soviets became puppets. Others who opposed the Soviets were either killed or ostracized. The big 'fish out of water' represents the elite members of society, who were rendered utterly powerless and useless.
The story centers around János Valuska, who may reflect Béla Tarr's own misplaced youth. Undaunted by the solar eclipse that will soon overshadow the whole community, the artistically inspired János directs and narrates a performance for a motley crew of intoxicated misfits in a local bar. Trustworthy, caring and respectful, János enjoys a modest yet peaceful existence with his close knit, extended family. Uncle György is another idealist, living in the abstract world of his own musical imagination. Unlike his outgoing nephew, however, György is a reclusive reactionary. A respected pianist, György believes that music has somehow been corrupted by his predecessor, Andreas Werckmeister.
A new exhibit has arrived in town, featuring a great whale and a foreign prince. Apparently, this public demonstration has already caused much commotion in neighboring towns, and once again trouble appears to be brewing. Aunt Tünde tries to organize a committee to restore order. György wants nothing to do with this 'media circus', but in order to avoid confronting his wife directly, he reluctantly agrees to be the chairman. János goes to see the whale and eventually realizes that the exhibit is indeed a diabolical threat to the community, but he still does not understand how or why. And, when all the smoke and debris has finally settled, he is left even more clueless than he had been to start.
Under the Skin (2013)
Coming of Age Sci-Fi Style
It's a story about a strange and mysterious young woman who tries to find herself and true love in a world of seemingly pointless and never ending sexual exploitation. At first she is cold, ruthless, and cunning, as she seeks out, allures, traps and finally eliminates naive and hopeless men. But there comes a turning point when she begins to identify with her victims, and the affection she shows towards them seems genuine. As she struggles to understand her own identity, and to find some way to enjoy her bitter and lonely life, she begins to realize that, paradoxically, SHE is the one who is being exploited. Confused, alienated, and in desperate need of compassion, she tries to escape her fate.
The plot does develop rather slowly, and I wouldn't be surprised if many people found it rather dull. Moreover, judging from the special effects, it's clear that this is a low budget film. Nevertheless, the footage can be effective. That is, if you like weird, creepy and completely inexplicable phenomena.
As for Scarlett Johansson, well you'll get a fair look at her in a state of undress, although most of the sex scenes in this story are not like anything I have ever seen in a porn movie. And contrary to what some critics say, I thought Scarlett played her role well. She was supposed to be a frigid and alienated young woman, struggling to understand even who she herself is and what purpose (if any) her life is for, and that's the role she played.
I find it ironic that adolescent males gave it a much higher rating (7.4) than woman aged 30-44 (5.8), when presumably the film makers were hoping to please an older audience. It is almost as if the viewers who are most likely to find the seductress attractive are the ones who liked the film the most. Whereas, woman who are approximately the same age as she, did not seem to identify well with the seductress.
To sum it up, if you tired of watching 'cut & dried' films which leave you nothing to ponder, this one may be worth a look. I was quite found of it, although I didn't like the way it ended. It seems that the film begins as a bizarre mystery and remains one all the way to end. Perhaps it's a metaphor for life.